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--We begin with a great moment in politics People in power make better liars, study shows --Steve says PM snuffs plea to legalize pot in YouTube interview PM takes questions from Canadians on YouTube --What the WS Journal is reporting on Steve’s counterpart in Oz Australia PM Rudd's Rating Slips Below 50% Martin O'Shannessy, chief executive of Newspoll, the most widely watched opinion poll in Australia, on Tuesday linked the fall in support for Mr. Rudd to fading voter optimism over the "big world-changing ideas," such as climate change, which people initially had faith in Mr. Rudd to tackle and "now perhaps are questioning." --What the Globe is reporting on our economy Manufacturing thrives despite soaring loonie --What the Citizen is reporting from Ottawa DND should rewrite requirements for $3B search aircraft project: NRC Terror case against Harkat hits snag --What else is shaking in Birth control won't be in G8 plan to protect mothers, Tories say Many Canadian runways still too short: safety board Assisted-suicide bill a 'slippery slope,' critic warns NDP introduce motion to limit PM’s power Tory bill proposes publicizing names of violent young offenders MPs cut themselves off mailing privileges outside their own ridings Saskatchewan says federal funding for First Nations university 'off the table' Ottawa considers criminal crackdown on Toyota Binding climate treaty may take years, Prentice says Harper urges Israel, Palestinians to resume peace talks Decision to cancel HIV vaccine plant 'fair and open,' health boss says --From the other QP... Deficits to continue well after 2015 under budget plan --Meanwhile, back in the distinct society Quebec body rules against right to wear niqab Ex-Quebec Liberal minister brings former party's donations into question --What La Presse is reporting Le Canada pourrait devenir une cible de choix pour les terroristes --What the Post is reporting from the UN Canada decries UN report on minorities --What the Globe is reporting on the good war Canada broke pledges on Afghan jails, letters show --What the Guardian is reporting Two British soldiers killed in Afghanistan explosion --What the Telegraph is reporting Hamid Karzai held secret talks with Mullah Baradar in Afghanistan --What the W Post is reporting U.S. fights trainer shortage, illiteracy in Afghanistan Roughly 2,000 contractors are working to train the Afghan army, about the same as the number of military personnel doing the job, according to a senior U.S. military official, who cited a shortage of available service members. --What CP is reporting on the Mideast Cannon ratchets up criticism of Israel: condemns new settlements plan --What the LA Times is reporting More than 100 injured in 'Day of Rage' Israeli-Palestinian clashes - latimes.com Shibley Telhami, a specialist on Arab public opinion at the University of Maryland, said Arabs as a whole were "somewhat optimistic" about U.S. policy in the region six months into Obama's term. But since then "the movement has been backwards," he said, almost entirely because of the Arab-Israeli issue. Arab diplomats say the United States has also not been seen as forceful in dealings with Lebanon, which has seen an increase in Syrian influence, or with Iran. The United States and Western allies have been pressuring Iran to halt its nuclear program, but they continue struggling to impose tough international sanctions against Tehran. More broadly, Biden's trip came after senior U.S. officials had been repeatedly rebuffed on overseas trips. President Obama made little progress with the Chinese during his visit to Beijing in November. When Obama visited Saudi Arabia in June to raise money for the Palestinians, he was given a polite but firm no. When Clinton visited Brazil this month to try to win support for tough new sanctions on Iran, Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim announced in a public appearance with her that his country simply would not go along. One senior U.S. official acknowledged that the tough U.S. position is not just about Israel and the settlements issue, but about "sending a message more broadly about what we're willing to put up with. . . . This couldn't continue." Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. Middle East peace negotiator, said the policy has "clearly been informed by concerns about an image of vacillation and weakness." "If you can say no to a great power without cost, that ends up affecting the image and street credibility of the great power," he said. "And in this region, street credibility is everything." --What the Guardian is reporting that your paper isn’t Hillary Clinton piles pressure on Israel over East Jerusalem settlements One of the underlying motives of the US resolve to get the peace process moving was offered today by the top US military commander, General David Petraeus, the head of Centcom, which is responsible for the Middle East and Asia. Petraeus told the Senate armed services committee yesterday that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was a root cause of instability in the Middle East and Asia and "foments anti-American sentiment due to a perception of US favouritism for Israel". The Israeli government has long objected to being linked to wider conflicts in such a way. Petraeus said there had been insufficient progress towards a comprehensive Middle East peace deal and this "presented distinct challenges to our ability to advance our interests" elsewhere in the Middle East and Asia. --What the W Post is reporting on the same subject With subtle shift in nuance, Hillary Clinton reiterates U.S. stance on Israel The tension between the United States and Israel follows expressions of concern by U.S. military leaders that the lack of progress in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations is hampering their efforts in the rest of the Middle East. In January, staff officers from the U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. military operations in much of the region, gave a briefing on that theme to Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, military officials said, confirming a report on ForeignPolicy.com. --What the W Post is reporting on health care House Democrats' tactic for health-care bill is debated --What the WS Journal is reporting Health Overhaul Splits Democratic Party Faithful The pending health-care overhaul remains unpopular with a broad swath of the public, but core Democrats the party needs to show up and vote in November are strong backers, a new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll finds. --What the WS Journal is reporting that supports the above Al Sharpton Becomes Obama's Ambassador to Black Community --What the Guardian is reporting on US-EU relations European Union finance officials at impasse on global reform European nations allege U.S. protectionism in tanker deal TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010 --We begin with a great moment in Canadian governance Commons sent T4s to wrong homes What the Hill Times reported yesterday from the
Speaker Milliken, MPs slam 'ridiculous' delays in Parliament Hill renovations Mr. Milliken said that he had a disappointing first-hand experience with Public Works last July, after his private dining room in 216-N Centre Block was flooded by an upstairs water leak. The leak left unsightly stains on the walls, requiring a new paint job and rendering the room unusable. After seven months of waiting for Public Works to repaint the room, Mr. Milliken asked House of Commons workers to paint it, which they did in two days. --What the Province is reporting today Three MPs work to block Emery's extradition to U.S. --What the FinMin is telling the Yanks Flaherty says European proposal to tax banks, financial transactions 'a mistake' when asked by U.S. lawmakers on the efforts to reform health care in the U.S., Flaherty did offer some advice. He said there are "terrific benefits" to Canada's universal system, but also challenges. He said a key to any reform is to ensure there is an element of competition in the system to control costs. Flaherty said many in the U.S. believe there is no competition in the Canadian system, but he pointed out that about one-third of health care services are delivered by the private sector. --Say it ain’t so! House may try to pass Senate health-care bill without voting on it --Nanos in French (English) Sondage: libéraux et conservateurs à égalité --What’s shaking back in Ottawa Opposition lets Guergis off hook, no mention of airport tantrum Ending Indian band councils' post-secondary funding recommended Feds release national emergency response plan four months after AG urges one Officials look to overhaul vaccine-supply model Diplomats want to have same deal as military Plan de relance fédéral: l'Ontario et le Québec perdants Seal hunt quota up, despite poor ice Death-benefit case could cost Canada billions Mixed marriages hugely supported by Canucks MP wants laws against enabling torture Fallen Maxime Bernier turns heads on rubber-chicken circuit --Meanwhile, in the distinct society… Marois blasts Charest over $75,000 second salary --What the Globe is reporting on intelligence More power urged for judge vetting Afghan-detainee papers --What the W Post is reporting on the very same subject White House threatens veto on intelligence activities bill --Speaking of intelligence, EKOS gives us the e.g. of
… Exploring the politics of emotion “Mr. Ignatieff suffers at least in the public eye as being somewhat more insecure by virtue of his intellectual nuances than is Mr. Harper, who's very like [former U.S. president George W.] Bush – very plain speaking and direct and never seems to exude any sense of ‘Well, I could be wrong.' ” --What CP is reporting on the good war Karzai to dispatch more Afghan troops-police to defend Kandahar: minister --What the Globe is reporting Kandahar Airfield without Canadiana --What the NY Times is reporting McChrystal Brings Most Special Operations Under His Control --What the W Post is reporting GAO blocks contract to firm formerly known as Blackwater to train Afghan police Pentagon to investigate intelligence unit that allegedly used contractors Afghan women fear loss of hard-won progress --What the Independent is reporting Operation Panther's Claw: It hasn't been easy' --What the Guardian is reporting on Britain’s fiscal fitness Labour under pressure as Europe tells Britain: Cut deficit faster, deeper --What the Brits think bitumenously Environmentalists open two fronts in oilsands fight --What the Yanks are reporting on the Mideast U.S. pushing Netanyahu to accept demands for peace talks Netanyahu Offers an Apology, but No Shift in Policy MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2010 --We begin with a great moment in Canadian governance Canadians back public-sector cuts as deficit-fighting tool - Globe and Mail Canadians think the best way to balance the federal books is on the backs of public servants, according to a new national opinion poll. What the Citizen is reporting Government moving on disability crisis The Harper government is overhauling how it manages disability in the public service as depression, stress and other mental illness account for nearly 45 per cent of all claims. Treasury Board quietly kicked off the initiative several years ago and is expected to have a business plan ready for cabinet within the year. The plan is a critical first step in turning around the escalating number of mental health claims that are taking employees off the job. It's developing a "workforce wellness" strategy that aims to promote prevention, takes the stigma out of mental illness and gets those suffering from depression treated and back to work as quickly as possible. It marks the biggest shift in disability management since the plans were introduced 40 years ago. --What the Financial Times is reporting on American fiscal fitness Rating agency warns on US public finances Moody’s Investor Service, the credit rating agency, will fire a warning shot at the US on Monday, saying that unless the country gets public finances into better shape than the Obama administration projects there would be “downward pressure” on its triple A credit rating. --What USA TODAY is reporting States streamline, reorganize amid fiscal crisis --A flashback to the good old days in Ottawa --Meanwhile, in the distinct society... PQ drops special status for SPQ libre Marois blasts Premier Charest's integrity --We bring you the latest polling poop on the Quebecois nation --What’s shaking in Ottawa these days Questions raised about gap in food inspection standards Ontario seeks Ottawa's help as welfare cases spike Auditor's siren prompts feds to sign off on national emergency response plan Cash shortage for moms in Canada as Tories promise global aid Growing immigrant population means cross-the-board political scrap for votes Visible minorities treated differently: Poll Ottawa issues mandate for judge's review of how Afghan documents are handled --What the The Hill Times is reporting on the good war PM, justice minister contradict each other on Afghan documents, say Liberals The motion demanding documents relating to allegations of torture in Afghanistan that was tabled on Dec. 10 was sweeping. It calls for uncensored copies of "all documents" related to diplomat Richard Colvin's allegations of suspected torture and his subsequent suggestion of a cover-up within government, uncensored versions of all redacted documents the government produced at a Federal Court case on detainee transfers and all documents provided to Military Police Complaints Commission investigation and inquiry into the transfers, as well as every document related to a statement Chief of Defence Staff General Walter Natynzyk gave to the special Commons committee on Afghanistan. When Mr. Nicholson announced Mr. Iacobucci would review the documents, he set it in the wide context of the opposition motion, referring to "information that is proposed to be withheld from release." Mr. Nicholson said his statement was specifically related to the December motion and that Mr. Iacobucci would report to him on whether the "proposed redactions" genuinely relate to information that would be "injurious to Canada's national security, national defence or international interests." Mr. Nicholson added that Mr. Iacobucci's internal report would recommend whether the information or a summary should be disclosed and the form or limits of the disclosure. All of the elements from the opposition motion last December are covered in the terms Mr. Nicholson subsequently announced, with the addition of “relevant” documents from 2001 to 2005 under the previous Liberal government. --What the Globe is reporting Taliban bombings target Kandahar, NATO strategy --What the NY Times is reporting Shaken Afghan City Seeks More Support From Kabul --Today’s bouquet --What USA TODAY is reporting U.S. regains huge weapons cache lost by Afghans --What the Times is reporting Survivors of family killed in Afghanistan raid threaten suicide attacks --We follow with another great moment in parliamentary privilege Speaker Milliken, MPs slam 'ridiculous' delays in Parliament Hill renovations Mr. Milliken said that he had a disappointing first-hand experience with Public Works last July, after his private dining room in 216-N Centre Block was flooded by an upstairs water leak. The leak left unsightly stains on the walls, requiring a new paint job and rendering the room unusable. After seven months of waiting for Public Works to repaint the room, Mr. Milliken asked House of Commons workers to paint it, which they did in two days. --What the WS Journal is reporting on Omar K. Tribunals Wouldn't Erase Challenges to Terror Trials --What the Citizen is reporting on climate change Climate-change scientists feel 'muzzled': documents --What CP is reporting Demise of Canadian climate research would impact global initiatives: scientists --What the W Post is reporting Obama's focus on financial rules, Supreme Court opinion could aid Democrats The White House meetings last week were intended to show a president confident in his ability to secure health-care reform and already pivoting to the next big item on his agenda. But although Obama expressed a commitment to work for energy and immigration reform, according to the meetings' participants, he did not pledge to take the lead this year. The legislative calendar effectively ends at the August recess, when the campaign season takes over. Obama had earlier asked congressional leaders to build bipartisan coalitions in support of energy and immigration reform efforts. But Democrats are divided on both issues, making them particularly unappealing in a year when party unity will be important. On Tuesday, Obama gathered 14 senators from both parties in the Cabinet Room to discuss energy legislation, known as cap-and-trade. Also attending were four Cabinet-rank officials. According to participants, Obama said he would like the Senate to pass the bill this year, but he made clear it was up to those in the room to come up with the votes. Cap-and-trade legislation, which has passed the House, pits industrial- and coal-state lawmakers against those with strong environmental lobbies. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters, "It's got to be more than the president who wants to get something done," adding that "my guess is there will be a clamoring for an energy bill when gas prices go up" during the summer driving season. --What the Guardian is reporting Chinese PM rebuts criticism over Copenhagen role WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2010 --What a Con anonymouse says Ottawa to double its Olympic investment from 11 to 22 million dollars. “Canadian athletes performed very well for their country. We must do the same for them now,” a Conservative source told La Presse on a not for attribution basis. -- What Jack says Battle looms over Afghan files Layton suggested that if Harper continues to refuse to turn over the documents it could provoke an election. "Mr. Harper has all kinds of ways he can provoke an election ... and poking the House of Commons in the eye and disrespecting what the House is doing" may be one of them, Layton said Tuesday. -- What Iggy says (in 2002) Apartheid week one-sided but not anti-Semitic (Walkom) Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff – who as a practising politician now finds himself denouncing Israeli Apartheid Week – has made the comparison, writing in 2002 of the occupied West Bank as a "Bantustan, one of those pseudo-states created in the dying years of apartheid." -- What Iggy said on Monday Statement by Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff regarding Israeli Apartheid Week --What else is shaking in Ottawa this week Cut PS pensions and lose the best: unions Prentice plans end-run around 'aggressive press' Farm Credit axes Disney World trips No guarantees from opposition that Tory crime agenda will be reinstated Immigration Minister Kenney nixed gay rights in citizenship guide: documents Economy improving, but interest rates to stay at historic lows for now Throne speech, budget--increased foreign investment and decrease red tape Embattled group Rights and Democracy fires three senior managers Liberal MP’s motion spells trouble for MacKay RCMP planes used to fly to social events --What Canadians think With Games over, let games begin when people were asked without prompting to list their top three issues of concern, the largest slice of the sampling -- 36 per cent -- said the economy should be the No. 1 priority for Canada's leaders. Health care was the next choice at 23 per cent, followed by the environment at 17 per cent and jobs and unemployment at 16. The striking thing about the poll is the degree to which the economy has faded as an issue since the darkest days of the recession. A year ago, 63 per cent of Canadians cited the economy as their top concern, a finding that pushed almost all other issues off the map. --What CP is reporting from the west coast A happy ending greets close of 2010 Olympics for Vancouver Games' CEO Derided for not speaking French, he didn't lash back at the critics but just spoke more, hacking his way through his closing remarks partially in Canada's other official language - in front of 60,000 people. Furlong, 59, said he was terrified, but rewarded. At the press conference after the closing ceremony a cameraman for a French language network approached and said people in Quebec were blown away. "You should get the Order of Canada," the cameraman said. Furlong blushed. --What’s shaking provincially Feeling glow of Olympics, B.C. rolls