Leeroy Jenkins(!) Tuesday

Hey, folks! Happy Tuesday! First, the news.

19 killed by bombing in Russia's Ingushetia (CNN, BBC, Times) - The Russians claim that things are calm in their stomping grounds within the Caucasus, but these insurgents in Dagestan, Chechnya, and Ingushetia can't seem to shake this nasty habit of killing people. Related, from the BBC: At a Glance: A guide to the region of the North Caucasus.

CNN: Maverick pro-Taliban militant offers to help U.S. forces - Gulbuddin Hekmatyar will help the American's beat the Taliban, if the Americans announce a withdrawal timetable. Riiiiiiiight. That's totally credible.

BBC: Reform woes: What is the real state of the Russian Army?

BBC: U2 brand green criticism 'unfair' - Apparently the hippies are whining about the carbon footprint and cost of the new U2 tour, and The Edge basically told them to go shove it. I love The Edge.

Guardian: A culture of fear - Pankaj Mishra, writing for the Guardian, is annoyed that people in Europe and America are afraid that Muslims are slowly imposing Islamic values on secular/pluralistic societies. Earth to Pankaj Mishra: on the same day that your op-ed was published, Fox pointed out that various British pools and swimming facilities are imposing Muslim dress codes on all swimmers during certain time slots. If that's not Muslims imposing Islamic values on a secular/pluralistic society, then what is it?

Times: Afghans learn commando style

Times: My cancer and a lesson in healthcare - A British citizen who, for a time, enjoyed coverage under both the British and American health care systems discusses his decision on treating his prostate cancer. I disagree with his ultimate decision, but the entire thing is interesting in our current culture of discussion on health care.

Times: India Knight: Let's hear it for the weekly stag night - I'm beginning to really enjoy India Knight's columns in the Times - not enough to pay for them, but they're still pretty good.

Fars: MKO Leaders Forcing Members into Hunger Strike - The mullahs really do hate the MEK.

Wired Danger Room: Army Officer Trainers in Iraq Like Warcraft Spoiler - For those of you who aren't familiar... Leeroy Jenkins!

AFP: Swiss army faces big cuts: report - The jokes write themselves.

Michael Totten: From Munich to Gaza - Human Rights Watch, and I use the term loosely, apparently hired someone to write a report about Israel. As it turns out, the guy supported the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre. As if I needed another excuse to ignore organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.

Michael Totten: Don't Tell Me How This Ends - Michael discusses recent developments in Iraq.

Michael Yon: The Kopp-Etchells Effect

Just for fun, today's video is... Leeroy Jenkins!



That's it for today. Check back tomorrow.