Morning copy 8/5/2005

Bob Novak

Why not?

Some gloating from the Chicago Tribune, LINK, about Bob Novak's unceremonious departure (at least for now) from CNN. Excerpt:

Novak may have been concerned about Ed Henry's plan to ask him about the CIA leak case, set in motion by one of his syndicated columns. But he responded to ribbing from fellow commentator James Carville with an eight-letter barnyard epithet and walked off the live mid-afternoon program before Henry could get to that subject.

A slightly more formal reporting from the Washington Post LINK.

The exchange:

"Let me just finish, James, please," Novak continued. "I know you hate to hear me, but you have to."

Carville, addressing the camera, said: "He's got to show these right wingers that he's got a backbone, you know. It's why the Wall Street Journal editorial page is watching you. Show 'em that you're tough."

"Well, I think that's bull---- and I hate that," Novak replied. "Just let it go."

As moderator Henry stepped in to ask Carville a question, Novak walked off the set.

Iraq

Now, for the important news.

We're staying, says Bush USA Today LINK.

More than a thousand US and Iraqi troops begin an offensive operation in the area that saw the deaths of 21 Marines this week. NY Times LINK.

Infiltration by and cooperation with insurgents places Iraqi national security forces into question, ABC News Story LINK.

Iraqi security in the LA Times, and a delay in that constitution conference in the Mid East Times. Ten days till that constitution is supposed to be finished.

About that constitution, in the Washington Times:

Iraqi women took their fight for equal rights to American lawmakers yesterday, urging them to use their influence to see that women's rights are protected in the new constitution.

With just 10 days until delegates in Baghdad present the final draft of Iraq's basic law, it is still not clear how large a role will be given to Islamic Shariah law, which traditionally subordinates women to men.

"The [American] men and women, the brave people who went there to free [Iraqis] from Saddam [Hussein], they didn't free them to put them under another dictatorship; that is very clear to all of us," said Basma Fakri, president of the Women's Alliance for a Democratic Iraq.

Bill Murray

This is a weird, late morning copy... so sorry. BUT, Bill Murray is great and his new movie, "Broken Flowers" is getting great reviews. NY Times REVIEW. Excerpt (esoteric):

Does he find what he was looking for? I can't really say, and only partly because I don't want to spoil the movie. Winston's belief that the truth can be known - about other people, about oneself - is an idea the movie respects but does not really endorse. We go to the theater expecting to see experience tied up in a neat, attractive package, but the best movies, the ones that insert themselves into our own experiences and ways of looking at life, frustrate that expectation.

Plus, Bill Murray was a great Polonious in an otherwise stupid version (modern version) of Hamlet.

Iran

Broad (civilian nuclear) deal for Iran, prepped by Europeans. International Herald Tribune LINK.

Niger crisis

Not much of a surprise, Niger approaching crisis point. LA Times LINK.

Bush is still on his "working" vacation.

Roberts

Conservative Golden Boy has a heart, and everyone is "caught off guard". LA Times LINK.

What is not on CNN today

An Israeli deserter killed 4 Israeli Arabs and no coverage on CNN this morning. Al Jazeera LINK.

London

Blair announces tough anti-hate stance. Reuters LINK.

Blair's statement on Times Online (London Times). LINK.

Al Qaeda hails 7/7, but does not claim explicit authorship. Hmm. Times LINK.

Housing Bubble

And the effect on stock valuations. (I need to get this posted!!!! So slow today. /digression.) Forbes.com LINK.