out rosy budget An unequal race among provinces to clean up their deficits N.S. slaps restrictions on legislators' spending B.C. government deserves a ‘gold medal in green rhetoric' HST fuels war of words on future gas price hike --What the LA Times is reporting on Gitmó Uncertainty raised over Justice Department's handling of detainees Nine top political appointees at the Justice Department previously worked as lawyers or advocates for "enemy combatants" confined at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, prompting new questions from Congress and conservative critics about the integrity of the administration's handling of detainees. The Justice Department insists that the officials have not involved themselves in matters dealing with enemy combatants. But the department has revealed the names of only two of the nine appointees, making it difficult to independently assess the claim. And one of the named officials -- Jennifer Daskal, a lawyer in the national security division -- sits on a task force weighing the future of Guantanamo prisoners. She is a former senior counsel for Human Rights Watch, which worked on behalf of ensuring constitutional rights for detainees during the George W. Bush presidency. The other named official is Neal Katyal, the principal deputy solicitor general, who argued before the Supreme Court on behalf of Salim Ahmed Hamdan and won a 2006 ruling that Bush's military tribunal system violated the rules of military justice and the Geneva Conventions. Hamdan, a former bodyguard and driver for Osama bin Laden, later was released and returned to Yemen. --What Canwest is reporting on the good war 'We don't do' torture, says DND's new ethics guide --What the W Post is reporting In Afghanistan, Karzai's invitation to Taliban creates discord and confusion As U.S., NATO and Afghan forces continue a major operation in Helmand province in the south and prepare for another in neighboring Kandahar, the Obama administration has argued that substantive talks should wait until the military balance has shifted more sharply in favor of the coalition. But the administration's British allies, facing strong domestic disapproval over the long-running war, appear eager to see negotiations begin sooner rather than later. That position is shared by a number of senior U.S. military officials, who predicted that negotiations with insurgents could gain traction as early as this year. "I would not be surprised if we see Taliban from the south ending up in the parliament, and that's not necessarily a bad thing," said one military official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. … "I think it's just legalizing impunity," said Sima Samar, who chairs the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission. "Nobody is accountable, not for the past crimes and not for future ones. Anybody can come and join the government and they will be protected." --What the NY Times is reporting Afghanistan Aims to Ban Live Coverage of Attacks --What else the W Post is reporting Afghan intelligence ties Pakistani group Lashkar-i-Taiba to recent Kabul attack --The world needs more Canada Obama administration plans to close International Labor Comparisons office Like a scorekeeper for the world, a tiny unit within the Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks globalization's winners and losers, and the results are not always pretty for the United States. Manufacturing jobs here, for example, have fallen faster since 1979 than in Canada, Germany or Japan. Compensation for those jobs dropped here in 2008 but jumped in South Korea and Australia. Soon, however, Americans may be spared the demoralization in these numbers: The White House wants to shutter the unit that produces them. --What the NY Times is reporting on climate change Scientists Taking Steps to Defend Work on Climate --What the NY Times is reporting on Haiti U.N. Is Faulted as Lacking Coordination of Aid and Security in Haiti TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2010 --We begin with a great moment in Canadian journalism Poll suggests almost unanimous support for Olympic performance Canadians are waking up after their smashing success at hosting the 2010 Winter Games with something akin to post-coital bliss, a Canadian Press-Harris Decima survey has found. --What the Star is reporting on the Olympic fall-out Stephen Harper won gold for PR, but shine likely won't last --What Canwest is reporting Tories would win minority again: Poll --What the Independent is reporting Medvedev furious at Olympic failure --The world needs more Canada From Canada's iceman comes a lesson for Capello's troubled troops What lessons do the Vancouver Games offer for London 2012? --From Ottawa, we bring you some great moments in Canadian governance Record deficit no barrier to pricey world travel by MPs, senators Employee trip to Disney World cost Farm Credit $160K Farm Credit Canada spent $12K on Roughriders... Farm Credit execs spent over $560K in expenses --What the Globe is reporting on the budget Tories' long-term plan shifts focus from spending to innovation Motion on Afghan detainees could derail budget --What the Globe is reporting visually speaking
--What the Star is reporting Future of 'Own the Podium' will hinge on federal budget --What CP is reporting Rebound from recession: economy logs strong five per cent growth in Q4 2009 --A great moment in Canadian politics Harper says Thursday's budget the hardest because it meant saying 'No.' Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff urged the government not to simply take an axe to spending…. Ignatieff said it sounds like Flaherty will produce a "stand pat" budget, which he said makes a mockery of Harper's assertion that he needed to suspend Parliament to give the government time to "recalibrate" its agenda. --What the NY Times is reporting on the economy Vice Chairman of Fed to Retire The departure of the vice chairman, Donald L. Kohn, a 40-year Fed veteran, means Mr. Obama has three seats to fill on the Fed’s seven-member board of governors at a time when the central bank is weighing how aggressively to reverse the easy-money policy it pursued during the financial crisis and recession. The vacancies are likely to spur debate over the Fed’s priorities. With unemployment near 10 percent and projected to remain high for years to come, there is sure to be pressure on the administration, especially from liberals, to nominate Fed governors willing to adhere not just to the central bank’s mission of price stability but also its mandate of full employment, a goal that has effectively taken a back seat to inflation fighting over much of the last three decades. --What the Guardian is reporting Fears of hung parliament put heavy pressure on pound "If there is one thing markets hate it is uncertainty, and the prospect of a hung parliament could keep sterling on the defensive until the general election is done and dusted," John Higgins of analysts Capital Economics said. Some analysts said markets were likely to get over the initial shock of political parties sharing power once it was clear that politicians were capable of getting things done, and that this would eventually lead to a rise in the value of the pound, UK gilts and the stock market. --What Canwest is reporting from Ottawa Dozens of Tory-picked judges donated money to party 41 judges appointed by the Conservatives to the prestigious postings had donated to the party or its candidates since 2004. The Tory donors represented almost two-thirds of judicial appointees who backed political parties by contributing cash before they were promoted to their $267, 200-a-year postings. Of the 66 judges who donated before their appointments, 41 gave to the Conservatives, 14 contributed to the Liberals, another 10 gave to both parties and one contributed to the NDP. Another 25 judges appointed by the Tories have names that matched political contributors in the Elections Canada database -- mainly Conservative donors -- but could not be positively verified as the same people. --What Le Devoir is reporting Censure à Ottawa: trois ministres soupçonnés | Le Devoir Information Commissioner Suzanne Legault confirmed that three investigations have been opened into very similar allegations in three Departments..."They are very specific, concrete allegations about the release of documents." --Another great Ottawa moment The commission wrestled with a complaint earlier this year of a young bureaucrat in the Privy Council Office, who admitted on Facebook that he was a Liberal supporter. The issue raised questions for investigators about what's appropriate between the personal and professional lives of public servants. "A private conversation you think is private isn't anymore, so things that may have been appropriate privately may not be appropriate publicly," Barrados said. The commission concluded the young PCO analyst had crossed the line with "improper political activity," but found no evidence that this affected his ability to do his job. The commission's big concern was that the employee didn't get any training about what was acceptable. --What else is shaking in Ottawa Policy centre promotes even higher deficit to create jobs, bolster economy Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean to visit earthquake-ravaged hometown in Haiti Languages commissioner Fraser pleased with bilingualism level at Olympics Crime bills to be scrutinized, Liberals warn Man chosen to lead rights org. warned of threats from Muslim immigrants Canada pushes G8 nations on Iran sanctions --What Le Devoir is reporting La bienfaisance, paravent fiscal? | Le Devoir Medical aid to Palestine, a charitable organization supposedly dealing with the suffering of the Palestinian people, is receiving donations to finance the highly political lawsuit of Bil'in; it is suggesting that donors use it as a transit point in order to qualify for a tax credit. ...It is doing the same for Tadamon!, one of the organizers of Israeli Apartheid week. --What the Star is reporting on Rights and Democracy --What else is shaking in the distinct society Innu 'ready to fight' for hunting rights EXCLUSIF: une musulmane expulsée d'un cours à cause du niqab --A great climate change moment Campbell blames climate change for 'Spring Games' The record-breaking warm weather that made a soggy mess of Cypress Mountain, forcing Olympic organizers to truck snow to the slopes, was caused by climate change, B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell says. Andrew Weaver, a leading climate-change scientist from the University of Victoria, cautioned against using a single balmy winter as proof of climate change. “You can never point to a single weather event and say it is due to global warming,” he said. “The scientific community would get creamed for that.” But he said the trends do point to an increasing probability that Cypress will endure more muddy winters. “We do know the likelihood of breaking warm weather records is increasing,” he said. --What the WS Journal is reporting on climate change White House Faces Tough Fight on Climate Push --What the Guardian is reporting Inhofe accused of turning climate row into 'McCarthyite witch-hunt' --The world needs more Canada? Climate scientist admits sending 'awful emails' but denies perverting peer review Jones said some issues raised by the emails, such as an apparent reluctance to comply with Freedom of Information requests, were because the CRU did not have permission to release requested data, which had been supplied by foreign weather services. Several countries, including Sweden, Canada and Poland had refused to allow their information to be supplied, he said. --The world needs more Canada Phil Jones survives MPs' grilling over climate emails | Fred Pearce Jones's most tenacious adversaries were largely absent from the hearings, however. No sign of Canadian rottweiler mathematician Steve McIntyre, the arch-villain of dozens of the Climatic Research Unit-crew's emails. --What the W Post is reporting on Gitmó Supreme Court dismisses case involving resettlement of Guantanamo detainees --What the W Post is reporting on the good war McChrystal, others visit Marja, Afghanistan, as offensive enters governing phase --What the Times is reporting British soldier shot dead as Princess Royal visits Afghanistan --What the Guardian is reporting Lightly armoured Land Rover 'played part in death of woman soldier' MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2010 --What The Hill Times is reporting from Ottawa Libs would be 'crazy' not to force spring election, says pollster "This is their best chance to get rid of this guy," Mr. Graves said. "He's very resilient, the economy is going to improve, Ignatieff is not going to get any better, I don't know why they think things will be better for them in the fall. They're procrastinating; this is their best chance right now." --Nik on the Numbers Anxiety about Canada Pension Plan/Quebec Pension Plan (Nanos Policy Options Poll) --What CP is reporting Political games begin again with throne speech, budget, partisan barbs --What the Globe is reporting Prorogation 'lit the fuse,' but is furor fizzling? --What the Star is reporting Harper got `bad advice,' professor says --What Canwest is reporting Debate to centre on PM’s powers as Parliament returns --What Sun Media is reporting Strip PM of power to prorogue parliament: Layton --What The Hill Times is reporting Grits willing to drop order to produce Afghan documents, want judicial inquiry Liberal MPs say they are willing to relent on an unprecedented House of Commons motion ordering the government to produce secret documents about prisoner transfers in Afghanistan if Prime Minister Stephen Harper agrees to a judicial inquiry into the controversy. The move would allow both sides out of an impasse of historic proportions that—if unresolved—could lead to a divisive federal election within the next few months over Prime Minister Harper's (Calgary Southwest, Alta.) refusal to cede Cabinet control over information the government claims could endanger national security if it is made public. --What else The Hill Times is reporting Access czar investigating allegations of political interference Canada's Access to Information Commissioner Suzanne Legault is investigating allegations of systemic violations of Access to Information laws by federal Conservatives as a result of a story in last week's issue of The Hill Times, but Tory staffers also allege the interference continues despite the PMO's edict to all political staffers to comply with the law. --What the Globe is reporting on the budget Bulk of stimulus as worst over, critics say --What else is shaking in Ottawa Airport security agency forbids opposite-sex screening Foreign pledges, UN ambitions clash with Tory budget plans to curb deficit China warming up to be an Arctic player Citizenship Ruling A 'Victory': Kenney As bureaucrats retire ... ... how much will be saved by not replacing some? --What’s shaking provincially Cross-burning not surprising for some blacks living with racism in N.S. --What the Citizen is reporting on the Olympics Olympics a nation-building milestone for Canada: experts --What the Globe is reporting A record haul, a nation's triumph Roger Jackson, OTP's chief executive officer, said the program needs an additional $22-million annually from the federal government to make up for funding that ends now that the Olympics are over. --What else the Globe is reporting Sunday, COC officials claimed victory despite falling short of their initial target of winning more total medals than any other country – the objective of their controversial $110-million Own the Podium program. “I don't think we set the wrong target at all,” said COC president Michael Chambers, who is stepping down from the post. “By setting the target that we did, we won [14] golds. You reach for the stars and you grab what you get. We happened to grab [14] of the brightest stars up there.” Incoming president Marcel Aubut was more direct: “As I said in the opening press conference, we were going to own the podium and we did.” Canada ended up with 26 medals, third behind the U.S. and Germany. That was two more than the team won during the past Winter Olympics but short of the 30-plus medal target COC organizers had set…. Mr. Jackson also defended the name Own the Podium, saying it was not an attempt to present Canadians as arrogant or unwelcoming at the Games. Competitors from several other countries criticized the name and some used it as a rallying cry for their teams. --The Globe also serves up a great Olympic moment --What the W Post is reporting In the lead-up to the Games, Canadian sport officials boasted that Team Canada would "own the podium" here; though it won the gold medal count with a record 14, Canada accrued 26 overall and finished behind Germany, which won 30 medals. U.S. Olympic officials steadfastly refused to set a public medal target and they did not advertise this U.S. team as possibly the best ever. Even with the victory at hand, USOC officials seemed careful not to celebrate excessively and hoped their athletes did the same, perhaps conscious that the only thing that could diminish the value of this gold medal moment would be failing to handle it with grace and dignity. "For us at the Olympic Games, it's not nation against nation," Blackmun said. "Yes, we very much want our athletes to do well, but we don't emphasize America versus the rest of the world. "If America's athletes perform well, it gives us the ability to tell a much more compelling story to the American public." --What the LA Times is reporting From tragedy, Games went on to triumph --What an LA Times columnist writes could it be the outcome worked for both sides? Is such a thing even possible in sports anymore? If so, then it happened here Sunday, Canada hockey saving face with U.S. hockey gaining heart. "We've proved that it's not just Canada's game," said American Ryan Kesler. "We played good enough to win it all." --What another LA Times columnist writes Vancouver's closing ceremony is nice . . . and quirky The show didn't really catch fire till Neil Young showed up singing, and then there was no stopping things. "My name is Bill and I'm proud to be a Canadian," William Shatner said to roars. "My pride is as immense as this majestic country." Nickelback performed. So did Avril Lavigne and Alanis Morissette. And some princess-in-waiting by the name of Marie-Mai, who is described as "a force to be reckoned with on Quebec's cultural landscape." I can neither confirm nor deny this. I just pass along what I hear…. On Monday, this place will feel like a collapsed umbrella. They'll rip down the Olympic netting, they'll repaint all the buses. They can all go back to chasing moose out of the backward. Then a great raging debate will begin: Was this Winter Olympics worth it, a public debt that may last decades? Yes, every penny. In all the important ways, Canada, you owned the podium. --What the Financial Times is reporting FT / Canada - Vancouver games end on victorious note Mr Furlong, who grew up in Ireland, struggled through several sentences in French during his closing address, seeking to quell earlier criticism that Vanoc had given short shrift to Canada’s second official language. --What a Hill Times columnist writes about another columnist One pundit, Paul Wells of Maclean's, appeared to rewrite a positive review of the Vancouver event in line with government edict. In a Feb. 13 blog entry Wells praised the opening ceremonies as "fresh," "magical," "sentimental," "exhilarating," "packed with talent" and "heart-stoppingly beautiful": "I was lucky enough to be inside B.C. Place watching it live." Wells made no mention of French. Yet a day later—only after Heritage Minister James Moore frowned on Feb. 14 that bilingual quotas were unmet—Wells was prompted to write, "There simply wasn't enough French." --What the NY Times is reporting For Canada’s Faithful, a Gold That Means Most There was no immediate declaration of a Canadian national holiday or even a day off from school or work. A victory parade is implausible, as the National Hockey League, where all of Sunday’s players earn lucrative livings, resumes its schedule with a game on Monday and a full slate on Tuesday. --What the Guardian is reporting Formats jazzed-up to draw crowds at London 2012 Olympics Alpine aficionados complained it looked more like Wacky Races than a serious Olympic discipline. But ski-cross, the downhill race over jumps which is so unruly the winner is often the last skier standing, became the surprise hit of the 2010 Winter Olympics which closed last night in Vancouver. Four million