The Common Ills: Nouri plans to ask for drones

November 1st, US President Barack Obama is scheduled to host Nouri al-Maliki, Iraq's thug and Prime Minister, at the White House. Peg Mackey (Reuters) reports Nouri plans to insist upon the US government supplying him with drones.

Mackey and Reuters are real good at superficial in the 'report.' They play the 'bad' Sunni card. They just don't note how Nouri responds to freedom of speech and how he uses US military hardware.

April 23rd was the massacre of a sit-in in Hawija which resulted from Nouri's federal forces storming in. Alsumaria noted Kirkuk's Department of Health (Hawija is in Kirkuk) announced 50 activists have died and 110 were injured in the assault. AFP reported the death toll eventually (as some wounded died) rose to 53 dead. UNICEF noted that the dead included 8 children (twelve more were injured).

He is now arming militias. Guess what, Reuters?

Not only is that news, that's supposed to kill all US aid to Iraq.

Next time you want to provide context, try providing the law.

This is a shameless attempt by Reuters to whore for Nouri.

National Iraqi News Agency reports 1 police officer was shot dead in Ramadi, am armed attack in Heet left two school guards wounded, a roadside bombing "south of Baquba" claimed the lives of 1 man and 1 woman, and six Almohandiseen bombings left five people injured. AFP notes 7 dead and eight injured in the Alohandiseen bombing. Sameer N. Yacoub (AP) adds a Youssifiyah market bombing claimed 5 lives and left fifteen people injured.

The following community sites -- plus Susan's On The Edge, NPR, Jody Watley, Antiwar.com, Pacifica Evening News, and Ms. magazine's blog -- updated last night and this morning: