You know, It's quite frustrating reading the news these days. This AP report leads off with the headline: "Why Won't U.S., Iran Hash Out Differences?". The article itself is actually rather better than many AP reports lately. It quotes a number of experts from all over, and not just the usual suspects. Many point out that it isn't really a matter of won't, it's a matter of can't.
Besides which, Iran's President doesn't want to talk, he wants the US to submit.
Iran | Gaius Friday, 12 May , 2006 | 
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IraqPundit has a unique take on the Brookings report on the status of Iraq. While not in any way disregarding the problems that still exist IraqPundit also mentions this important fact, that so many forget:
To me, these are indications that Iraqis are using their freedom to improve their personal lives and, in the process, to build their country. One of the most infuriating aspects of the Western media's presentation of Iraq is that Iraqis themselves are reduced to being the bleeding, mourning victims of terror; they are bit players in a narrative that is about Bush wrecking the country. The material in the Brookings report not only credits Iraqis with initiative, it restores to them the dignity that the Western media's one-dimensional presentation denies them.
Yes, there is a lot of material in the Brookings compendium that makes for painful reading. But I get the painful part of the Iraq story every time I unfold my paper, or turn on my TV, or subject myself to the online maunderings some "informed" scholar-poseur. I'm glad someone wants to tell the rest of Iraq's complex story.
That "one-dimensional presentation" is something the MSM specializes in. It's important to remember that there is a lot more going on there than just what the press reports. The press is unable or unwilling to tell the whole story.
By the way, do read some of the other posts over there - The takedown of Juan Cole alone is worth the trip.
More coverage today from the New York Times. No real new information from what was reported yesterday, just that the bill will go forward and amendments will be considered. What is interesting is in the various quotes taken from various Senators. They all mention border security. Now whether that ends up meaning anything in the long run remains to be seen. Maybe those of us who have kept up the pressure are having an effect.
Even if the Senate passes the bill, the two bills will need to be reconciled. I am still not going to be happy with a program that effectively rewards people who came here illegally with a preferred status. In other words, they should not have a better place in the queue to citizenship than those who have done it the right way. I'd also expect a massive, real crackdown on people who hire illegals or we will just be in for more.
UPDATE: Thanks to Right Voices for linking.
Rantings of a Sandmonkey has some thorough coverage of the demonstrations that occurred in Egypt yesterday. It's not at all encouraging right now. The reports of the security forces going after reporters is paticularly alarming.
