PM Maliki
On Tuesday night in Baghdad, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki went on TV in support of the security pact before Parliament and made the case for it's benefit in restoring the sovereignty of Iraq. Also on Tuesday, January 31st was set as the election date for first set of the Iraqi provincial elections since 2005. Unlike the 2005 elections, Iraqi Sunnis are expected to vote in this election. 
Photo: A woman holds up a numbered ball during the process to choose and recognize political parties which will then be able to participate in elections in Baghdad. Credit: ALI ABBAS/EPA
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
In the midst of the public outcry concerning proposition 8's ban of same-sex marriages in California, there has also been talk on repealing the military's "don't ask- don't tell" policy put in place by Pres. Clinton in 1993. Over 100 retired military leaders incuding Admiral Larson, former superintendant of the US Naval Academy, have signed a statement in support of this repeal that would allow gay servicemembers to serve in the US Armed Froces without being required to conceal their sexual identity.
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
In the midst of the public outcry concerning proposition 8's ban of same-sex marriages in California, there has also been talk on repealing the military's "don't ask- don't tell" policy put in place by Pres. Clinton in 1993. Over 100 retired military leaders incuding Admiral Larson, former superintendant of the US Naval Academy, have signed a statement in support of this repeal that would allow gay servicemembers to serve in the US Armed Froces without being required to conceal their sexual identity.
The statement reads:
"We -- the undersigned -- respectfully call for the repeal of the 'don't ask-don't tell' policy. Those of us endorsing this letter have dedicated our lives to defending the rights of our citizens to believe whatever they wish. Scholarly data shows there are approximately 1 million gay and lesbian veterans in the United States today as well as 65,000 gays and lesbians currently serving in our armed forces. They have served our nation honorably. We support the recent comments of former chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Gen. John Shalikashvili, who has concluded that repealing the 'don't ask-don't tell' policy would not harm and would indeed help our armed forces. As is the case with Great Britain, Israel and other nations that allow gays and lesbians to serve openly, our service members are professionals who are able to work together effectively despite differences in race, gender, religion and sexuality. Such collaboration reflects the strength and the best traditions of our democracy."
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