The US government and military have totally sidestepped any pretense at democracy in their treatment so far of Taliban and Al Qaida prisoners. I think this is unprecedented - holding prisoners without any rights at all - cocking a snook at the rest of the world, arrogantly displaying military might and international power. The US actions are dragging us into a far more dangerous world, where any opposition felt by a dominant power from a smaller power can be opposed by force, and justified by pointing to the biggest stick on the block, the USA. See this article on US human righs abuse, from the Guardian.

I feel tired, and want to reorganise my life so I can write more, feel more involved in commenting (at least) on events as they unfold. I am looking forward (with a little trepidation) to spending mre time with Calum.