Britons tuned into watch the ski-cross final on BBC2, despite very few Britons ever having heard of the debut Olympic sport before the last fortnight. That, it seems, may become the template for a number of competitions at the 2012 games in London. --What CP is reporting from Vancouver Anti-Olympic activists, hockey fans trade chants at final protest march Chris Shaw, one of the movement's leaders, said he didn't see the lack of numbers after the first day as a failure. "We don't have a billion dollars to organize ourselves and keep ourselves going for two solid weeks," he said. "VANOC (the Olympic organizing committee) did." Shaw said the grassroots anti-Olympic movement had no backers with deep pockets and organizational clout. "Remember the unions were largely co-opted by the (Olympic) bid corporation back in the day and mostly stayed on-side," he said. "The NDP has never been anti-Games." --What the Globe is reporting on the good war Coalition forces eye athletic facility for Kandahar --What the Yanks are reporting Afghan soldiers show improvement in Marja assault U.S. Marines, Afghan troops to stay in Marja for months In new video, CIA bomber says he lured targets with doctored intelligence Pakistan Blocks Taliban Extradition With Marja Largely Won, Marines Begin the Campaign to Win Trust --What the Brits are reporting ‘Invincible’ Taleban routed in raids on border camps --What the Brits are reporting politically speaking (a great moment) Cameron struggles to make the running David Cameron: I'm fit to run Britain Voters are still unsure about the Tories, admits Cameron Leader tries to calm party election jitters as poll lead crumbles to two points Cameron tries to woo voters with marriage proposal --What the Times is reporting on climate change Green fuels cause more harm than fossil fuels, according to report SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2010 --We begin with a great DND/T Star smack-down --Steve says Hockey nut Harper has some advice for Team Canada Harper said he has not been surprised by the patriotic outpouring from the Canadian public at these Games. "I think it's a country where patriotism, contrary to what we think of ourselves, that patriotism actually runs very deep and I think it's been looking for an expression and I think the country feels confident in all kinds of ways," he said. "I think people really just feel the country's come of age and everybody's very excited." --What else CP is reporting (a great moment in journalism) Le Québec 5e plus endetté du monde industrialisé (La Presse yesterday) Quebec among most highly indebted industrial economies in the world The government report, available on the ministry's website, compares the total provincial public debt to that of other Canadian provinces and to major industrialized nations. --What CP is reporting on the budget Pay a little now or more later: deficit crisis won't go away without pain --What they're saying about defence spending Defence spending freeze 'big mistake,' analysts say --What Canwest is reporting Ottawa asserts sovereignty in Arctic with shipping rules --What the Edmonton Journal is reporting on health care Demand draws medical brokerage to Alberta --What the NY Times is reporting Pelosi’s Challenge - Corraling Votes for a Health Bill The future of President Obama’s health care overhaul now rests largely with two blocs of swing Democrats in the House of Representatives — abortion opponents and fiscal conservatives — whose indecision signals the difficulties Speaker Nancy Pelosi faces in securing the votes necessary to pass the bill. --What CP is reporting on our Olympics Canada shatters record in number of gold medals won by Olympic host country "Through some kind of transference I might segue over to gold medals and say Own The Podium met its goal, but that would be unfair and that would be a rationalization," Rudge said. "Our goal was the most medals and we didn't get the most medals. "There was considerable debate coming into these Games in our world as to whether or not, or when, do we start segueing from total medals into perhaps looking at gold medals? There are a number of countries such as Japan or Brazil who only evaluate the performance based on gold medals and maybe that is a standard we will move to." --What the LA Times is reporting on their Olympics For the U.S., a haul-mark performance When speedskaters Brian Hansen, Jonathan Kuck and Chad Hedrick finished the team pursuit "A" final early Saturday afternoon, they could pat themselves on the back for winning a silver medal and officially start the U.S. chest-thumping for making history. Theirs was the 35th medal for Team USA in the 2010 Winter Olympics, one more than its record 34 at Salt Lake City in 2002. Steve Holcomb's four-man bobsled team added another later Saturday, the first U.S. gold in the sport since 1948. --What Canwest is reporting on us We're a modest lot, but competitive, too --What The Province is reporting on one of the reporters For James Lawton, chief sports writer for The Independent, covering the Games in Vancouver represents a homecoming of sorts. Lawton is a former Vancouver Sun sports reporter who lived here for seven years in the 1980s. Lawton says he's been impressed by the Canadian spirit and how well the Games have been executed, save for the dark shadow cast by the death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili. "I thought the luge affair was very badly handled, but to be honest that's the only serious point of criticism I would have. Canada's shown terrific spirit and they've done the Games very well and the athletes have performed under enormous pressures." --What Mr. Lawton’s Independent is reporting today Revealed: Britain's Olympic triumph The London Olympic Games in 2012 are expected to come in at up to £500m under budget, despite the financial problems that have beleaguered the sporting jamboree. As the Olympic torch passes from Vancouver, host of the 2010 Winter Games, to London this weekend, senior officials leading the preparations are estimating that the 2012 Games will cost between £8.8bn-£8.9bn. --What the Independent says editorially speaking Leading article: Farewell Vancouver, hello London We British may not be very much good at sliding on ice, having borne home a single, albeit gold, medal from the Winter Olympics in Vancouver – unless something surprising happens today, the last day. But we are getting better at some Olympic sports. We are now in contention for a medal in "spinning cost overrun expectations", a fairly new event in which Team GB has shown increasing promise in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics. London beat Paris for the right to stage the Olympics five years ago, with a bid costed at £2.4bn. Two years later, the budget was quadrupled to £9.3bn. Now, as we report today, the Olympic Delivery Agency is confident that it will come in £500m under budget. Well, gratitude for small mercies and all that. The truth is that the initial budget was much too low, and everyone knew it. The present budget was a realistic one when it was set in 2007, which is quite unusual in the history of big public infrastructure projects. Hence the significance of the news that it is likely to be undershot, rather than to billow out to something like the £20bn figure about which there has been speculation. So the Olympics will be expensive, but they are not an open-ended commitment. And in our view, they will be worth it. Not simply for the worthy reason given, of the regeneration of east London. This newspaper's view has always been that London, even its deprived areas, can look after itself. If there are urban wastelands that deserve public money, they are mainly in Britain's other great cities. But London was the only realistic location for a British 2012 bid, and it made no sense to hold off in the forlorn hope of taking it to Glasgow in 2020. --What the Telegraph is reporting on British politics Islamic radicals 'infiltrate' the Labour Party --What The Observer is reporting Depressed Tony Blair told Gordon Brown he would quit after Iraq war --What the Sunday Times is reporting on climate change --What the W Post is reporting on Iran Iranian opposition leader Mousavi speaks out --What CP is reporting on the good war Yanks talking tough, but Canucks in Afghanistan have gold in their sights --What Canwest is reporting On-ice rivalry extends to troops in Afghanistan --What the W Post is reporting In Afghanistan, U.S. seeks to fix a tattered system of justice Frustrated Strivers in Pakistan Turn to Jihad --What the LA Times is reporting Taliban militants find breathing room in slums of Karachi, Pakistan --What The Observer is reporting Nato draws up payout tariffs for Afghan civilian deaths --What the Sunday Times is reporting Top general says Afghanistan army in morale crisis SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2010 --We begin with a great moment in Canadian journalism John Ivison: Prorogation's over. Happy now? One Liberal strategist said he thinks the Conservatives may be misreading the public mood by "squeezing the wallets of the middle class". "One of the Conservative Party's great strengths has been its laser-like focus on policies that speak to, and support the working middle-class. Now it feels like they're about to embark on a policy option that is out of step with that cohort," he said. It's gonna get ugly as bell rings on prorogation (Scott Reid/Globe) For a leader so ruthlessly focused on retail politics, Mr. Harper is leaving himself dangerously disconnected from his coveted constituency of middle-class working families. --What Iggy says “This is a significant moment in the history of our country,” Mr. Ignatieff said in an interview at the Four Seasons Hotel. “There is just no question about it. It doesn’t belong to any party, but it’s obviously going to affect our politics this year.” … “The political question,” he said, “is who will benefit from that renewed sense of ambition, renewed sense of hope and renewed sense of faith? It’s clear this is a huge political fact and we don’t know how it’s going to go.” .. He said the one thing no one has mentioned in his many conversations is the need for an election. “No,” he said. “I wouldn’t say there’s a strong appetite for it. I think what Canadians are telling me is ‘Don’t talk to me about an election, Ignatieff. Show me an alternative.’ ” --What the W Post is reporting on Haiti Mullen leads trip to Haiti, faces Preval's ire on allegation Préval welcomed the visitors warmly. But when he spied two reporters from The Washington Post and the Associated Press, he changed his tune. To the mystification of his guests, Préval complained that he had been unfairly tarred as a corrupt leader who has been profiting, along with his government, from the flood of relief aid that has poured into Haiti since the Jan. 12 earthquake. "There is no corruption here," he declared. "We have a high sense of morality." --What the Globe is reporting on the budget Aging populace puts a dent in Ottawa's bottom line --What the T Sun is reporting Feds' five-year plan to grow out of deficit 'realistic' --What the Star is reporting Tory budget won't tighten spending just yet --What the Post is reporting --What Canwest is reporting Nobody talking tax increases as budget nears Cutting the budget never an easy task Canadians fear cuts in health spending --We bring you a great Mountie moment Accused killer took cookies to Elliott --What else is shaking in Ottawa Liberals, NDP urged to save gun registry Critics say `petulant' Guergis must go Biased pick will hurt agency: Ignatieff Ottawa sets wheels in motion for Toyota probe Opposition set to pounce on Globalive ruling --What Canadians and others say about the Olympics Majority of Canadians happy with Games: poll In an online survey of 1,013 Canadian adults, 76 per cent said the Games have been well organized with a few exceptions. Sixty-four per cent of the 2,010 British adults polled also believe Vancouver's Winter Olympics have been run well despite the harsh criticism in the British media. The Games also appear to be working in the eyes of Canada's neighbour where 62 per cent agreed they are running smoothly. --What the W Post is reporting on us Team USA dashes Canadian hockey fans' expectations The Canadians have been a happy folk for much of the past two weeks. They wear their flags like capes and their red maple leaf jerseys like government mandates and their hearts on their sleeves, especially where hockey is concerned. They turned out Friday for the men's semifinal between the United States and Finland -- not in droves, but in respectable numbers for a game in which Canada was not involved. And these were not fans who arrived early to the Canada- Slovakia game; the arena is completely emptied between games. Nope, these were folks who had tickets and a dream -- a dream of seeing the United States lose to Finland. And my, were they unhappy for much of the day, until Antii Miettinen ruined Team USA's shutout with 5 minutes 14 seconds to play. Then Canada Hockey Place erupted. --What the LA Times is reporting Russians point fingers over Olympic losses --What the WS Journal says editorially speaking The four leading medals winners in Vancouver are free-market democracies. --What’s happening in the --Meanwhile, next door… Voters need to be sold on NB Power sale --What the W Post is reporting on climate change Senators to propose abandoning cap-and-trade Three key senators are engaged in a radical behind-the-scenes overhaul of climate legislation, preparing to jettison the broad "cap-and-trade" approach that has defined the legislative debate for close to a decade. The sharp change of direction demonstrates the extent to which the cap-and-trade strategy -- allowing facilities to buy and sell pollution credits in order to meet a national limit on greenhouse gas emissions -- has become political poison. In a private meeting with several environmental leaders on Wednesday, according to participants, Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.), declared, "Cap-and-trade is dead." --What Canwest is reporting on the good war NATO plans to stick to advance warning tactic --What CP is reporting Kandahar braces for fallout when spring fighting begins --What the W Post is reporting In Afghanistan, U.S. plans major push into Kandahar Administration officials declined to say when the Kandahar offensive will begin, but military officials have said that it probably will kick off in late spring or early summer after additional U.S. forces have moved into the area. --What the LA Times is reporting Attack in Kabul points to shifting Taliban tactics Pulling off the attack in central Kabul -- in one of the most secure neighborhoods in Afghanistan's most secure city -- was designed to send a message that the Taliban is not intimidated by the stepped-up military offensive in the southern city of Marja and can bring the battle to the doorstep of its adversaries. "They're trying to up the pressure and send a message that you guys aren't defeating us," said John Harrison, a research manager at the International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research in Singapore. "And they're showing they can penetrate the city and stand awhile." --What the Telegraph is reporting General Sir David Richards: Forces reach 'turning point' in Afghanistan Sir David said they have reached a “turning point” in the battle against the Taliban. He suggested troop numbers could begin to decline as early as next year while the majority would be withdrawn by 2015. --What the Independent is reporting on torture MI5 can't be trusted to tell truth, senior judge suggested --We leave you with a great moment in Brit journalism David Cameron prepares for hung parliament as lead narrows General election: Tories plan tax-cut budget FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2010 --We begin with a great moment in Canadian politics Junior cabinet minister Helena Guergis apologizes for P.E.I. airport tantrum At security screening, the writer says Guergis initially refused to remove her boots, which set off the metal detector. She then "huffily" removed her boots, "slammed" them into a bin and groused to the security screener: "Happy f**king birthday to me. I guess I'm stuck on this hell hole." Guergis's birthday is Feb. 19. Told at one point that she should have checked in at least two hours before her flight's departure time, the writer says Guergis shouted: "I don't need to be lectured about flight time by you. I've been down here working my ass off for you people." --We follow with details of the Minister's ass-breaking work The federal government is providing $197,960 to the P.E.I. Coalition for Women in Government for its project, ‘Supporting Democratic Participation of Prince Edward Island’s Women and Girls.’ Jacqueline MacNeill Doiron, president of the P.E.I. Coalition for Women in Government, says in Prince Edward Island, women hold 30 per cent or less of the seats at municipal, provincial, First Nations and federal levels of governments. “Our 36-month project takes a skills-building approach to provide 414 women and girls from across P.E.I. with invaluable knowledge on work-life balance and the kind of support they’ll need to run for elected office and/or take on other leadership roles in their communities.” During a recent stop in P.E.I., Helena Guergis, minister of state for the status of women, announced $80,000 to the Women’s Network P.E.I. for its project, Trade Herizons.--What the Globe is reporting on the budget Budgets, boomers and ticking time bombs As Ottawa prepares to battle deficit, schools fear for research budget --What the Post is reporting on budgetary matters Martin advising Europeans on debt --What CP is reporting Tories to raise air security tax, spend $1.5 billion on security --What else is shaking in Ottawa Politics hinders green debates, Ottawa told Reduce number of watchdogs, committee says Michael Ignatieff objects to Tory choice for rights-agency chief --What the WS Journal is reporting from Vancouver Canada Beats U.S. to Win Gold in Women's Hockey The medals ceremony was touching, with the bronze-medal Finnish team clearly thrilled to have won a medal. The U.S. women, meanwhile, were despondent, many in tears. When U.S. fans began chanting "U.S.A., U.S.A.," the Canadian-dominated arena took up the chant as well. --In case you missed it… Olympic success due in large part to one leader history has been created. These Games mark the first time that First Nations have been recognized as official co-hosts and treated as heads of state, with native culture a key hallmark. --What’s shaking back east Alberta may test Internet voting The Stelmach government's new electoral reforms reject key recommendations from Elections Alberta -- including adopting fixed voting dates and leadership finance rules -- but allow for testing of online voting and help remove political influence over the process. --Meanwhile, at the other QP MPPs decry linking Israel to `apartheid' McGuinty outlines vision for Ontario --What’s shaking in the distinct society La Caisse de dépôt dans les dernières de classe --What the WS Journal is reporting on climate change Climate-Change Group IPCC Moves to Fix Crisis Damage --We bring you this great moment in Afghanistan reporting Flag Raised, Marjah Reaches Turning Point (WSJ) Afghan officials unfurled the country's green, red and black flag over the new government offices here, further evidence that U.S. and Afghan troops have reached a turning point in the offensive to reclaim this town from the Taliban. Afghan flag hoisted over Marjah for the second time (Times) When General Ghori raised the flag last week it was soon shot at by insurgents holed up in nearby compounds. Whole parades of shops were abandoned. Some were shut up, others left wide open. Mud homes on the outskirts of the town were completely destroyed. --What the Star is reporting on the good war Elite force operates in Kandahar shadows The facts, relayed by Col. Bernd Horn, former deputy commander of the military wing that runs Joint Task Force Two, are shocking to the uninitiated. "Few realize Canadian (special operation forces) personnel have removed an entire generation of Taliban leadership in Kandahar, many of whom were responsible for the deaths of Canadian service personnel," he wrote in the Canadian Military Journal. --What AP is reporting At least 17 dead in series of blasts in Kabul --What CP is reporting NATO to launch massive assault on insurgents in Kandahar this spring --What the Times is reporting Karzai overturns law that reserves seats for women MPs --What the Independent is reporting Afghanistan: Under their flag, but still under fire --What the W Post is reporting Taliban defectors accept U.S. approach but wait for promises to be kept Pakistan to deliver suspected insurgents to Afghanistan --We bring you the latest on intractable conflicts India, Pakistan vow to 'stay in touch' in first formal talks since Mumbai siege Iran, Syria mock U.S. policy; Ahmadinejad speaks of Israel's 'annihilation' --What the NY Times is reporting Despite Pressure, China Still Resists Iran Sanctions --Why all Canadians love our mother country Spectre of double-dip recession looms over UK Alex Salmond unveils Scottish independence referendum plans --Why we love our other mother On Visit to Rwanda, Sarkozy Admits France Made ‘Grave Errors’ in Genocide THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2010 --We begin with a great moment in Canadian governance Ottawa's Twitter launch hits snag --We bring you the latest polling poop Conservatives open slight lead over Liberals --We follow with today's profile in political courage Health care could benefit from Williams' decision: Layton While Layton wouldn’t comment specifically on the Newfoundland and Labrador premier’s decision, even though the procedure is available in Canada, he said Canadians are now more aware of what is available in this country for free. --What the Globe is reporting on the budget Tories to sell two-sided budget with two-sided tale - The Globe and Mail Budget to include new spending after all, but no ‘extravagant' measures --What the Star is reporting at least 20 police departments and detachments across Canada are already using the devices. The RCMP says officers in detachments in Kelowna, B.C., and Moncton, N.B., (Codiac region) have been fitted with the uniform-mounted cameras as part of a pilot project that is also testing Taser-mounted cameras, made by Arizona-based Taser International. --What else is shaking in Ottawa Military told to heed abuse claims UN watchdog takes aim at medical marijuana program Le Bloc a du plomb dans l'aile, croit le PLC Ottawa hints it might bypass tendering to speed up $12 million Haiti contract Elections Canada appeals ruling that OK'd Tory ad spending in 2006 campaign Military can't staff all missions --We bring you a great Olympic moment COC asks Ottawa for an additional $22 million a year --What the NY Times is reporting A $1 Billion Hangover From an Olympic Party --What the WS Journal is forecasting
