A New Hope
Speaking of universal democracy...a dispatch from Iran. A politician commenting on the pro-democracy protests:

"I would not be surprised if we see more of such protests in the future because the ground is ready," one parliamentarian who declined to be named told Reuters. "Our society now is like a room full of gas ready to ignite with a small spark."

Wow. A couple of points. Iran has been stating publicly that they will use a nuke against Israel no matter what the consequences are. Insane? Quite. If you are a moderate Iranian, a thinking human and someone who has just watched your neighbour go free with minimal loss of life, you may see your chance to change the direction of history. Right now, Iran is on a one way collision course with the west with its public announcement of its advanced nuclear program. The reformers are stepping up to save there country. here's hoping they succeed.

Just as important...The protesters are appealing to Colin Powell, the oh-so-accomadating Mr. Powell who has the look of "hey, you know me. I just can't vouch for everybody else in this crazy administration". Iranians, apparently, are far more pro-american then their media will let on, and its showing. But only sustained, sincere and massive protests will go anywhere. This is the first big protest in a while. Where were they during Gulf War 2? A missed opportunity for sure.

HAMAS es loco
I'm really not sure about this attack on the good doctor Aziz Rantisi. The already shaky negotiations are about to begin, both Abbas and Sharon are trying to get things going, making concessions etc, and then this. Not that I condemn taking out such a lowlife. Is it possible that Abbas has asked Sharon to do this to pre-emptively (there's that word!) attack Hamas in preparation for a civil war? Is that possible or necessary? On the surface it is surely retribution for pulling out of talks with Abbas, but whos' retribution is it? Abbas' or Sharons'? I don't think Abbas has condemned the attack yet....there are too many armed factions now, and some are desperate now that funding and resources have been cut off....if Iran falls and Syria gets squeezed a little more, Hizbollah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad may have trouble finding support.....That is way down the line, however.