NSN Daily Update 2/12/09 Posted by The National Security Network

See today's complete Daily Update here.

What We’re Reading

In Israel, consensus may be forming around an equal-footing coalition government between Kadima and Likud, with Binyamin Netanyahu as Prime Minister and excluding Israel Beiteinu and Avigdor Lieberman.

Lawyers for British Guantanamo detainee Binyam Mohammed faxed a letter to President Obama, asking him to review the case and alleging “medieval” torture over two years.  British officials prepare to visit Mohammed, who is on a hunger strike, to prepare him for a possible return to British custody.

Iran’s foreign minister visits Iraq, says no new security talks needed due to the improved security situation.  Reform presidential candidate Mohammad Khatami sharply criticized President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over Iran’s international isolation.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, the first such warrant against a sitting head of state.

Commentary of the Day

Gordon Adams argues that increasing the defense budget won’t stimulate the economy.

Roger Cohen recounts conversations with ordinary Iranians, encouraging the U.S. to “think again about Iran.”

Joseph Sternberg criticizes the “Buy American” provision in the stimulus bill and advocates free trade, particularly with South Korea.

Fareed Zakaria discusses Canada’s strong economy: the banking system was rated the healthiest in the world in 2008, has not experienced a single failure or bailout, and is thriving in the financial crisis.

Comments

[Greg Sanders]

Thanks for that Gordon Adams link, I might use it for something at work.