This is not entirely news, as the indictment happened on June 20 followed by more disclosure in the ensuing couple of weeks, yet I was unable to find a reference to this on DKos. So here's a summary of the events.

The House Oversight Committee will hold a hearing on April 17, 2008 on the exposed 'ammunition for Afghanistan' contract awarded to an obscure company in Florida. The announcement. The invitees include the top managers (and likely only employees) of the company. Read the full NYT story, a fascinating account of how easy one can get hold of American taxpayers money and then what one can do with that money.

Interesting is also the link of the Diveroli family to Botach/Boteach empire. I found a relevant entry in Steve Sailer's blog. Here's hoping more of this stuff gets out and some people are going to be prosecuted for this.

Who could have foreseen this?

In a letter Thursday to CIA Director Michael Hayden, the House panel asked the CIA to hand over by Friday all documents and cables regarding the interrogation tapes and their destruction. But the Justice Department since has advised the CIA to refuse the request, a committee official said Friday on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak for the committee.

The committee official said the Justice Department asked the panel "to stand back while they do their investigation" - suggesting it will block the testimony of acting CIA General Counsel John Rizzo and Jose Rodriguez, the former head of the National Clandestine Service. Both have been summoned to testify to the committee on Dec. 18. Rodriguez ordered the tapes destroyed.

Source: AP

A number of findings from this AP story are quite informative. It makes you realize what is really going on, in terms of the occupying power relying on mercenaries, in terms of the supposed sovereign government having actual authority on its territory and in terms of what effect mercenaries - and Blackwater in particular - have on the prospect of a peaceful outcome and attitudes of the Iraqi population towards the West, and especially the U.S.

Fox News got the message and is on board for the campaign to set the groundwork for an attack on Iran. I am quoting from U.S. officials begin crafting Iran bombing plan

A recent decision by German officials to withhold support for any new sanctions against Iran has pushed a broad spectrum of officials in Washington to develop potential scenarios for a military attack on the Islamic regime, FOX News confirmed Tuesday.

All right, start by blaming the Germans! Old Europe, you know.

Democratic fundraiser Norman Hsu  fails to appear for this morning's scheduled bail hearing in Redwood City, California. The judge has issued a new warrant and has ordered $2 million bail forfeited to the county.