--What the WS Journal says editorially speaking With four more days of competition left, the Yanks hold the medals lead, at 26, ahead of Germany and Norway. The last time the U.S. won the most medals at the Olympics came in 1932, in Lake Placid. It's popular to read broader geopolitical meaning into Olympic results. While this time America can exult, Russians especially seem miffed about their relatively poor results in Vancouver. We tend to think the results reflect individual triumphs, but we also don't mind if the results shake the view among some U.S. elites that we're in decline. We also hope President Obama doesn't feel he has to apologize. --What’s happening back east Koreans on roll to snap up more Alberta oil assets --Speaking of which, we bring you a great Nova Scotia moment Burning cross ignites racial tension in Nova Scotia --What Canwest is reporting on climate change Prentice wants to play nice with Charest on emissions As the United States and Canada prepare next month to unveil "identical" tailpipe emissions regulations, Prentice says he is hopeful Quebec will agree to harmonize its rules with those adopted by the Harper government and the Obama administration. --What CP is reporting Harper's sincerity questioned after ex-minister assails climate 'alarmism' --What the Telegraph is reporting Rajendra Pachauri to defend handling of IPCC after climate change science row --What the Times is reporting Climate scientists hope independent reviews will reverse public’s loss of trust --We serve up a great Ontario moment Province won't renew contract of ombudsman André Marin "There's a lot of Ontarians that are interested in those jobs," McGuinty said. "And I think the fair thing to do in the circumstances going forward is to have an opportunity for folks who already have these jobs to reapply and for others who are interested on the outside to get a shot at this as well." --What else the Preem says in the Citizen but not in the Star Ontario pays bill as 'have-nots' thrive: study "I haven't chatted with any premier that thinks equalization is working well. That's a part of the Canadian condition," McGuinty said. "Developing consensus on how to fix it -- that's nearly as complicated as amending the Constitution. So I'll leave it to others to do what they want to do. ... We've got too many things on our plate right now to devote much time and energy to that particular issue." --What the Post is reporting on the good war UAE talks jeopardize Canada's Mideast base --What Canwest is reporting Canada's soldiers won't protect aid workers after 2011: general --What CP is reporting MacKay expresses concern Karzai move could be step backward for Afghanistan --What the NY Times is reporting C.I.A. and Pakistan Work Together, but Do So Warily --What the WS Journal is reporting Pakistan Offers Taliban Official to Afghans --What the Times is reporting Nato admits that deaths of 8 boys were a mistake --What the W Post is reporting Officials puzzle over millions of dollars leaving Afghanistan by plane for Dubai The cash, estimated to total well over $1 billion a year, flows mostly to the Persian Gulf emirate of Dubai, where many wealthy Afghans now park their families and funds, according to U.S. and Afghan officials. So long as departing cash is declared at the airport here, its transfer is legal. --What the NY Times says editorially speaking Editorial - The Dutch Retreat From Afghanistan – NY Times After the collapse of its coalition cabinet, the Netherlands is set to withdraw its 2,000 troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year. That decision is an embarrassment to the Netherlands, to NATO, and to Washington at a moment when President Obama’s counterinsurgency strategy faces a crucial test…. We fear the Dutch decision could provide cover for wavering politicians elsewhere — Germany, for example, or Canada, which is now scheduled to pull out its troops at the end of 2011. --What the W Post is reporting on Obama-care Democrats looking beyond health-care summit to final talks within party Although Obama is billing the White House gathering as an opportunity for Republicans to air their ideas for reform, Democrats do not expect it to reveal much common ground and are showing little willingness to abandon the basic outline of legislation that the House and Senate have approved. --What the WS Journal is reporting Obama Readies a Fallback Health-Care Proposal --What the W Post is reporting on Yankee thinking Poll shows concern about American influence waning as China's grows Asked whether this century would be more of an "American Century" or more of a "Chinese Century," Americans divide evenly in terms of the economy (41 percent say Chinese, 40 percent American) and tilt toward the Chinese in terms of world affairs (43 percent say Chinese, 38 percent American). A slim majority say the United States will play a diminished role in the world's economy this century, and nearly half see the country's position shrinking in world affairs more generally. --What the Guardian is reporting on the PM and Parliament No, prime minister: Whitehall prepares for curb on power in a hung parliament --What the WS Journal is reporting on the Brits David Cameron hires Obama advisers The Tories have signed a contract with Squier, Knapp, Dunn Communications—a Washington-based Democrat-leaning political consultancy— to help them prepare for the first-ever television debates between leaders during a British election campaign. The firm also is expected to offer some advice more broadly to the Tory leader on the Conservative campaign in the lead-up to voting, likely to take place on May 6. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2010 --What the Post is reporting on your tax dollars --What the Globe is reporting Ottawa wants business, public to fill in funding gap for Own the Podium The federal government is signalling it will refuse additional funding for the Own the Podium program, but Sports Minister Gary Lunn says Ottawa will try to persuade Canadian companies and individuals to fill an $11-million gap in the elite-athlete training program after the Winter Games end. --What the Globe is reporting on defence spending Defence priorities subject to tough budget decisions --What the NY Times is reporting Gates Calls European Mood a Danger to Peace “The demilitarization of Europe — where large swaths of the general public and political class are averse to military force and the risks that go with it — has gone from a blessing in the 20th century to an impediment to achieving real security and lasting peace in the 21st,” he told NATO officers and officials in a speech at the National Defense University, the Defense Department-financed graduate school for military officers and diplomats. A perception of European weakness, he warned, could provide a “temptation to miscalculation and aggression” by hostile powers. alliance members, he noted, were far from reaching their spending commitments, with only 5 of 28 having reached the established target: 2 percent of gross domestic product for defense. By comparison, the United States spends more than 4 percent of its G.D.P. on its military. --What the Star is reporting on the revenue side Analysis: Jim Flaherty's sacred cows — corporate tax cuts --What the Post is reporting on monetary policy Sharply ramp up interest rates, C.D. Howe advises --This just in… PMO has too much power, poll finds --What else is shaking in Ottawa PS needs to share economic pain, critic says Press release on senators too political, PS boss admits Ottawa closing the tap on bank support measures --What CP is reporting on Omar the K Justice minister defends refusal to seek Khadr's return --What the Star is reporting on Mr. El-Maati Torture destroyed his life, victim says --What the Citizen is reporting Human rights not our concern, CSIS agents say A Kuwaiti-born Egyptian, El-Maati emigrated to Canada when he was 17 and became a Canadian in 1986. In 1991, he travelled to Afghanistan, where mujahedeen factions fought for control of the Afghan government. El-Maati enlisted under Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, who earned a reputation for ruthlessness during his 1994 bombardment of Kabul. El-Maati spent five years working in support of Hekmatyar's forces as a cook and ambulance driver. He returned to Canada following the Taliban's victory in 1997 and worked as a trucker. --What the Globe is reporting on Danny Millions Canadian doctors feel snubbed by Danny Williams Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams inadvertently “bad mouthed” Canada's heath-care system by travelling to Florida to have his heart repaired, according to a prominent cardiac surgeon who says he would have gladly performed the surgery himself. “The fact that these procedures are available in Canada and they're done with individuals who are very well trained and have had good results definitely bad mouths the health-care system,” said Bob Kiaii, director of minimally invasive cardiac surgery and robotics at London Health Sciences Centre. “And it puts a really bad reputation to the health care we're now providing.” According to Asim Cheema, an interventional cardiologist at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, the surgery is technically difficult to do. “Once you know more about the procedure, the less critical you can be about his decision to go,” said Dr. Cheema. “It seems, this is the procedure he wanted to have, so if this is the procedure he wanted to have, he would like to go to the person who has done the most.” --What the Star is reporting U.S. surgery let premier avoid scar, doctor says Williams, 60, has said his doctors told him he would be offered only full or partial sternotomies. --What else the Star is reporting on health H1N1 flu pandemic unofficially over in Canada - for now --What’s shaking on the other coast Vancouver residents warm to Olympics --What the US ambassador was up to in Victoria Envoy bearing cups chows down at breakfast --Another BC MLA in the tank A North Vancouver MLA admits she is facing drunk-driving charges after being stopped at a roadblock early yesterday. --Meanwhile, back east Bronconnier decides not to run again --What’s shaking in the distinct society Ex-premier says Quebec universities at 'critical stage' from under-financing --What the Globe is reporting on Toyota Toyota strayed in quest for rapid expansion, CEO to admit --What the Star is reporting Ottawa has no plans to quiz Toyota officials over recalls --The world needs more Canada? Regional Group Leaves Out U.S. and Canada Leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean agreed Tuesday to form a new regional group that brings Cuba into the fold but excludes Canada and the United States. --A great moment in journalism Despite Taliban activity in Helmand, NATO won't alter Kandahar plans (Globe) Although the publicity-heavy military strategy NATO adopted ahead of its ongoing offensive in Helmand province allowed the Taliban time to plant “hundreds” of makeshift bombs that are slowing troop progress, a similar operation planned in Canadian-led Kandahar province will largely use the same tactic, its commander says. Asked about comments from another regional commander, who said last week that IED finds were only in the “dozens,” Brig.-Gen. Ménard said they were “for sure” in the hundreds. The result was not unexpected, and has not swayed Brig-Gen. Ménard, who suggested the soldiers in Kandahar – including the bulk of the Canadian troops in the country – will be able to learn from what their peers have seen in Helmand. What the Times is reporting Taleban snipers prove to be a formidable threat in Marjah campaign Since the start of the Marjah operation, the expected threat from roadside bombs has proved less lethal than expected. “The IEDs we’ve found are simplistic,” said Staff Sergeant Thomas Williams, who has been defusing many of them. “Words can’t express how Bush League these devices are.” But it is the Taleban’s use of snipers — the first time Western forces have faced such skilled sharpshooters — that is causing greater concern. The discovery of Nato issue ammunition on the battlefield has also raised fears that the Taleban may have gained access to weaponry now being used against the alliance. --What else the Globe is reporting Karzai's power move 'disturbing,' Cannon says --What Canwest is reporting Canada has had relatively few incidents lately involving civilian casualties compared with other countries such as the U.S., the Netherlands and Germany. This may be because even before McChrystal announced tough new engagement rules last year to try to reduce the number of such mishaps, Canadian commanders had constantly emphasized that troops had to make certain that no civilians were in their field of fire. --What the WS Journal is reporting Denmark Rallies Public Behind Afghan War the Danes have largely maintained public support for the effort, selling the mission as a humanitarian effort rather than simply protection against a terrorist threat, and building consensus among political parties. They have reaped the benefits of a largely supportive media and the country has, to some degree, rediscovered its pride in an active military. --What the W Post is reporting Death toll in Afghan war nears 1,000 Of the 73 U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan since Dec. 1, at least 23 had previously served in Iraq, according to The Post's analysis. "It affirms what we already knew, which is that the burden of this very long war is being borne by a small percentage of the population," Bacevich said. --What else the NY Times is reporting More GPS Satellites Will Be Eyes for Troops and Civilians --What else the WS Journal is reporting Afghan Government Administrator Arrives in Marjah Taliban Capture Raises Hopes of Pakistan Shift --What Canwest is reporting on climate change Climate scientists fight for renewed research funding --What the Guardian is reporting Sharp decline in public's belief in climate threat, British poll reveals The proportion of adults who believe climate change is "definitely" a reality dropped by 30% over the last year, from 44% to 31%, in the latest survey by Ipsos Mori. --What the WS Journal is reporting on Haiti TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2010 --We begin with a great moment in Canadian journalism Canada will reach medal targets, COC says (Globe yesterday) Canada in a race for second place (Globe today) --We follow with some great moments in Canadian governance The trouble with economic forecasting --What the Globe is forecasting this year Budget won't include new spending or tax measures The real story of the March 4 budget promises to be an outline of the multi-year plans starting in 2011 to reduce record deficits by curbing growth in every area of federal spending except health care, education and public pension plans such as the CPP… Only health care, education and public pensions like the CPP – fast-growing areas of federal spending – will be allowed to grow at currently projected rates. --What the Star is reporting Ottawa tightens belt to rein in the deficit Next week's federal budget is expected to lay out spending cuts that will happen this year, federal officials say, the first hint that Ottawa intends to phase in its budget restraint program faster than previously planned. --What CP is reporting Feds approve 6,000 infrastructure projects, could mean spring job surge --Today’s idiocy --What CP is reporting on the Horsemen RCMP reform not working, force needs 'revival,' Liberal senators say --What a Liberal Senator says to Sun Media about the GST Colin Kenny, the group’s unofficial head, says he supports raising the GST to cover the price of implementing the group’s recommendations. He warns it will cost “a lot.” “It wouldn’t surprise me at all if it worked out to be about a 25% increase in the overall ($4-billion annual) budget,” Kenny said. “I wouldn’t be upset if it came fromre-jigging the GST ... 