New York Times Article on the latest situation in Basra. Gives British Army credit as well as Iraqi Army and Police.

Washington Post piece demonstrating increasing convergence between terrorist tactics and organised crime. This is a classic hearts and minds campaign. But is it in response to the use of military tactics against drug cartels? Is it another classic case of creating a new problem by trying to solve the old one with the wrong methods?

Lurid story, alleging that girl’s former classmates effectively blew up house and killed next door neighbour. Doesnt seem to be on any other media website yet. Also suggests that they might have learnt how to make a bomb on the internet. Hmmmm, so far it sounds like the Murdoch press exaggerating. Let’s wait a little … POLICE HUNT GIRL GANG WHO POURED LIQUID THROUGH LETTERBOX OF LONDON BLAST HOUSE

Your blogger is just back from the Middle East, where he was surprised by the prevelance of 9/11 conspiracy theories, and a general lack of belief that 9/11 happened as reported. Here’s a Time article from September 2006 on the subject. It concentrates on US conspiracists rather than conspiracists from the Arab world. This is … WHY THE 9/11 CONSPIRACY THEORIES WONT GO AWAY

The problem is that Likud would win any election called now, as the article says. Allegations against Olmert have surfaced again and again. Is it a “Bill Clinton” case, where opponents just want to get him out to get themselves in, or is there a real issue? Impossible to tell from where I’m sitting.

More on Garmser. Brief mention of Baluch drug smugglers as part of the fighters involved.

Second brother found in secret compartment of a lorry.

A reasonable review of Misha Glenny’s book “McMafia” and Clare Longrigg’s “Boss of Bosses”.I’m still reading Glenny’s book, so maybe he uses the Romanian spelling of Transdnester. Who knows?

Another potential Asian businessman kidnap. This time a complex plan, financed by someone not in court and involving Patrick “Dutchy” Holland, a former associate of the INLA. Murky post-paramilitary world and article mentions Dublin crime gangs and the Irish police response to Guerin’s murder.

Family appeal for other victims of the crime to come forward and give the police information. Suspected that the UK Asian community has suffered this crime several times.