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An Apology to Detainees' Attorneys  —  During a radio interview last week, I brought up the topic of pro bono work and habeas corpus representation of detainees in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  Regrettably, my comments left the impression that I question the integrity of those engaged in the zealous defense of detainees in Guantanamo.

The big question about Barack Obama  —  CHICAGO — Two years in the U.S. Senate.  Seven years in the Illinois Senate.  One loss in a primary election for the U.S. House of Representatives.  One stirring keynote address at a Democratic National Convention.  Two best-selling books.

Anti-Buildup Measure to Have Bipartisan Stamp  —  Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, an outspoken Republican critic of the administration's Iraq policy, will join two leading Democrats in introducing a resolution opposing President Bush's buildup of troops in Iraq, putting a bipartisan stamp …

As Trial Begins, Cheney's Ex-Aide Is Still a Puzzle  —  Paradox seems to define I. Lewis Libby Jr., who remains a bit mysterious even to close colleagues.  He is the White House policy enforcer who also wrote a literary novel; a buttoned-down Washington lawyer who likes knocking back tequila shots …

Insurgencies Rarely Win - And Iraq Won't Be Any Different (Maybe)  —  Vietnam taught many Americans the wrong lesson: that determined guerrilla fighters are invincible.  But history shows that insurgents rarely win, and Iraq should be no different.  Now that it finally has a winning strategy …

Frist looking at governor run in 2010  —  Former Majority Leader Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) is seriously considering a gubernatorial run in Tennessee in 2010, possibly setting up a White House bid further down the road.  —  Sources in Washington and Tennessee say Frist, who will turn 55 next month …

President Bush Defends Decision to Send Additional Troops to Iraq  —  JIM LEHRER: Mr. President, welcome.  —  PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH: Thank you, sir.  —  MR. LEHRER: How do you feel about the way the Iraqi government handled the hangings of Saddam Hussein, and now more recently, two of his top aides?

Iraqi Death Toll Exceeded 34,000 in 2006, U.N. Says  —  The United Nations reported Tuesday that more than 34,000 Iraqis were killed in violence last year, a figure that represents the first comprehensive annual count of civilian deaths and a vivid measure of the failure of the Iraqi government and American military to provide security.

Misc Commentary For Jan 17, 2007  — According to Dick Morris, none of the top tier Republican contenders for the nomination in 2008 are going to make it to the finish line: … Could Morris be right, yes.  Would I like for Morris be right?  Yes, because the guy who would make it out of that 2nd tier …

Lawmakers' Lobbying Spouses Avoid Hill Reforms  —  When Sen. Byron L. Dorgan (D-N.D.) rose to the Senate floor last summer and passionately argued for keeping the federal estate tax, he left one person with an interest in retaining the tax unmentioned.  —  The multibillion-dollar life-insurance industry …

Iran shoots down U.S. spy drone amid growing military pressure  —  TEHRAN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) — Iranian troops have shot down a U.S. pilotless spy plane recently, an Iranian lawmaker announced on Tuesday as the Islamic Republic was facing increasing military pressure from its arch rival — the United States.

What $1.2 Trillion Can Buy  —  The human mind isn't very well equipped to make sense of a figure like $1.2 trillion.  We don't deal with a trillion of anything in our daily lives, and so when we come across such a big number, it is hard to distinguish it from any other big number.

Justice Dept. Names New Prosecutors, Forcing Some Out  —  The Justice Department is removing several United States attorneys from their jobs, among them Carol C. Lam, the top federal prosecutor in San Diego, who led the corruption prosecution of former Representative Randy Cunningham.