2%. That (would raise) $12 billion a year.” --What the Globe is reporting on Rights and Democracy Ex-Alliance politician will head troubled rights group --What La Presse is reporting on the new man « De plus en plus d’immigrants proviennent de pays où se pratique un intégrisme religieux. Ils exigent alors l’application sur notre territoire de règles de comportement social dictées par leur religion, comme s’ils se trouvaient encore dans leur pays d’origine», poursuivait M. Latulippe avant de montrer du doigt les communautés les plus problématiques: les juifs hassidiques, les sikhs et «une partie importante de la communauté musulmane». M. Latulippe comparait alors ces nouveaux venus aux vagues d’immigration anciennes, qui, elles, n’avaient rien « d’incommodant ». Un an plus tard, Gérard Latulippe revient sur la question des accommodements religieux, qui auraient été conçus « pour que des groupes d’immigrants dont le comportement social, dicté par une forme d’intégrisme religieux, puissent se soustraire à nos valeurs communes ». « Nous commençons à vivre ce qui, en fait, est un phénomène occidental. L’incompatibilité des valeurs est devenu un problème majeur sur le continent européen où la population actuelle de 20 millions de musulmans aura probablement doublé d’ici 2025 », déplore-t-il. --What Le Devoir is reporting from Ottawa Le financement d'Ottawa n'a pas profité également à tous les groupes juifs ont touché 85 % des sommes, contre 8 % pour les groupes musulmans et 7 % pour les autres groupes réunis…. Il est difficile de déterminer dans quelle mesure ce déséquilibre dans les fonds accordés témoigne d'un quelconque préjugé de la part du gouvernement fédéral et non d'un simple déséquilibre dans le degré d'organisation des communautés respectives. --What else is shaking Tory hopes for Olympic ‘bounce' are likely to fall flat Feds find financing for green farm energy sources, minister says City 'adamant' about Ottawa covering G20 costs Immigration judge made sex bribe: Court --What Le Devoir is reporting on the Bloc Duceppe discutera souveraineté en Europe mission en Europe, qui aura lieu l'automne prochain, est une première pour Gilles Duceppe --What La Presse is reporting on the Cons Mission commerciale en Alberta: le ministre Paradis salue l'idée Le ministre des Ressources naturelles, Christian Paradis, estime que les entreprises québécoises peuvent donner un sérieux coup de main à l’industrie des sables bitumineux de l’Alberta. M. Paradis estime que les entreprises québécoises peuvent donner un sérieux coup de main à l'industrie des sables bitumineux de l'Alberta afin qu'elle exploite cette importante ressource naturelle d'une manière plus respectueuse de l'environnement. --What else is shaking in the distinct society Quebec unions united in pushing for catch-ups Un pacte 50-50 pour équilibrer le budget Finance Minister urges a 'cultural revolution' in Quebec - costlier services --What CP is reporting on Danny Millions 'My heart, my choice,' Williams says, defending decision for U.S. heart surgery --What the Globe is reporting 'It's my health, it's my choice' --What the W Post is reporting on the President’s health Obama offers new health-care reform proposal his formal adoption of an approach so aligned with the efforts of congressional Democrats acknowledges that the overhaul will draw little to no Republican support, and that the main challenge lies in retaining the support of Democratic lawmakers. "It doesn't strike you as a scaled- down thing that's not supposed to have enemies," said John Holahan of the Urban Institute, who is a proponent of comprehensive legislation. "They just went all out." Because of the Democrats' loss of their 60th Senate seat, the overhaul's likeliest route is for the House to pass the Senate bill with the understanding that the Senate would pass agreed revisions using a maneuver that requires only 51 votes. But for that to work, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) would need to retain the Democrats who voted for the House bill, as well as replace those who are opposed to the abortion language in the Senate bill. The imperative of corralling House Democrats is apparent in the president's decision to scale back the tax on high-cost insurance plans. The White House had championed the "Cadillac tax" as a cost-containment tool, but House Democrats and labor unions had opposed it, saying it would hit middle-class families and would be an easy political target for Republicans. Instead, the House bill raised income taxes on couples earning $1 million. --What the NY Times is reporting from Washington In Passage of Jobs Measure, a Glimpse of Bipartisanship Senator Scott Brown, the newly elected Republican from Massachusetts, was the first member of his party to cast his vote for the measure. --What La Presse is reporting on climate change GES: l'idée d'un régime nord-américain est abandonnée Le gouvernement Harper abandonne l’idée de créer un régime nord-américain de plafonnement et d’échange d’émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) pour lutter contre les changements climatiques. --What Le Devoir is reporting Washington et Ottawa seront au diapason, affirme Jim Prentice --What the Yanks are reporting (a great moment) EPA Delays Start of New Rules on Greenhouse Gas Emissions EPA lays out timetable for regulating greenhouse gas emissions she plans to start targeting large facilities such as power plants next year but won't target small emitters before 2016. The letter makes it clear the Obama administration will move ahead with curbing global warming pollution under the Clean Air Act unless Congress moves to stop it. Jackson emphasized that the administration was required to act under a 2007 Supreme Court decision that said greenhouse gases from motor vehicles qualified as a pollutant under the 40-year-old air-quality law. Jackson was responding to a letter several coal-state senators sent her late Friday. --What CP is reporting on Haiti Canada stops Haitian evacuation flights, death toll set to jump --What The Chronicle Herald is reporting Harper ‘recycling’ money in Haiti --What the WS Journal is reporting Agriculture Program Yields Hope in Haiti --What the W Post is reporting Opposition leaders say they want to work with government in rebuilding Haiti --What Canwest is reporting on the good war 'You cannot have security without good governance' --What the Globe is reporting Top Taliban’s arrest an ominous signal Another top Taliban leader has been arrested in Pakistan, the latest in a string of captures that risks strengthening the insurgency's hard-line base. --Two papers in one! According to plan - Globe and Mail the combination of this offensive and Pakistan's capture of some of Mullah Omar's lieutenants have made this a good month in Afghanistan. --What AFP is reporting Eight die in Afghan bombing as US loses 1,000th soldier --What the W Post is reporting Afghan official who will govern Marja pays first visit, makes plea to residents To bolster Afghan ranks, U.S. encourages ethnic balance, pay raises --What the WS Journal is reporting U.S. airstrike kills at least 27 Afghan civilians --What the NY Times is reporting Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty in Plot to Bomb Subway Pakistani Reports Capture of Taliban Leader Review - 'Behind Taliban Lines' - 10 Days in the Life of Afghan Insurgents --What the Guardian is reporting Hamid Karzai takes control of Afghanistan election watchdog --What the W Post is reporting on the bad war Opposition leaders say they want to work with government in rebuilding Haiti U.S. plans for possible delay in Iraq withdrawal --What the Guardian is reporting on a big hit EU condemns use of forged passports in Dubai hotel killing --What the Guardian is reporting politically speaking Hung parliament looms as Tory support crumbles --What the Telegraph is reporting on the Concordia Teenager who survived two days in the Atlantic on lifeboat speaks of ordeal MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2010 --What The Hill Times is reporting from Ottawa Cabinet ministers' offices regularly interfere in ATI requests, says Tory staffer "The PMO does get mad at ministers' offices when there's an ATIP that goes out that has more information than they believe it ought to have had," the staffer said. "They'll yell at ministers' offices. Both Mr. Akin and the Conservative staffer agreed, it is the deputy ministers who must increase the size and professionalism of departmental ATI offices to improve the system. However, Mr. Akin said, for bureaucrats and political staffers alike, "You do not get promoted based on your ability to move access requests through the system." --What the Globe and CP are reporting Ex-Reformers face embarrassment of pension riches Ex-Reform Party MPs set to collect once-scorned pensions --What the Citizen is reporting Despite the Harper government's promise to close the revolving door between politics and Ottawa's lobbying business, more than a dozen former aides to Conservative MPs have gone on to work as lobbyists. --What the Star is reporting --What else The Hill Times is reporting When Parliament returns, the government's legislative agenda is expected to be dominated by core Conservative issues such as tough-on-crime bills, fiscal responsibility and electoral reform in order to capitalize on support in a potential fall election, says a seasoned political insider. --What else is shaking in Ottawa Disabled girl's family fights order to leave Scholar debunks Arctic conflict Canadians face kidnap risk in Africa Ex-envoy feared being scapegoat in NAFTAgate PM's Senate plurality doesn't guarantee smooth sailing for Tories' justice agenda Harper snubs Paralympics, Grit MP says --What the NY Times is reporting from Washington Obama to Urge Oversight of Insurers’ Rate Increases --What the Star is reporting on dem Preems Trading partners face future together --What CP is reporting in French but not in English US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and the Prime Minister of Québec, Jean Charest, yesterday announced the formation of a working group to study the feasibility of 2 TGV lines--between Montréal and New York and between Montréal and Boston. Mr. LaHood said that the working group will begin once the members have been named. In principle, Québec, the US and Canadian federal governments and concerned US states will be part of it, they said. --What the Star is reporting on Haiti Utterly alone, with twins to care for, in Haiti --What the W Post is reporting Commission starts preparing plans for Haiti's rebirth --What the W Post is reporting on U.S. stuns Canada in Olympic men's hockey An underdog U.S. hockey team hadn't merely given a powerhouse Canadian team a fight in a roaring, red-decked arena. By night's end, it had enlarged its medal hopes and left an entire nation bruised. --What the WS Journal is reporting Ryan Miller's 42 Saves Keys Team USA Win Over Canada in Hockey The victory, although not for a medal, partially validates a controversial approach taken by the team's general manager, Brian Burke, who opted to recruit young, physical and talented NHL stars with built-in chemistry from years of playing in the country's national development program in Ann Arbor, Mich. Team Canada, in contrast, is made up of some of the most decorated veterans in the NHL, including the league's most recognizable superstar, Sidney Crosby. While Mr. Crosby scored a goal, he was on the ice for three of Team USA's goals. --Meanwhile, back east… --What the Citizen is reporting on the good war No rest for troops until summer: report --What the Globe is reporting Dutch to leave Kandahar vulnerable --What the Times is reporting Dutch confirm Afghan troop pullout sparking fears of domino effect There are concerns that other countries where public opinion is turning against the Afghan campaign could follow, notably Canada, which has had the biggest proportional casualty rate and is committed to withdrawing its 2,800 troops by the end of next year. Another concern is the continued presence of 1,000 Australian troops. The Canberra Government has repeatedly refused to take over the lead role in Uruzgan if Holland leaves, demanding that a big Nato power provide the main share of troop numbers. --What the LA Times is reporting NATO airstrike kills 21 Afghan civilians --What the Telegraph is reporting Afghanistan: Traces of hope in Helmand --What the W Post is reporting Battle for Marja not only militarily significant Military officials in Afghanistan hope a large and loud victory in Marja will convince the American public that they deserve more time to demonstrate that extra troops and new tactics can yield better results on the battlefield. Although Obama has set a date to begin a pullout, he has not said how quickly the troops will leave. Success in southern Afghanistan would almost certainly mean a slower drawdown. The other group McChrystal wants to influence is the Afghan people and the Taliban, who saw the July 2011 withdrawal deadline as a sign of wavering U.S. will. "This is all a war of perceptions," McChrystal said on the eve of the Marja offensive. "This is all in the minds of the participants. Part of what we've had to do is convince ourselves and our Afghan partners that we can do this." A swift victory over the Taliban in Marja, followed with a robust development effort, could sway some Afghan fence sitters. When McChrystal took over command of NATO forces in June, some of his closest advisers argued that U.S. troops should not even be in Marja or the surrounding central Helmand province. Nearby Kandahar, Afghanistan's second-largest city, has been the epicenter of the Taliban movement for more than two decades and should be the focus of U.S. efforts, these officials insisted. --What the Guardian is reporting Approaching fight for Kandahar may be crucial stage in Afghanistan war --What the WS Journal is reporting Protecting Civilians Delays Afghan Offensive --What the NY Times is reporting Afghans Voice Their Fears Amid Marja Campaign General Calls Marja Push ‘Initial Salvo’ in Long Battle --What else the W Post is reporting Kabul Bank's Sherkhan Farnood feeds crony capitalism in Afghanistan Kabul Bank's boss has been handing out far bigger prizes to his country's U.S.-backed ruling elite: multimillion-dollar loans for the purchase of luxury villas in Dubai by members of President Hamid Karzai's family, his government and his supporters. "What I'm doing is not proper, not exactly what I should do. But this is Afghanistan," Kabul Bank's founder and chairman, Sherkhan Farnood, said in an interview when asked about the Dubai purchases and why, according to data from the Persian Gulf emirate's Land Department, many of the villas have been registered in his name. "These people don't want to reveal their names." Karzai's older brother and his former vice president, for example, both have Dubai villas registered under Farnood's name. Kabul Bank's executives said their books record no loans for these or other Dubai deals financed at least in part by Farnood, including home purchases by Karzai's cousin and the brother of Mohammed Qasim Fahim, his current first vice president and a much-feared warlord who worked closely with U.S. forces to topple the Taliban in 2001. --What the Guardian is reporting on their PM Gordon Brown hit by fresh bullying allegations The cabinet secretary, Sir Gus O'Donnell, was tonight under pressure to launch a formal investigation into Gordon Brown's treatment of his staff after an anti-bullying helpline revealed it has received several complaints from people working at No 10. --Why we love our other mother Sarkozy’s depiction of pregnant, ‘virgin’ Marianne sparks feminist wrath --What the Times is reporting on a big hit Dubai hit squad may have used diplomatic passports --What the Independent is reporting on climate change Methane levels may see 'runaway' rise, scientists warn SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2010 --We begin with a great moment in Canadian journalism Medal 'goes to Canada' (Ed Journal) Canadian Olympians fail to follow up on Montgomery's dazzling performance (CP) Skating siblings come up empty (Cal Herald) 'Fun,' despite zero medals for skating Hamelin boys (Province) Police crack down on alcohol ahead of 'Super Sunday' (Globe) --What the NY Times is reporting on
Big Push From Canada Is Not Panning Out Canada’s aggressive mining for medals looks certain not to pan out. A goal of winning 35 medals, 11 more than it earned at the 2006 Turin Games, appears as far-fetched as finding an unfriendly Olympic volunteer. As the Games approached, a more realistic 30 became the number bandied about, because Germany’s 29 led the medal table in 2006. Still, a newspaper, The Vancouver Sun, projected 39. --What the LA Times is reporting Vancouver, stumbling out of the gate, hopes to finish strong - latimes.com Big crowds and big performances, not to mention solid television ratings, come as a big relief after a succession of bumps, glitches and worse that had organizers wondering what might go wrong next. Vancouver, like any Olympic Games, will ultimately be remembered for the stories its athletes tell…. So far, the big names for the U.S. -- snowboarder Shaun White, figure skater Evan Lysacek, skiers Lindsey Vonn and Bode Miller -- have come through with medal performances. That, in turn, has boosted NBC's ratings by 27% compared with those of four years ago. --What else the NY Times is reporting Figure Skating Coach Brian Orser Never Forgot Losing Gold Medal --What’s shaking in Ottawa Harper won't appoint ex-PM for Haiti aid effort --What’s shaking on the other side of the River Accommodation debate flares up --Who’s gone south Premiers meet U.S. governors in Washington to talk trade, environment, energy Canada-U.S. talks turn into group hug Émissions polluantes: les États-Unis imiteraient le Québec A prison visit with Con Black | Peter Worthington --What The Mail on Sunday is reporting on the UK gold medal Since Whistler is the world’s fastest track, both times were effectively world records. “I am really enjoying it, although I had a bit of a slow start and trouble at the 12th and 13th corners,” she said between last night’s runs. --What The Observer is reporting Anonymous Amy makes her mark with the slide of her life She arrived in Canada as the lesser known (by some distance) of Britain's two women's sliders – behind Shelley Rudman, who won silver in Turin four years ago – and will depart as a history maker; the first Briton to win a winter Olympics individual gold since Robin Cousins, in the men's figure skating at Lake Placid in 1980. The search for the last woman to pull off the same feat must go back all the way to 1952, with Jeannette Altwegg in the women's figure skating competition. The raucous celebrations of the British fans and the sight of her mother crying in the stand soon put her right. She had won, although confirmation did not come for another hour while the judges ruled on a spurious challenge by the Canadian team, which objected to the design of her helmet. --What The Mail on Sunday is reporting Amy Williams ends Britain's medal drought in gold medal win in Vancouver The United States, Canada and Germany conspired together with two other unnamed teams to file a protest to the International Bobsleigh and Tobaggan Federation (FIBT) against Williams’ space-age helmet. They claimed it had aerodynamic spoilers attached which are against the rules. The United States led the protests, paying the $100US fee demanded by FIBT, and its assistant skeleton coach Greg Sand said angrily: 'We can run races throughout the season by a strict rulebook. --What the Independent is reporting on the track Williams reaches the top on sliding scale The controversial 90mph-plus course, on which the Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili died in practice, apparently after making a small error, was right up her street. "I love this track. Once you get over the fear factor you learn to love it and the speed is your friend," Williams said. --What The Mail on Sunday is reporting Amy Williams reveals: I thought that I'd finished third When the Whistler track was designed, the Canadians acted within the rules, but perhaps outside the spirit of the Olympic Charter, by restricting access to competitors other than their own. Melissa Hollingsworth had been widely expected to deliver another medal for the host nation but, confronted by the raw pace of Williams from the first round, she melted to finish fifth. --What the Times says editorially speaking --What The Observer is reporting on the Brit PM Civil service chief warned Gordon Brown over abusive treatment of staff --What the Times is reporting on UK politics Tories offer bank shares for all as poll lead dives THE Tories are planning a bank shares bonanza for millions of families as they fight to save their lead in the polls, which has slumped to just 6%. --What the Telegraph is reporting on the big hit Israeli immigration officials copied British passports used by hit squad, ministers --What the Globe is reporting on the good war Easily made bombs a complex problem for foreign troops --What the NY Times is reporting Dutch Government Collapses Over Its Stance on Troops for Afghanistan The question plaguing military planners was whether a Dutch departure would embolden the war’s critics in other allied countries, where debate over deployment is continuing, and hasten the withdrawal of their troops as well. The probable loss of the Dutch contingent and the continuing resistance to significant increases in manpower by other allies demonstrate the extent to which the dividend expected from the departure of President George W. Bush, who was so unpopular in capitals across the Atlantic, has not materialized, despite Mr. Obama’s popularity in Europe. “The support for Obama was always double-faced,” said Stefan Kornelius, foreign editor of the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung. “It was never really heartfelt. People loved what they heard, but they never felt obliged to support Obama beyond what they were already doing.” --What the W Post is reporting As Marja assault progresses, coalition considers challenges in rebuilding area --What the NY Times is reporting Marines Do Heavy Lifting as Afghan Army Lags in Battle Shouts from the Marines were common. “What you shooting at, Hoss?” one yelled during a long battle on the second day, as an Afghan pulled the trigger repeatedly and nonchalantly at nothing that was visible to anyone else. Not all of their performance was this poor. --What the LA Times is reporting Afghan leader urges coalition troops to curb civilian deaths Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Saturday made an emotional appeal for coalition troops to strive to prevent civilian deaths as a major offensive in the south by U.S., British and Afghan troops entered its second week. Karzai, addressing parliament as it