I am unsure what to make of this story, although it was carried by Reuters, which is an otherwise legitimate news agency. This story claims that helicopters in Northern Iraq are dropping leaflets warning people to evacuate. The leaflets claim an invasion by Iran will commence in 48 hours.

I am not sure what to make of this. It would seem strange that Iran would give forewarning of an invasion in this way – since they would essentially be warning their enemies as well. And how would Iran gain access to Northern Iraqi airspace to drop leaflets?

On the other hand, who would have the resources (helicopters) to execute an operation like this? I would not be as concerned if the leaflets surfaced in the streets of Iraq from sources unknown. Propaganda such as this, during times of war, are common place. But, the fact that they were dropped from helicopters implies that it is the work of an organized military intelligence force/state.

There have been stories over the last several days claiming Iran has been shelling Northern Iraq as well. This is concerning.

This is what we know. Jose Padilla was arrested and detained by the US government for several years, without being allowed to see an attorney, and without formal charges. The US government vis-à-vis Donald Rumsfeld publicly accused Padilla of being an ‘enemy combatant,’ while being held without an attorney and with no formal charges, and accused Padilla of planning a dirty-bomb attack against the USA.

Ultimately, no charges were ever filed regarding a dirty bomb attack, and Jose Padilla, who was held for several years and questioned extensively without an attorney being present, and with no formal charges, was brought to trial based upon evidence gathered during the period Padilla was detained and questioned without an attorney being present. This evidence was then considered sufficient to bring alternate charges against Padilla and a formal trial in Florida.

Here is a CNN interview with Padilla’s lawyer:

CNN: What happens in the brig? What goes on in South Carolina when Jose Padilla goes down there? You mention a black hole. Is it that?

Is Karl Rove’s Resignation An Ominous Sign?
By: John Albanese

Knowing what we know about this administration and its apparent total disregard for the rule of law, and the general public’s wishes and sentiments, why did Karl Rove suddenly resign on the eve of this President’s biggest political fight?

Would it not have made more sense for Alberto Gonzalez to resign?

Given this administration’s record of obstinacy over issues of Congressional oversight, and its propensity for ignoring subpoenas, it seems somewhat curious to me that Karl Rove chose to suddenly resign now.

Certainly Rove was at the center of several high-profile investigations and the perception of wrong-doing, but those sorts of problems never seemed to stop this administration before. In fact, if the Valerie Plame scandal taught us anything it taught us that this administration places loyalty above all else.

So why did Karl Rove go?