News Nuggets 154

An amazing image of rampant housing development in Dubai

North Korea Plans Kim Succession, US Believes from the Wall Street Journal

This could be important.

"The Barack Obama administration has concluded that North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, still recovering from an August stroke, has initiated a political transition inside his reclusive state in which his brother-in-law and third son are emerging as key players in a newly assertive power structure."

They May Not Want the Bomb (Fareed Zakaria) from Newsweek

I have long viewed with suspicion what passes for informed commentary concerning Iran.

"Everything you know about Iran is wrong, or at least more complicated than you think. Take the bomb. "

How Obama Set the Tone for a Quiet Revolution in Gay Rights from the Guardian [of London]

Too quiet for Frank Rich.  He takes the completely opposite view in today's column.

"With two lesbians shortlisted for America's supreme court and more than 30 gay men and lesbians appointed to senior posts by the president, the US is witnessing an unprecedented cultural change that is reshaping politics, media, and popular culture."

The Real Path to Security from the Editorial Board of the New York Times

"We listened to President Obama’s speech on terrorism and detention policy with relief and optimism.  For seven years, President George W. Bush tried to frighten the American public — and successfully cowed Congress — with bullying and disinformation. On Thursday, President Obama told the truth. It was a moment of political courage that will make this country safer."

Obama's Balance of Security and Liberty from the Editorial Board of the Financial Times [of London]

"Often it is good to be assailed by both left and right, and this is such a case. Mr Obama is correct to say that a balance must be struck between national security and civil liberty. His critics are blind to this trade-off."

On Torture: This Shouldn't Need to be Said from Daily Kos

An examination and summary of NPR's interview with a former Abu Ghraib interrogator.  The audio interview is HERE and the analysis is HERE.

From the interview: "She was sent to Iraq and asked to use these harsh techniques in the interrogation booth in Tal Afar. She refused, twice. She was ultimately taken off of her post. She... she killed herself rather than use these techniques."

When it all comes out, apologists for what happened will have a lot to answer for.

The 'Catastrophe' of the American Republican Party from Die Zeit [of Germany in English]

"This debacle of the American political right is mainly because it acts as though the past eight years of Bush, with its catastrophic mistakes and miscalculations, never occurred. … Of course, someday the Republicans will get back on their feet. Eventually, Cheney & Co. will disappear and newer, better people will emerge. But someday is not today - and it is now that Obama and America are in urgent need of an intelligent, quick-witted opposition."

You know things are bad for your party when the foreign press begins to notice.

Candidate Lockout from the Editorial Board of Florida Today of Brevard County, FL

Possible preview of things to come for Charlie Crist

"The national GOP's decision to back Crist could cause blow-back.  Many Republicans dislike Crist's moderate policies and may flock to Rubio, who is billing himself as the true conservative."

Michelle Paints Herself as the Queen of Arts from the Times [of London]

Very interesting observations here on Michelle's emerging role.

"The US first lady is carving out a role as an unofficial culture secretary just months after her husband took office."

MEMORIAL DAY NUGGET!

They Died for You (Rick Atkinson, a big-time WWII historian) from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The article's title doesn't relate much to the content -- the following line captures the essence.

"10 things Americans should know about World War II."

FOOD/CULTURE NUGGET!

An All-American Sauce from the New York Times

"It is only natural that Americans would be so prolific at reinterpreting everybody else’s cuisine."

AS-PREDICTED NUGGET!

Break Tradition Next Memorial Day, Mr. President from Daily Kos

As predicted Obama did NOT break this tradition -- described in yesterday's Kirk Savage editorial.