Today’s edition of quick hits.
* Devastation in Algiers: “Death and destruction revisited the Algerian capital of Algiers Tuesday morning when a pair of powerful car bombs exploded, and claimed what early estimates placed as 62 lives. Though no claims of responsibility have been made, security experts say there’s little doubt the attack was the work of al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), a group that formed an alliance with Osama bin Laden’s global jihad in 2006. Officials say Tuesday’s spectacular strike increases the risk that AQIM is ramping up its violent struggle to bring down the Algerian government. And as the fourth big hit by AQIM in less than a year, the incident highlights the group’s increasing organizational skills and establishes it as the greatest potential terror threat to continental Europe as well.”
* In what I can only assume is an attempt at humor, Bush will appoint conservative commentator James Glassman to serve as Karen Hughes’ replacement in the State Department office devoted to improving the nation’s image abroad. That would be this James Glassman.
* In Iraq, policewomen have been ordered by the Maliki government to turn in their firearms — so they can be given to policemen. If they refuse, their pay will be withheld. “Critics say the move is the latest sign of the religious and cultural conservatism that has taken hold in Iraq since Saddam Hussein’s ouster ushered in a government dominated by Shiite Muslims. Now, that tendency is hampering efforts to bring stability to Iraq by driving women from the force, said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. David Phillips, who has led the effort to recruit female officers.”
* In related news, Iraqis are killing women in Basra for not wearing the appropriate attire: “Religious vigilantes have killed at least 40 women this year in the southern Iraqi city of Basra because of how they dressed, their mutilated bodies found with notes warning against ‘violating Islamic teachings,’ the police chief said Sunday. Maj. Gen. Jalil Khalaf blamed sectarian groups that he said were trying to impose a strict interpretation of Islam. They dispatch patrols of motorbikes or unlicensed cars with tinted windows to accost women not wearing traditional dress and head scarves, he added.”
* Remember that weird religious group in Miami that the White House said wanted to blow up the Sears Tower? The members are on trial, but the jury is reportedly deadlocked.
* Is the CIA leadership reliable when it comes to interrogations? Not so much.
* Last week, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ken.) took a rather dismissive attitude towards U.S. casualties in Iraq. Political reporters didn’t care, but apparently some of his constituents did.
* Note to David Brooks: we are not in a post-war period.
* House Dems are working on a bill to alter bankruptcy laws to help shield homeowners from foreclosure. Today, Republican Rep. Steve Chabot of Ohio signed onto the Democratic measure, which should help the bill’s progress.
* The Pentagon refused to allow Col. Morris Davis, the former chief prosecutor at Guantanamo Bay, to testify today befor the the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Defense Department was willing, however, to let Davis do an interview with Canadian journalists.
* Spencer Ackerman and Paul Kiel did a nice job putting together a timeline of the CIA torture-tape controversy.
* Fred Thompson, meet my friend Cliff Schecter.
* If Rachel Maddow got her own show on MSNBC, I might have to actually watch television news for a change. She reportedly taped a pilot recently.
* Note to policy makers everywhere: do not turn to The View for intelligent discussion of tax policy.
* When Hillary Clinton laughs on a Sunday-morning talk show, it’s part of a “calculated” strategy. When Rudy Giuliani laughs on a Sunday-morning talk show, it’s evidence of his “good-natured” personality. Good to know.
* And, on related note, meet Rudy Giggliani!
Anything to add? Consider this an end-of-the-day open thread.