Today’s edition of quick hits.
* War breaks out between Russia and Georgia: “Russian and Georgian military forces clashed in the separatist province of South Ossetia on Friday, with Russian tanks and troops pushing in after a Georgian assault on the disputed area. Russia, which has peacekeeping troops in the area, said it was coming to the defense of its citizens, who it says were threatened by Georgian aircraft, tanks and artillery. Georgia’s president, meanwhile, said the two countries were at war, and he called on the United States to back up its support of a nation that is vying to become a member of NATO.”
* For more on developments in Russia, They Gave Us A Republic and James Joyner offer some solid coverage of today’s events.
* The political angle to the conflict: “The situation on the Russia-Georgia border today is a undoubtedly a complicated situation. But it would be difficult for John McCain to give a credible response since his top foreign policy advisor, Randy Scheunemann, was until recently a paid lobbyist for the Georgian government.”
* Sadr is offering a deal: “Anti-American Iraqi Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr would dissolve his Mehdi Army militia if the United States started withdrawing troops according to a set timetable, a spokesman said…. Sadr’s decision to link disarming his militia to a U.S. withdrawal comes at a crucial point in talks between Baghdad and Washington over a security pact to provide a legal basis for U.S. troops in Iraq when a U.N. mandate expires at the end of the year.”
* Also in Iraq: “A car bomb in the northern town of Tal Afar killed 21 people and wounded 72, police said, an attack that demonstrated the potential for violence that persists in a country that has become far more peaceful over the past year. Police said the bomb struck a crowded vegetable market.”
* An attack on Iran “could backfire by strengthening Tehran’s resolve to acquire the bomb.”
* John Boehner managed to tear himself off the golf course. What a trooper.
* All manner of interesting: “The Justice Department investigation into the firings of nine U.S. attorneys has been extended to encompass allegations that senior White House officials played a role in providing false and misleading information to Congress, according to numerous sources involved in the inquiry. The widened scope raises the possibility that investigators will pursue criminal charges against some administration officials, and recommend appointment of a special prosecutor if there is evidence of criminal misconduct.”
* I think the book is true: “Ron Suskind’s bombshell report — that the CIA essentially forged a letter in late 2003 linking Saddam Hussein to 9/11 and nuclear weapons — has been getting knocked around all week. And so far, it’s holding up well under scrutiny.”
* Facts and reality notwithstanding, Stephen Johnson, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, refuses to resign.
* Will Farrell vs. John McCain.
* Conservative pundits follow instructions and stick to the Republican Party script, parts I, II, III, and IV.
* As it turns out, yes, things can get worse for Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who now faces a new set of felony charges.
* Gingrich is hopelessly confused.
* Fox News confuses the Iranian and the Iraqi flags. The network is unique in its ability to screw up both big and little things.
* And finally, the Spin of the Week, by way of senior International Olympic Committee official Arne Ljungqvist, who said the deadly air pollution in Beijing is “mist,” not a “major risk” and blamed the media for hyping the non-problem. Yes, “mist.” Riiiiiight.
Anything to add? Consider this an end-of-the-day open thread.