Posted by
Curt Day on Friday, June 20, 2008 10:15:21 PM
BEST
There were not too many candidates for the best news of the week this week. The EU is considering dropping sanctions against Cuba, our contractors might lose their immunity to prosecution in Iraq, and a hearing of the Senate Armed Forces Committee heard testimony regarding the Bush's Administration's role in formulating our country's torture policies--the hope for accountability lies in these hearings.
But the best news of the week is the ceasefire that started between Israel and Hamas. The ceasefire not only includes a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, it also includes an easing of Israel's blockade of Gaza. This ceasefire agreement was brokered by Egypt. Though ceasefires there have failed before as have summit meetings, peace cannot come without them. In addition, the ceasefire provides a respite for both sides from violence.
WORST
Candidates for the worst news of the week include: western oil companies' negotiations for no-bid oil contracts with Iraq's Oil Minister, Israel's rehearsing air strikes against Iran, the House's approval of a 162 Billion dollar war funding bill, Congress's writing of a bill that gives telecom companies immunity for the possible breaking of laws while conducting surveillance for the Bush Administration, and Wall Street speaking against possible regulation for oil speculators.
But the worst news of the week is the flooding that is taking place around the world. Millions have been forced to flee their homes in India and China and now we see flooding destroying homes and crops in the US. Especially hard hit is the state of Iowa. Our gov't will certainly offer promises of help to its citizens who are affected. But one has to ask how much more help could our gov't provide for flood victims if there was no War on Iraq that is financed by other countries.