opened its winter session, held up a picture of an 8-year-old girl he said was the only survivor after 12 of her family members were killed when NATO rockets hit a home on the second day of the offensive. "We need to reach the point where there are no civilian casualties," the Afghan president said. --What else the NY Times is reporting The Prize in Marja - Momentum (FILKINS) these days, the most troubling part of the Afghan project is not the conduct or determination of either the Americans or their NATO allies. Indeed, now that the Americans have focused their minds and gathered the resources, they appear to be in a position to decisively shape the battlefield over the course of the next year. The question, rather, is the Afghans themselves. --What the Times is reporting Mullah’s arrest is ‘own goal’ for US Strict battle guidelines hampering British troops in Afghanistan --What The Observer is reporting on climate change Attacks on climate research are damaging the public's faith in science --What the Telegraph is reporting Barack Obama's climate change policy in crisis Critics of America's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are now mounting a series of legal challenges to its so-called "endangerment finding" that greenhouse gases are a threat to human health. An initial showdown is expected over rules on vehicle emissions. --Hey! I thought weather isn’t climate (today’s letter) SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2010 --We begin with a great moment in Canadian journalism Ottawa defies call for bank tax --What the Citizen is reporting from Ottawa Aging Supreme Court poised for change an historic opportunity for Harper, or Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff if he wins the next election, to put an enduring stamp on the high court by naming three or four judges over the next few years. --What else is shaking Tories target civil service pensions High court clarifies minimum sentences --What the Star is reporting on Haiti --What the W Post is reporting Tens of thousands of Haitians still lack adequate shelter --We bring you the latest on Rights and Democracy Cannon will support embattled rights agency: source Winnipeg lawyer nominated for Nobel Peace Prize --As readers of this press review already know... Gomery named president of Quebec Press Council MP's rant about Louis Riel denounced by PMO --What the Québécois nation thinks Les Québécois d'accord avec Lucien Bouchard 27% of Québecers think Lucien Bouchard would make the best premier...19% back Jean Charest and 15% Pauline Marois...If Bouchard formed a new party, he'd have the support of 31% of voters compared to 24% for the PQ and 28% for the Liberals. --What dem Preems are up to Provinces to spend $2.7B on prisons --What else dem Yanks are up to Lawmakers join tobacco lobbyists in battle with Canada --What the Globe is reporting on the Olympics Governor-General joins fight for women ski jumpers --What the Post is reporting --What the WS Journal is reporting America's Surprise Vancouver Olympics Rout The U.S. performance comes as a surprise in part because America has never won the medal count at a Winter Olympics Games. The closest it came was Salt Lake City, where it took second in total medals (behind Germany) and third in the gold-medal count (behind Germany and Norway). But the performance is also a surprise because USOC officials had adamantly refused to speculate about America's performance in Vancouver. While Canadian officials boasted of their $120 million own-the-podium program and predicted a total medal count of 35, officials of the USOC remained silent. A year before the Games, the USOC targeted $16 million mainly toward events where the U.S. had the best chances for medals rather than equally across the board, said Alan Ashley, chief of sport performance for the USOC. --What else the WS Journal is reporting Luge Track Had Earlier Safety Fixes Olympic luge organizers were told three years before the Vancouver Games' track was built that it would send racers downhill at speeds that would easily eclipse past records— and once it was built, made two sets of track adjustments out of apparent safety concerns, said people involved in the sport. --I'll bet you didn't know --What's shaking back east Wildrose gains another former Tory --What our papers are reporting on the good war Countering IEDs before they kill Canadian soldiers --What the Guardian is reporting Dutch government collapses after Labour withdrawal from coalition --What the WS Journal is reporting Taliban Stalls Progress in Marjah The U.S. State Department official visited Marjah on Friday to see whether the week-old allied military offensive had made enough progress to allow the U.S.-led coalition and the Afghan government to launch their main mission: Reintroducing Afghan civilian rule to a town that has been under Taliban control for years. Instead, Mr. Weston found the battle still under way and the town so devastated by years of war and neglect that it was hard to imagine scores of civilians setting up shop there very soon. --What the W Post is reporting Suspected U.S. missile strike kills top militant's brother in Pakistan In Marja, it's war the old-fashioned way --What the W Post is reporting on security Authors of waterboarding memos won't be disciplined "I fear that John Yoo's loyalty to his own ideology and convictions clouded his view of his obligation to his client and led him to author opinions that reflected his own extreme, albeit sincerely held, views of executive power," Margolis wrote. But Margolis concluded that despite significant flaws in the documents, the memo authors did not intentionally violate ethics rules. Instead, he said, they were struggling to prevent another terrorist strike on U.S. soil. Margolis also pointed out that the legal issues were far from a close call: OPR investigators repeatedly shifted their own views and analysis in the course of multiple drafts. --What the NY Times is reporting Justice Department Report Finds Yoo and Bybee Not Guilty of Misconduct Mr. Margolis’s 69-page report was often more critical of the ethics office than of the Bush administration lawyers themselves. --What the LA Times is reporting CIA is said to seek custody of a seized Taliban chief - latimes.com --What the NY Times is reporting Andrew C. McCarthy, a Terrorism Prosecutor, Changes View --What the Guardian is reporting Police investigate claim MI5 was complicit in Shaker Aamer's torture --What the Guardian is reporting on a big hit Britain denies any advance warning of plan to murder Hamas leader --What the Financial Times is reporting on climate change Departing climate chief pessimistic on Cancún FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2010 --We begin with a great moment in Canadian journalism Internet hoax blamed for Lightfoot death rumours After rumours of Lightfoot's death initially emerged online, Hawkins was contacted by a Canwest reporter. In that interview, Hawkins reported that Lightfoot was dead. Based on that information, Canwest News Service sent out an alert and short story on the wire which reported Lightfoot's death. Within minutes, Canwest was contacted by a representative close to Lightfoot who said that news was untrue. That prompted another alert on the wire which said the previous story should be disregarded because there were conflicting accounts about Lightfoot's health. About 30 minutes later, Canwest spoke to Fiedler and immediately moved a story reporting the hoax. --What’s shaking in Ottawa Ottawa rejects Abdelrazik claim that CSIS knew he faced torture Greens may give May a break on leadership rules NDP calls for civilian oversight for military Make civil servants split pension costs: report Canada lags in addressing cost of aging society: budget watchdog --We follow with another great moment in Canadian journalism (see it here!) Aspers bid to reclaim TV empire What the Globe is reporting Asper backs rival bid for CanWest --What the Telegraph is reporting on Haiti British UN chief defends leaked email criticising Haiti charity workers --What the Star is reporting Vive la France! Oh, and hi there, Canada When Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrived in Haiti last Monday he was greeted on the tarmac by Canada's ambassador, the Haitian foreign minister and the sight of the rusted empty shell of an abandoned Russian airliner in the distance. By contrast, when French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived on Wednesday, he was greeted by a full honour guard and Préval, who, in a feat outside of protocol, ran up the portable steps to shake Sarkozy's hand. --What the Star reported a couple of days ago --What the NY Times is reporting on the Olympics Olympic Athlete Had Filed Warnings About Safety of Luge Track Olympic Medals Prove Elusive for Russia La température monte à Vancouver Une semaine après la cérémonie d'ouverture, premier bilan des JO d'hiver. Entre réussite tricolore et polémiques anglo-saxonnes, sur fond de ferveur. --What's shaking back east Province defends private surgeries --What the NY Times is reporting on the US economy Fed Rate Move Rattles Stocks and Sends Dollar Higher it was a clear sign to the markets, politicians in Washington and the country as a whole that the era of extraordinarily cheap money necessitated by the crisis was drawing gradually to a close. --What else was shaking in Washington Obama Meets Dalai Lama, and China Is Quick to Protest --What the Star is reporting on dem Preems Premiers get historic shot at fostering U.S. trade ties Flexing their combined political muscle, Ontario's Dalton McGuinty and six other premiers are meeting with U.S. governors and members of President Barack Obama's cabinet in Washington. In a historic summit of sub-national leaders, the premiers' Council of the Federation is gathering with the powerful National Governors' Association on Friday with hope of improving trade relations between provinces and states. What the Post is reporting Premiers seek exemption from U.S. green tariffs Canada's premiers will seek assurances from the Obama administration today that Canadian exports will be spared any punitive trade measures arising from U.S. plans to curb greenhouse gas pollution. --What Le Devoir is reporting on Rights and Democracy Droits et Démocratie - Le conseil a voulu protéger des ministres La question israélo-palestinienne ne semble pas expliquer à elle seule la crise qui sévit à l'organisme canadien Droits et Démocratie. L'Afghanistan y est aussi pour quelque chose. L'homme de confiance d'Ottawa au conseil d'administration, Aurel Braun, n'a pas aimé que des employés contredisent deux ministres conservateurs à propos de ce qu'ils savaient vraiment d'une loi misogyne adoptée par Kaboul. --What Canwest is reporting Toronto is anti-Israel 'hub,' think tank says --What the Post is reporting internationally --What else is shaking in the distinct society Bouchard's PQ criticism stirs nationalist fervour within party, Leader says --A great moment in editorial writing More secular than thou - Globe and Mail Ms. Marois replied in arguably sexist and ageist terms, saying Mr. Bouchard had joined a "clan" of "mothers-in-law," by which she seemed to mean "has-beens." --What La Presse is reporting on Peter Goldring Un député conservateur rabroué par son parti | Hugo de Grandpré The PMO is separating itself from the actions of an MP who came out against the rehabilitation of Louis Riel…in a houselholder…called the Metis leader a villain. --What the Globe is reporting on the good war Afghan pullout sets budget quandary for Harper Questions swirling about arrest of Taliban mullahs --What the NY Times is reporting that answers the questions In Pakistan Raid, Taliban Chief Was an Extra Prize New details of the raid indicate that the arrest of the No. 2 Taliban leader was not necessarily the result of a new determination by Pakistan to go after the Taliban, or a bid to improve its strategic position in the region. Rather, it may be something more prosaic: “a lucky accident,” as one American official called it. “No one knew what they were getting,” he said. In Blow to Taliban, 2 More Leaders Are Arrested A senior United States official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that the arrest of the shadow governors was unrelated to Mullah Baradar’s capture. --What the W Post is reporting Four NATO troops killed on sixth day of Marja offensive in Afghanistan - Three of the four deaths Thursday came in two separate roadside bombings; the fourth service member was killed by small-arms fire. --What the WS Journal is reporting U.S. Involves Afghan President Karzai in Offensive Against Taliban in Marjah --What else the NY Times is reporting 25 Afghan Police May Have Joined Taliban --What the WS Journal is reporting Dutch Parliament Debates Afghanistan An election promise to pull Dutch troops out of Afghanistan by the end of 2010 threatens to topple the Netherlands' coalition government and undermine the U.S. mission as the Pentagon steps up operations against the Taliban. Dutch Prime Minister Jan–Peter Balkenende and Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen, whose Christian Democrat Party is to the right of Mr. Bos, have staked their political future on a position that the troops must stay, even if in a reduced role. --What the W Post is reporting Al Kamen - New ambassador asks Belgium to ante up in Afghanistan --What the W Post is reporting on climate change Climate pact appears increasingly fragile; U.N. official quits - Nearly 100 nations, including the United States, South Africa and Brazil, have endorsed the Copenhagen Accord. But China and India have yet to formally sign off on it, and sources close to Chinese officials say they are balking at sensitive points dealing with transparency and monitoring, even as they vow to press ahead with limits on the growth of their emissions in the next decade…. Many observers saw de Boer's resignation as recognition that the U.N. role had been overtaken by the big emitting nations, which hammered out the accord at the last minute in Copenhagen. "It's a death knell for the U.N. process," said Frank Maisano, a lobbyist on energy issues at Bracewell & Giuliani. "It's clear now that you're going to have to solve this issue through agreements with major emitters." "What Copenhagen did in my mind was put to bed the notion that there will be a global binding treaty that sets targets," said Kenneth Lieberthal, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a China expert who has been tracking climate talks. Instead, he said, countries would try to "develop mutual trust that will enhance their willingness to do more rather than less." --What the NY Times is reporting Mr. de Boer did not directly link his decision to step down to the chaos at Copenhagen. But he was known to be frustrated and exhausted by the meeting’s failures. His resignation was seen by some as a further sign that the United Nations framework, which for almost two decades has been viewed as the best approach to tackling global warming, may have outlived its usefulness. And it raised questions about whether any significant progress toward a global treaty would be made by December, when the next United Nations climate talks are to be held in Cancún, Mexico. --What the WS Journal is reporting the world's biggest emitters are willing to curb their output of those so-called greenhouse-gases only to the extent that they believe doing so will help them in more immediate ways, such as fighting smog and creating jobs. Those economic realities will continue to face Mr. de Boer's successor. --What the NY Times is reporting on Iran Inspectors Say Iran Worked on Warhead The United Nations’ nuclear inspectors declared for the first time on Thursday that they had extensive evidence of “past or current undisclosed activities” by Iran’s military to develop a nuclear warhead, an unusually strongly worded conclusion that seems certain to accelerate Iran’s confrontation with the United States and other Western countries. --What the Brits are reporting on a big hit Israel remains silent over use of forged British passports in Dubai assassination Fatah members linked with assassination of Hamas commander in Dubai Ministers face questions over Dubai hit squad’s British passports Hamas assassination: Two Palestinians 'helped Mossad agents in murder plot' THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010 --We begin with a great moment in Canadian governance Funds provide tidy snowmobile trails The federal government has spent more than a million dollars buying snowmobile trail groomers in Quebec, prompting accusations of pork-barrel waste from advocacy groups and cries of envy from snowmobilers outside the province. In the past three days, the government has awarded more than $300,000 in grants to Quebec snowmobile clubs for equipment to groom trails. All the clubs are based in or maintain trails through the ridings of Conservative cabinet ministers Denis Lebel and Jean-Pierre Blackburn. Lebel is the minister whose department writes the cheques; Blackburn used to run that department. --What the Post is reporting from Ottawa Tories plan 'specific' spending cuts in budget Stockwell Day, the Treasury Board President and the man in charge of public-sector purse strings, revealed there would be "specific" spending cuts outlined in the March 4 budget, as the government wants to show households it is prepared to make the same "significant sacrifices" they were forced to take during the peak of the financial crisis. --Iggy says Ignatieff kicks off battle over budget cuts Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff opened the coming battle over deficit reduction by accusing the Conservatives of using Ottawa's massive revenue shortfall as an excuse to reduce the federal government's role in Canada. --What the Globe is reporting Budget must tackle rising costs of greying population, watchdog warns --Another great moment in Canadian governance Spending good for 'visibility,' bureaucrats told Baird Senior bureaucrats told the government shortly after the last election that its infrastructure plan could be used as a "strategically important" communications tool that would provide "excellent visibility" for ministers and MPs. The advice was included in briefing notes prepared for Transport Minister John Baird in the fall of 2008. They were released through Access to Information legislation. "Building Canada is a strategically important initiative for communicating the federal role and the importance of infrastructure in the economy and in the lives of Canadians," said a briefing note from Gerry Maffre, who at the time was the director general of communications at Infrastructure Canada. "While programs funding and major project announcements garner national and regional media attention, local or smaller projects provide excellent visibility for regional ministers and local MPs." --We bring you the latest polling poop CBC News - Politics - Conservatives and Liberals remain tied: poll the poll also suggests more Canadians believe the government is heading in the wrong direction (48.2 per cent) than the right direction (41 per cent). The poll, released exclusively to CBC News on Thursday, asked Canadians which party they would vote for if an election were held tomorrow. While the Tories have a slight lead over the Liberals, the difference falls within the margin of error. The poll found 31.2 per cent would support the Conservatives, compared with 29 per cent who would back the Liberals. The poll also found that 16.5 per cent of Canadians would vote for the NDP, 11.8 per cent for the Green Party and 8.8 per cent for the Bloc Quebecois. The Tories remain strong in the West and appear to have gained back some of the support they had lost in Ontario, given how close they are to a tie with the Liberals. --What Nik says politically speaking Facebook forums shouldn't sway government, pollsters told --What else is shaking in Ottawa Senate poised to call for major RCMP overhaul Privacy czar takes on Google Buzz problem MPs pile on `train wreck' agency Canada Seeks Diplomatic End To Arctic Dispute --What CP is reporting on Omar the K Khadr lawyers slam 'perverse' Tory move on Khadr, seek court review --Iggy says Khadr’s lawyers challenge Ottawa’s move to block evidence “In our view,” said Ignatieff, “they should have added a crucial additional fact in a diplomatic note … that he was a child soldier.” --What the W Post reported last week Former boy soldier, youngest Guantanamo detainee, heads toward military tribunal "The U.N. position is that children should not be prosecuted for war crimes," said Radhika Coomaraswamy, the U.N. special representative for children and armed conflict, after meeting administration officials in October. But U.S. government officials said they expect to go to trial at Guantanamo Bay in July and will put Khadr before a jury of military officers on multiple war crimes charges, including murder. