LA Times Publishes Iran Propaganda Claim, Ignores Fauxtography  —  The Los Angeles Times gives credence to Iran's bogus claim that the US is behind two recent attacks in Iran: Iran alleges U.S. link to militant attack. … They include this picture, a screen capture from Iranian TV:

66 die in India-Pakistan train attack  —  DEWANA, India - A pair of explosions on a train headed for Pakistan set off a fire that killed at least 66 people, some of whom became trapped when a train door was fused shut by the heat of the flames.  Officials said the attack was aimed at disrupting improving relations between the rivals.

Bush compares Revolutionary, terror wars  —  MOUNT VERNON, Va. - President Bush honored the 275th birthday of the nation's first president on Monday, likening George Washington's long struggle that gave birth to a nation to the war on global terrorism.  —  "Today, we're fighting a new war …

It could happen here  —  Can it happen here?  Is it happening here already?  That depends, as a recent president might have said, on what the meaning of "it" is.  —  To Sinclair Lewis, who sardonically titled his 1935 dystopian novel "It Can't Happen Here," "it" plainly meant an American version …

For Gods and Country  —  The Army Chaplain Who Wanted to Switch to Wicca?  Transfer Denied.  —  SCHERTZ, Tex.  —  The night wind pushes Don Larsen's green robe against his lanky frame.  A circle of torches lights his face.  —  "The old gods are standing near!" calls a retired Army intelligence officer.

HEAVENLY DEAL  —  SIRIUS, XM SET TO CONFIRM MERGER PLAN TODAY  —  Satellite radio operators Sirius and XM are expected to announce their long-awaited merger today, according to a source familiar with the deal.  —  The two sides were locked in negotiations over the weekend trying to hammer …

Lawmaker Tries To Ban Naked Lady Mudflaps  —  State House Refuses To Restrict Splash Guard Images  —  PHOENIX — It's still going to be legal in Arizona for trucks to have splash guards with racist terms and silhouettes of naked women.  —  The state House on Thursday rejected …

Russia delays Iran atom plant work as tensions rise  —  MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia will delay the building of Iran's first nuclear power plant as Tehran is behind with payments, a Russian atomic industry source said, as pressure grew on Tehran to curb its disputed nuclear activity.

Almost Everyone Lies, Often Seeing It as a Kindness  —  The perjury trial of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby goes to the jury this week.  The case speaks to several issues — how the Bush administration deals with critics of the war in Iraq, and the games that Washington's reporters and politicians play with each other.

Organic farming 'no better for the environment'  —  Organic food may be no better for the environment than conventional produce and in some cases is contributing more to global warming than intensive agriculture, according to a government report.  —  The first comprehensive study …

McCain: Iraq War Mismanaged for Years  —  BLUFFTON, S.C. (AP) — Republican presidential candidate John McCain said Monday the war in Iraq has been mismanaged for years and former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld will be remembered as one of the worst in history.

Romney joined NRA in August  —  Was advocate of gun control  —  Presidential candidate Mitt Romney was a former advocate of gun control.  —  Mitt Romney, who has touted his support of gun owners since launching his presidential campaign, yesterday acknowledged he did not become a member …

Iraqi Sunni Lands Show New Oil and Gas Promise  —  In a remote patch of the Anbar desert just 20 miles from the Syrian border, a single blue pillar of flanges and valves sits atop an enormous deposit of oil and natural gas that would be routine in this petroleum-rich country except for one fact: this is Sunni territory.

George Bush is exactly who you think he is  —  A few months ago a book called Ariel Sharon: An Intimate Portrait came out.  It's by the late Uri Dan, who was Sharon's longtime confidant/bootlicker.  It sounds like it's worth skimming, at least for these two parts:  —  From a new review in Ha'aretz:

My Conversation With McCain Recall Organizer Leonard Clark  —  I have spoken twice with anti-Iraq War veteran and in my humble opinion, hero, Leonard Clark.  First we rapped on the phone, and then through email.  I wrote up a piece last night about how we need more Leonard Clarks on our side.