The CIA Tapes Prosecutor is Neither “Outside” Nor “Special,” Nor “Independent”  —  Initial reports are that the Attorney General appointed an “outside” counsel to oversee the criminal investigation of the CIA tape destruction.  But there's nothing really “outside” about John Durham.

Mukasey: Criminal inquiry begins into CIA tapes  —  CIA said last month it had destroyed recordings of harsh interrogations  —  WASHINGTON - The U.S. Justice Department opened a criminal investigation into the destruction of CIA interrogation videotapes, and Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey …

Stonewalled by the C.I.A.  —  MORE than five years ago, Congress and President Bush created the 9/11 commission.  The goal was to provide the American people with the fullest possible account of the “facts and circumstances relating to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001” — and to offer recommendations to prevent future attacks.

Iowa Caucuses  —  Iowa voters tomorrow night will go to their local precinct caucuses to cast their lot with a presidential candidate.  The winner is hardly guaranteed his party's nomination — in fact, it's possible that neither Iowa winner will come out as the favorite for the nomination …