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. has said that the Khadr prosecution is one of six detainee cases assigned to a military commission rather than federal court. … "His age, family background, the culture he grew up in are all going to be part of a trial, and they are all going to be factors that the members can consider," said Navy Capt. John F. Murphy, the chief military prosecutor at Guantanamo Bay, referring to the military term for jurors. "We're not hiding from the fact that he was 15 years old. . . . Even in our traditional court system, we try 15-years-olds, and we try them as adults." --What the WS Journal is reporting on the Olympics Lots of Air, No Drama as Shaun White Takes Gold While rainy, mushy snow created some sub-par practices leading up to the competition, Wednesday's halfpipe final went down in ideal conditions. It was the clearest, sunniest day of the Olympics so far, and in the afternoon, Cypress Mountain offered spectators views, unobstructed by clouds, of the surrounding mountains and the bay. --What the NY Times is reporting Vonn Wins Olympic Gold in Downhill With Daring Run In one of the most stirring descents in Olympic downhill skiing history, Vonn ignored the pain in her injured shin, chased down Mancuso and caught up to nearly a lifetime of expectations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic downhill gold medal. With an aggressive style and stance she held throughout her run — jaw, hands, knees and hips always angling forward for more speed — Vonn’s time of 1 minute 44.19 seconds on the bumpy, treacherous Whistler race course was 0.56 of a second ahead of Mancuso. Elisabeth Görgl of Austria won the bronze medal. --What else the WS Journal is reporting Vonn, Mancuso Win Gold and Silver in Women's Downhill After the race, Ms. Vonn took a stab at answering the obvious lingering question—was the U.S. success just a good day on the big slopes or was it a form of exceptionalism. "Americans perform well under pressure, we're game day athletes," Ms. Vonn said after the race. "We don't hold anything back. I know everyone has a lot of pressure at the big events, the world championships, but Americans seem to come out on top. We're free-spirited and we're really determined people." --What a Guardian columnist observed earlier in the week Thrusting young nation goes ice todger mad as Vancouver Olympics open Canadian Olympic skiing gold medallist Kerrin Lee-Gartner, one of the BBC commentary team, said she was "quietly proud", adding: "We do not wave the flag like other countries do." Which countries would those be then, Kerrin? Maybe, instead of the torches and the drums and Bryan Adams, they should have just had the audience chant: "Are you watching, USA?" football-style, and we could have all got to bed a little earlier. --What’s shaking back east Energy hunt spurs Alberta land grab U of A reels from $20M surprise cut Oilers goalie charged with drunk driving Alberta readies electoral reforms --What’s shaking in the distinct society Bouchard's criticism of PQ is music to Charest's ears Réactions aux propos de Lucien Bouchard - Mulcair se porte à la défense du PQ Le gouvernement Charest trop «accommodant» Les péquistes désavouent les propos de Bouchard Popular ex-leader Bouchard blasts PQ 'radicalism', urges it to shelve sovereignty --What the Globe is reporting on the good war Forces find only 'couple of dozen' IEDs in Marjah --What the W Post is reporting Afghans greet Marja offensive with anger, hope Taliban resistance slows coalition forces in Marja, Afghanistan --What the Guardian is reporting Taliban using human shields, says Afghan army general --What the Times is reporting Taleban and Afghan Government held secret talks in the Maldives --What the WS Journal is reporting Coalition Prepares to Install Kabul Authority The coalition's plans have won the full-throated backing of Afghan officials such as Gov. Mangal, who have at least publicly been treated as equal partners in the Marjah operation. But the international development community has remained aloof, wary of being seen as an extension of the military. The U.N. said Wednesday it wouldn't take part in the reconstruction of Marjah, sharply criticizing what it called the "militarization of aid." The distribution of aid by the military "gives a very wrong signal to communities about the impartiality of this assistance and puts the lives of humanitarian workers at risk if they are in any way associated with the military," said Robert Watkins, the deputy special representative of the U.N. secretary-general, at a news conference in Kabul. --What the WS Journal is reporting Afghan Push Has Iraqi Precedent --What the NY Times is reporting Snipers Imperil U.S. Troops in Offensive in Afghanistan --What the Guardian is reporting on a big hit UK calls in Israeli ambassador as Dubai killing row escalates --What the NY Times is reporting on climate change Environmental Advocates Are Cooling on Obama --What the WS Journal is reporting Small Reactor Powers Nuclear Industry --What the Financial Times is reporting US energy chief struggles to shift debate WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2010 --We begin with a great moment in Canadian journalism Canadians pull together for Haiti – the star (editorial) In Haiti more than a month after the Jan. 12 earthquake that levelled Port-au-Prince and killed more than 200,000, millions are locked in a struggle just to "find the strength to go on," in the words of President René Préval. They have yet to dig out and bury the dead, much less find shelter against the rainy season. So it was good to see Prime Minister Stephen Harper spend two days in Haiti this week to reaffirm Canada's support for the stricken nation and to push for sustained international help. He is the first of several Group of 20 leaders who plan to visit in the run-up to a critical donors conference in New York next month. PM praises Canada's 'hard power' (Star news report) Harper spent Tuesday at numerous organized photo-ops but did not take any questions from journalists. His visit, despite his aides' insistence to the contrary, has been disruptive, according to a Canadian embassy employee, who would speak only privately. "It's a big contingent and so many of us are working on this when we could be doing other things," the employee said. --What the Globe is reporting on Haiti Quebec woman adopts six Haitian children, bringing total to 14 --What the W Post is reporting Haiti earthquake damage estimated up to $14 billion Haiti's massive earthquake could be the world's most devastating natural disaster since World War II in relation to the country's size and economy --What the WS Journal is reporting Haitian Diaspora Sees Opening an Opening --What the WS Journal is reporting that may stimulate you Bulk of Stimulus Spending Still to Come Proponents of the stimulus program focused attention on infrastructure projects during the fight to win approval for it last year. But the bulk of the money proposed for projects like new rail lines and water projects—about $180 billion in all—is likely to be spent this year at the earliest. During year one of the stimulus, only about $20 billion of money was handed out for infrastructure projects. --What the Globe is reporting from Ottawa Public servants gird for pension battle with Ottawa With just over two weeks to go before budget day, Conservatives say they have been told that spending cuts, rather than tax increases or prolonged deficits, are the best way to address Canada's $56-billion deficit. “People are concerned about what some people have been talking about – a long term, structural deficit,” said Conservative MP Ted Menzies, who sat in on many pre-budget consultations as parliamentary secretary to the Finance Minister. “They're saying: ‘Wherever you can, whatever is reasonable, cut back on program spending,' ” he said. “There will be some cuts. We'll have to look at programs very, very seriously.” --What the Citizen is reporting Mulroney champions 'brilliance' in foreign service --What I wrote back in 2006 about the above relationship Mr. Mulroney was often criticized for being overly sympathetic to Israel, particularly after it became known that the Department of Foreign Affairs had to seek the approval of his chief of staff, Stanley Hartt, for all votes at the UN on the Mideast. --What else is shaking in Amiante chrysotile: des propos accablants pour le Canada Cannon seeks accountability on African aid at G8, touts promises delivered Rights agency closing Geneva office Nuclear staff exposed to radiation at Bruce Sex charges laid against top Forces Chaplain Sikorsky faces more setbacks in delivery of new helicopters Ottawa asks U.S. to omit evidence in Khadr case --What Le Devoir is reporting on the above Khadr restera aux mains des Américains | Le Devoir «La Cour suprême a beaucoup insisté sur le fait que les interrogatoires de 2003 et 2004 contribuent à la détention illégale de Khadr, rappelle Mme Lafontaine. En demandant que les informations obtenues ne puissent pas être utilisées lors d'un procès, le gouvernement répond en partie aux préoccupations de la Cour. Mais c'est une réparation minimale, compte tenu de l'étendue des violations notées». --What the former PM of Québec says --What the Grand Chief of the AFN says The partnership of the Four Host First Nations in the Winter Games illustrates what the new relationship between Canada and its aboriginal people should be, the national leader of the Assembly of First Nations said Tuesday. Shawn Atleo said in an interview that the opening ceremony finally saw Canadian aboriginals “ returning to their rightful place” in Canada with chiefs recognized as heads of state before a worldwide audience. --What Le Devoir is reporting on the Olympic foofaraw My country, c'est l'hiver? | Le Devoir «Mon pays, ce n'est pas un pays, c'est l'hiver», voulait entendre le Comité organisateur des Jeux de Vancouver (COVAN) lors de la cérémonie d'ouverture. Le COVAN a donc pressé Gilles Vigneault de demandes à l'automne pour utiliser sa célèbre chanson. En vain. Vigneault a refusé au moins trois fois, craignant qu'on la tronque, qu'on la traduise ou qu'on l'utilise dans un contexte inacceptable, selon ce qu'a appris Le Devoir. --What the WS Journal is reporting on our Olympics Speed and Commerce Skewed Track's Design --What the Globe is reporting Ottawa to offset Olympic emissions --The world needs more Canada? Canadians Chase Their True National Team the real and true Team Canada, the one that has brought forth some of this country's greatest contributions to the world—things like rubber pucks, goalie masks, toothless grins and the mullet. We're talking, of course, about hockey. --The world needs more Poland? Reactor May Aid in Shortage of Medical Isotope Just as the worldwide shortage of a radioactive isotope used in millions of medical procedures is about to get worse, officials say a new source for the substance has emerged: a nuclear reactor in Poland. --We’re # 2! What If They Gave Medals for Losing? --Meanwhile, back east… Fears grow of royalty fire sale --What’s shaking at the other QP Thousands spent on unapproved HST ads about 'getting the word out': McGuinty --What La Presse is reporting on the distinct society Des vacances qui n'ont pas de prix | Denis Lessard --What the Star is reporting on Iran Military action against Iran still on the table, Kent says Paramilitary at very core of Iran --What the NY Times is reporting Iran Policy Now More in Sync With Clinton’s Views --What the Times of London is reporting on a big hit Britons had passport details stolen by ‘Mossad death squad’ --What the Guardian is reporting on climate change Big firms drop support for US climate bill Barack Obama suffered a setback to his green energy agendatoday when three major corporations – including BP America – dropped out of a coalition of business groups and environmental organisations that had been pressing Congress to pass climate change legislation. The defections by ConocoPhillips, America's third largest oil company, Caterpillar, which makes heavy equipment, and BP rob the US Climate Action Partnership of three powerful voices for lobbying Congress to pass climate change law. They also undercut Obama's efforts to cast his climate and energy agenda as a pro-business, job-creation plan. --What the WS Journal adds BP, ConocoPhillips and Caterpillar Pull Out of Climate Partnership On a range of issues, from climate change to health care, skepticism is growing in Washington that Congress will pass any major legislation in a contentious election year in which Republicans are expected to gain seats. For companies, the shifting winds have reduced pressure to find common ground, leading them to pursue their own, sometimes conflicting interests. --What else the Guardian is reporting Canada looks to China to exploit oil sands rejected by US --What the W Post is reporting Obama offers loan to help fund two nuclear reactors By helping to finance the construction of the reactors -- the first new U.S. nuclear power units in more than 30 years -- Obama is hoping to jump-start his efforts to pass comprehensive climate-change legislation, which has stalled in Congress in the face of GOP opposition. --What the WS Journal is reporting Budget Seeks Cuts in Greenhouse Gases Mr. Obama's budget calls for $39 billion in tax increases on fossil-fuel producers over 10 years. It also includes an estimated $1.4 billion to help developing countries address the impacts of climate change, reduce deforestation and shift to low-carbon energy sources. --What the W Post is reporting on China As the world watches, Dalai Lama will meet with Obama at the White House the Obama administration seems to have planned the get-together in such a way as to both honor the Tibetan leader and avoid enraging Beijing. Although Obama won't meet the Dalai Lama in public -- as President George W. Bush did in 2008 when the Dalai Lama was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal -- he will host him in the West Wing, and not the White House's private quarters as President Bill Clinton used to do. --What the Globe is reporting on the good war Canadians to be ‘tip of the spear' in Kandahar Gen. King's comments come as Kandahar's governor, Tooryalai Wesa, met Tuesday in Kabul with government and military leaders about the Helmand push, dubbed Operation Moshtarak. Mr. Wesa is seeking assurances that the coalition will correct its Helmand “mistakes [and] misinterpretations,” referring to the 15 civilians that have been reportedly killed since Moshtarak launched Saturday. --What the WS Journal is reporting Site of Marjah Government Offices Seized Progress continued to be deliberate—at times slow—in the fourth day of what the U.S.-led coalition bills as its biggest offensive since the Taliban's fall in 2001, and a grand effort to oust insurgent fighters while restoring the credibility of the Afghan government. --What the NY Times is reporting Marines in Afghan Assault Grapple With Civilian Deaths --What the Independent is reporting Taliban 'using human shields' in assault TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2010 --Steve says Pledge to help Haiti still stands, PM says Harper announces aid project as he kicks off two-day visit to Haiti --What the Brits are reporting on torture MI5 chief may be to blame for complicity in torture, Mohamed lawyer claims --Iggy says Ignatieff urges Harper to rein in power to suspend Parliament Ignatieff last month proposed changing parliamentary rules so that the prime minister would need majority consent in the House of Commons to suspend Parliament for more than a month, within a year of the last prorogation or when he's facing a confidence vote. New Democrats have put forward a simpler idea, promising to propose legislation requiring majority consent to prorogue at any time. Either proposal would have prevented Harper from proroguing in 2008, when his minority government faced defeat at the hands of a united opposition front that hoped to replace the Conservatives with a Liberal-NDP coalition government. --What the FinMin says Flaherty sets stricter mortgage rules - The Globe and Mail --What else is shaking in Ottawa Inuit being shut out of Arctic summit, leaders charge Code of conduct sought for 'amoral' political aides Native university pulled back from brink Sentence of 12 years for convicted terrorist Saad Gaya not proportional: Crown --What the WS Journal is reporting on climate change IEA Says Emissions Targets Fall Short The IEA, which advises industrialized nations on energy policy, has calculated that all the action plans that countries have submitted so far won't stabilize the long-term concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at 450 parts per million of CO2 equivalent—a level that would translate into a two-degree temperature rise, according to the agency. "The pledges made so far mean 550 parts per million and result in a three-degree increase in temperature,"' Mr. Birol said. "That's much higher than many countries would like to see." --What CP is reporting on inter-nation relations in Canada Vcr Olympic boss grilled over French presence at opening ceremonies --What the Van Sun says editorially speaking Some flaws, yes, but the Games are a success so far what depiction of Canada would be complete without at least one region of the country feeling slighted? Quebec Premier Jean Charest's complaints -- unfortunately given credence by federal Heritage Minister James Moore -- that Quebec was under-represented, the French language played down, are best ignored for now. With almost two more weeks of competition, cultural performances and celebrations, we don't want to get sidetracked into the same tedious regional whining that too often passes for dialogue in this country. We're also confident that Canadians interested in enjoying the Games rather than just looking for evidence to support a pre-existing thesis were able to find in the opening ceremony elements to proudly identify with. --What else is shaking in the distinct society Evictions 'racist,' ex-band council member says --We bring you a great BC moment So-called Black Bloc anarchists' vandalism exposes cracks in anti-Olympic fight --Followed by a great Alberta moment Alberta's culture minister downplays French complaint After federal Heritage Minister James Moore said there was not enough French during the opening ceremony, Alberta Culture Minister Lindsay Blackett said on Monday the language is being well represented. "It's always nice to add a bit more to it because we are a bilingual country, but I don't think we should be making a huge deal about it," said Blackett, referring to the opening ceremony. Between meetings with representatives from Quebec and France, going to French concerts and hearing French spoken at the Games, Blackett said the country's official language is well represented. "The level of French involvement and participation has been great," he said from Vancouver. Asked if he has heard any complaints about a perceived lack of French, Blackett said he has heard "not a one.".. During the opening ceremony, Gov. Gen Michaelle Jean officially opened the Games in French first, a referee took the officials' oath in French, Vancouver Organizing Committee chairman John Furlong spoke in parts in broken French, and a French singer from Quebec also performed. --What the Times is reporting on Iggy Canada salvages gold from wreckage of tarnished Vancouver Olympics Michael Ignatieff, the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, currently in opposition, said on the eve of the Games: “We have this nice reputation and it’s good to be thought to be a nice country and a compassionate country, but I think it’s good also for people to go, ‘Hey, these guys really compete’. “I think the world will think, ‘Wow, these people are nice, but don’t mess with them’.” Whether the world agrees, is another matter altogether. --What the NY Times is reporting on the Olympics Hockey Stick Divide - Canada Leans Left, U.S. Right --What the LA Times is reporting Canadian athletes feeling a mountain of pressure Along with disappointment, the Canadian team was taking shots. U.S. snowboarder Nate Holland suggested it was fine for Canada to own the podium, but he and his teammates planned to rent it during the Olympics. To which Canadian snowboarder Drew Neilson replied: "That rent