Washington Affairs

8 September 2003


Fighting on Their Ground
More than a few commentators last week were bothered by a statement by an alleged leader of the Taliban that it was sending 300 fighters to the Afghan-Pakistan border to fight America. The worry that such numbers were still available to the ex-regime of Kabul was more than some could stomach. Even so, about two years ago, the west was worried that their were thousands in North America and Europe awaiting orders. The announcement was really a confession that the US was winning this battle against terrorism. Click here to read more.

Estrada Withdraws Nomination
Thursday of last week, Miguel Estrada told President Bush that he would be withdrawing his name from consideration for a place on the federal bench. While he had about 55 votes in favor of his appointment, the GOP needed 60 to close the filibuster the Democrats had estabilshed against the nomination (only in the US senate could a minority of 41 impose its will on a majority of 59 -- democracy?). The White House and its amen corner vilified the Democrats for denying a conservative Hispanic immigrant a place on the bench. Tough, the courts are political places, and therefore, mustn't pretend otherwise. Click here for more.

Ninth Circuit Overturns Death Sentences
The Ninth Circuit in the US judiciary covers most of the western states, and it has long been known as the wackiest of the federal circuits. Perhaps the inclusion of California makes it this way, or the fact that the presidents who have appointed federal judges want the nuts as far from Washington as possible. However, the court's decision to overturn more than 100 death sentences because they were handed down by a judge rather than a jury is perfectly sane. Click here to read on.