will be unaffordable." --What the Times is reporting London 2012 can't be worse than the Vancouver Games this winter The team behind the London Olympics are leaving nothing to chance in order to avoid the sort of disasters befalling the Winter Games in Vancouver. They are already exploring what the weather might be like when the torch is lit in the new Olympic Stadium on July 27, 2012. They cannot afford gaffes and calamities on the same scale as those of the past few days in the Canadian city, for judgment would be swift and damning, industry experts said. “The London organising committee would be hung, drawn and quartered,” Chris Lightfoot, chief executive of Whitestone International, the leading brand experts, said last night. “Vancouver might survive the worst of the things happening, but Britain has a global reputation and there are plenty of people who will be ready to step up and take a swipe if things start to go wrong.” as Vancouver faces up to Games that appear to have been cursed, there is one positive outcome for London. Many believed that London would be overshadowed hopelessly by the glitz of Beijing in 2008, but Vancouver may have provided a buffer of reality that will make whatever London does look like light relief compared with Canada’s gloom. --What the Independent is reporting Canada finally has its golden moment – even if America 'owns' most podiums It wasn't necessary to be an aficionado of freestyle skiing – indeed you might even have believed that as a rival to the classic downhill it has all the aesthetic properties of a disturbance in a box of washing flakes – to understand the scale of Alexandre Bilodeau's achievement here in the small hours of yesterday morning. We are talking, let's make no mistake here, about nothing less than the removal of an extremely large monkey from the back of a nation which in normal circumstances is arguably the most moderate, unassuming and compassionate in the entire western world. --What the Telegraph is reporting Canadians expect nothing less than ice hockey gold When even the Prime Minister admits that there is a danger of one event not just dominating his country's coverage of these Olympics, but defining the success or failure of the event in his compatriots' eyes, then you can begin to glean why the launch of Canada's quest for men's hockey gold on Tuesday night takes on the feel of a crusade. --What the Star is reporting on Canada-US thingies Secretive family and a vital U.S. link create international span of mystery --What the W Post is reporting on Gitmó Spain to accept five Guantanamo detainees Obama last year named veteran diplomat Daniel Fried as a special envoy to work with other nations to accept Guantanamo Bay detainees. His efforts have had some success -- he had met recently with Spanish officials -- despite fears that other countries will not accept detainees for resettlement if the United States is unwilling to do the same. U.S. officials said some countries are nonetheless eager to be seen to help Obama, and many share his commitment to close the facility at Guantanamo Bay. In the case of Spain, the government of Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero wants to restore good relations with the United States. Ties had frayed after Zapatero withdrew Spanish troops from Iraq in 2004, a decision that infuriated the Bush administration. --What the Post is reporting on the good war Block 'backroom' peace deal with Taliban: Abdullah Abdullah --What the W Post is reporting U.S. curtails use of airstrikes in assault on Marja "Now we're going to have to clear the compounds one by one, and that increases the risk, potentially even to civilians in the area," Worth said. Even so, he said he understands McChrystal's reasoning. "A professional fighting force need to assume the preponderance of risk," he said. "That's the way it should be in a counterinsurgency." --What the NY Times is reporting Half of Town’s Taliban Flee or Are Killed, Allies Say Among the Taliban fighters still in Marja, American and Afghan officials said, morale appears to be eroding fast, in part because the holdouts feel abandoned by their leaders and by local Afghans who are refusing to shelter them. “They cannot feed themselves, they cannot sustain themselves — that is what we are hearing,” Col. Scott Hartsell told a group of senior officers at a briefing near Marja that included Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the commander of NATO forces; and Abdul Rahim Wardak, the Afghan minister of defense. “They are calling for help, and they are not getting any.” “Pretty soon, they are going to run out of gas,” Colonel Hartsell said. Indeed, some of the American and Afghan commanders said that they hoped to complete the combat phase of the operation within three or four days. --A great Afstan moment U.S. Marine Walks Away From Shot to Helmet in Afghanistan --What the NY Times is reporting Taliban’s Military Chief, Mullah Baradar, Is Captured --What the Post is reporting on Iran Saudis fail to back U.S. on Iranian sanctions --What the NY Times is reporting Clinton Raises U.S. Concerns of Military Power in Iran Mrs. Clinton may have made some headway, given the response of the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Saud al-Faisal. He said Iran risked setting off a nuclear arms race in the region, and expressed worries that the American-led effort to impose new sanctions might not come quickly enough. “Sanctions are a long-term solution,” he said. “But we see the issue in the shorter term, maybe because we are closer to the threat. So we need an immediate resolution rather than a gradual resolution.” Prince Saud also appeared to encourage China, the main holdout to sanctions, to back a Security Council resolution. Saudi Arabia’s influence with Beijing is significant, given that it is China’s largest supplier of oil and could offset any retaliatory cutoff of shipments from Iran should Beijing support sanctions. American officials have prodded Saudi Arabia to reassure China, and while they would not say whether they had been successful, they said they were encouraged by Mrs. Clinton’s meeting with the king. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2010 --We begin with a great Canadian moment Not everyone happy with amount of French content at kickoff Political bigwigs and languages commissioner decry lack of French at Games Réjean Tremblay : Fier d'être «Canadian» (Vancouver) I am so proud to be a Canadian! It is with great pride that I realized that the organizers of the Vancouver Olympics truly understand the real Canada! I am so proud that I had to put some of my emotions in writing in this country's "superior language" so that the bosses at VANOC would be proud of me. --What the WS Journal reported on our Gold Medal winner Business Group Quietly Helps Canadian Olympians --What the NY Times is reporting on the Olympics Snowboard Cross and Ski Cross Have Long History With Danger A luger from the Republic of Georgia was killed in a crash on Friday, setting a somber tone for the Vancouver Games and stirring debate over how much is too much risk. Despite its high speeds through an icy chute, luge has had relatively few serious injuries since it was added to the Olympic program in 1964. Death in the sport is rare. But snowboard cross and its cousin, ski cross, the only new medal sport added for these Olympics, are probably the most dangerous sports at the Winter Games. --What La Presse is reporting on the Cons in Québec Catherine Handfield : L'opposition critique une nomination «partisane» Un candidat conservateur aux élections fédérales de 2006 vient d’être nommé juge de la citoyenneté par le gouvernement de Stephen Harper. L’opposition juge cette nomination partisane. Dans un communiqué publié vendredi, le ministre de la Citoyenneté, de l’Immigration et du Multiculturalisme, Jason Kenney, a annoncé la nomination deMarc Nadeau en tant que juge de la citoyenneté à Montréal. M. Nadeau a été candidat conservateur dans la circonscription de Sherbrooke. --What the Globe is reporting on Steve Harper heads to Haiti to see recovery efforts --What the Star is reporting Wells: PM to visit tourist mecca under threat --What La Presse is reporting Trois évadés de prison rapatriés au Canada --What the W Post is reporting Haiti's elite sees business opportunities emerging from reconstruction --What the NY Times is reporting Amid Sorrow, Carnival in Haiti Is Called Off --What else the NY Times is reporting Tears Roll as Haiti Emerges From Shock To many writers, the loss of Georges Anglade, a geographer who had turned to fiction and literary theory later in life, seems unfathomable. A Haitian-Canadian, Mr. Anglade invented a literary genre in the style of Haitian oral storytelling. “He helped Haiti understand itself, and his death is a big loss for the intellectual world here,” said Evelyne Trouillot, a novelist and short-story writer. --What else the Star is reporting on Steve --What else the Globe is reporting on Haiti Another casualty of Haiti quake: art --What CP is reporting Harper to highlight Canada's commitment to post-quake Haiti during visit --Another great moment in Canadian journalism Biden's motorcade involved in crash U.S. media identified the injured women as Peggy Fleming, an ice skating gold medallist in 1968… --What the Globe is reporting on Iggy Ignatieff wades into PMO versus banker fight --What else is shaking in Ottawa Border agency ignores CSIS data RCMP drafts wide-ranging changes to Taser policy following critical reports Afghanistan and Iran to top G8 foreign ministers' meeting in Canada PM and Tories keep close eye on Alberta's Wildrose Alliance movement Inside Canada's START disaster relief Haiti team in Ottawa PCO budget and staff shrink under Harper --What the Star is reporting on Col Williams Accused colonel lauded military investigator --What The Hill Times is reporting CF shocked by Williams, critics call for a more rigorous military leadership review --What La Presse is reporting Philippe Orfali : Des milliers de délits commis dans l'armée | Actualités --What’s shaking in the distinct society Non-natives evicted from Mohawk reserve Le lobbyiste des écoles juives était militant du PLQ Marie Tison : Secteur spatial: le Québec loin derrière l'Ontario --What the NY Times is reporting on security Biden and Cheney Trade Criticism on Sunday News Programs some of Mr. Cheney’s criticisms of the Obama administration on Sunday were more muted than his remarks have been in recent weeks, and he went so far as to express support for Mr. Obama’s policy in Afghanistan. He chuckled while viewing a recording of Mr. Biden’s comments, saying, “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by my friend Joe Biden.” As he has before, Mr. Cheney made no secret of his disagreement with many eventual Bush administration decisions on how to handle terrorism suspects, including whether to try them in criminal courts. He also distanced himself from Sarah Palin, the former Alaska governor, who suggested a week ago that President Obama could help himself politically if he declared war on Iran. “I don’t think a president can make a judgment like that on the basis of politics,” Mr. Cheney said. Mr. Cheney also said the time had come to reconsider the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which prohibits openly gay men and lesbians from serving in the military. “Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has indicated his belief that we ought to support a change in the policy,” Mr. Cheney said. “My guess is the policy will be changed.” --What the NY Times is reporting says about Maher Arar Editorial - Seven Paragraphs – NY Times The full Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is weighing the Justice Department’s attempt to shut down a civil lawsuit brought by Mr. Mohamed and four others — on a flimsy national security claim that has been rendered even flimsier by the British court. Then there is the case of Maher Arar, a Syrian-born Canadian citizen who was seized at Kennedy Airport by federal agents acting on bad information. After being harshly interrogated, he was sent to Syria, where he was tortured. In November, Mr. Arar’s civil suit was dismissed by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, which essentially bought the Bush administration’s bogus national security claims, extended under Mr. Obama. Mr. Arar has appealed to the Supreme Court. Rather than fight, the Obama administration should offer an apology and a monetary settlement like Canada did three years ago. It has always been true that a real accounting of the Bush administration’s abuses is vital if Mr. Obama truly wants to repair them and try to prevent them from recurring. It is more important than ever now, when the Republican right is trying hard to turn the clock back to those dark times by painting Democrats as “soft on terror” during an election year. --What’s shaking in Europe Athens to resist push for greater austerity Both Germany and the European Central Bank have been pushing Athens to strengthen its existing fiscal stability plan by adding measures such as a 1 to 2 per cent increase in value-added tax and further public-sector wage cuts in return for financial assistance. --What the Guardian is reporting on coalition government Lib Dems rule out coalition government Clegg would be prepared to throw a lifeline to the Conservatives or Labour by allowing either party to pass a Queen's speech if the aspiring government makes concessions in the four areas, described as the Lib Dem "shopping list": • Investing extra funds in education through a pupil premium for disadvantaged children. • Tax reform, taking 4 million out of tax and raising taxes on the rich by requiring capital gains and income to be taxed at the same rate. • Rebalancing of the economy to put less emphasis on centralised banking and more on a new greener economy. • Political reforms, including changes to the voting system and a democratically elected Lords, that go further than proposed by Labour. Clegg would give the minority government a chance to deliver and would not expect his demands to be met in full by the time of the Queen's speech, the first major parliamentary test of a new administration. "People expect stable government," one aide said. "It is right to assume that if one party has a mandate it should have a crack at governing. If no party has a majority, then people will need to talk to each other." AFGHANIS-CAN? --What the WS Journal is reporting on the good war U.S. and Afghan Troops Expand Control in Marjah The two-day-old offensive, the core of a wider U.S.-British-Afghan campaign to secure the Nad-e-Ali district that contains Marjah, is designed to assert the Kabul government's authority in restive Helmand province. --What the Star is reporting via AP In the mud and from the air, assault on Taliban takes toll A Canadian berated an Afghan soldier whose gunfire was too close to soldiers scattered elsewhere in the field. "You've got friendlies there!" he screamed. --What CP is reporting Military says success for Canada is no shots fired, no blood shed, in big offensive Military report shows how many Canadian soldiers suffered mild brain injuries --What the Globe is reporting NATO's novel battle tactic spawns opposite effects coalition forces are making slow progress into Marjah. Given the advance notice, Taliban insurgents have turned the community of 80,000 into a veritable minefield. “We planted many mines,” one Taliban spokesman told The Globe and Mail. “Now we are preparing for [a] new attack against these forces in Marjah.” --What the Independent is reporting Joya condemns 'ridiculous' military strategy --What else the WS Journal is reporting U.S. and Afghan Troops Expand Control in Marjah On Sunday, Marines shot and killed an unarmed man who approached a coalition position and ignored repeated warnings, including warning shots, according to the Marines. Even a minor incident underscored the potential fragility of the political side of the offensive. On Sunday, one of the troops shot a farmer's dog that was acting aggressively towards a military bomb-sniffing Labrador. Lt. Col. Worth apologized, although the farmer, Jawad Wardak, seemed nonplussed. "It would have been better if you hadn't shot my dog," Mr. Wardak said. "But it's OK that you did." One of the Afghan soldiers then asked Mr. Wardak for food. The colonel interjected that the troops brought their own meals and did not want to take things from the locals. "That's not why we're here," he said. Mr. Wardak, however, gave the Afghan soldiers some flatbread. He asked permission to send his nephews to harvest some alfalfa from his fields; Lt. Col. Worth gave his assent. --What the W Post is reporting Afghanistan's government seeks more control over elections The Afghan government has drafted proposed changes to election law that would remove all three foreign members from the body that investigates fraud, limit the number of women in parliament and establish a host of new qualifications for candidates to run for office. The proposed amendments are spelled out in a translated version of a draft law that was presented at a cabinet meeting earlier this month and obtained by The Washington Post. A spokesman for Karzai, Wahid Omar, said that amendments to the law were approved by the cabinet and sent to the Ministry of Justice but that he could not discuss the content of the changes until they were made public. Karzai could sign the decree as early as this week, while the parliament is on recess. --What else the Yanks are reporting Errant U.S. Rocket Strike Kills Civilians in Afghanistan The Marines move on Marja: A perilous slog against Afghanistan's Taliban Afghanistan offensive is key test of Obama's strategy
--What the Times is reporting UN must investigate warming ‘bias’, says former climate chief In an interview with The Times Robert Watson said that all the errors exposed so far in the report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) resulted in overstatements of the severity of the problem. --What the W Post is reporting Series of missteps by climate scientists threatens climate-change agenda SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2010 --We begin with a great moment in journalism Crib Notes on Canada, From a Canadian – NY Times Welcome to Canada. Bienvenue à Canada! --What the Globe is reporting on Steve’s day Harper meets with Biden over trade, security --What else the Globe is reporting (a great BC moment) A loosely organized group of "thugs" from central Canada promoting anarchy were among 200 anti-Olympic protesters who marched through downtown Vancouver Saturday, smashing plate glass windows at Hudson's Bay and TD bank, overturning newspaper boxes and assaulting bystanders, police say. They used spray paint on cars and transit buses, tore down signs and threw about road construction barricades as they marched down the street. --Why all Canadians, with few exceptions, love Toronto (and its Star) Reader reaction to the ceremony was mostly positive. “The provinces of Ontario and Quebec seemed to be downplayed when in fact the people of these two areas were greatly responsible for creating the Canada that we know of today,” one person wrote. --What the NY Times is reporting on the Olympics Fast and Risky, Olympic Sledding Track Drew Red Flags --What the Ed Journal is reporting on the good war --Why all Canadians love our mother country British spearhead allied offensive in Afghanistan ALL OF TODAY’S AFGHANISTAN NEWS HERE --We bring you the latest on Kazakh tycoon’s secret deal on Prince Andrew’s house --All you need to know about US politics Obama's ratings are crucial to the midterm fortunes of congressional Democrats Some Democrats keep distance from Obama - latimes.com --The column I wish I’d written --What the W Post is reporting on Gitmó and such Under Obama, more targeted killings than captures in counterterrorism efforts Although senior administration officials say that no policy determination has been made to emphasize kills over captures, several factors appear to have tipped the balance in that direction. The Obama administration has authorized such attacks more frequently than the George W. Bush administration did in its final years, including in countries where U.S. ground operations are officially unwelcome or especially dangerous. Improvements in electronic surveillance and precision targeting have made killing from a distance much more of a sure thing. At the same time, options for where to keep U.S. captives have dwindled. --A great climate change moment World may not be warming, say scientists ALL OF TODAY’S
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