The big peace-in

The negotiations between India and Pakistan seem to be humming along smoothly, with both sides agreeing to a peace 'road map' today that will begin after the Indian election in April. In other developments, Pakistan, perhaps in following up to India's call for nuclear reduction, stated that it will not attempt to match India's nuclear arsenal, though a separate announcement that it will test a long-range missile capable of hitting any target in India lessens the diplomatic impact of this promise. To make up for it though, Pakistan has also agreed to make it easier for Indian cricket fans crossing the border to see matches in Pakistan.

In another attempt to discredit Kerry without actually having any facts, the Guardian reports that a doctored photo showing him and Jane Fonda at a protest against Vietnam is in circulation. What amazes me though, is that people get upset about Kerry protesting Vietnam. You would think that someone who actually served his country over there, earning a silver star, a bronze star and three purple hearts would have the not only the knowledge to oppose the war, but probably the right to as well.

Since we were on the subject of the presidential race, I have to mention that after his defeat in Wisconsin, Howard Dean has dropped out of the leadership race. Although he's not going to be the next presidential candidate, I think he did a good job in bringing issues that would not have been legitimately brought to the table otherwise front the center. He certainly forced people like John Kerry and John Edwards to improve, which will help all Democrats when November rolls around.

In another attempt to discredit the experience of Vietnam veterans, the Nation focuses in on Ann Coulter, who decided to use some historical revisionism in an attempt to smear Max Cleland. Mr. Cleland is a Vietnam veteran who lost both legs and an arm after an accident with a grenade in Vietnam. Coulter decides that because it was an accident, he must not be a war hero. However, she overlooks every other event that he endured in her analysis.

The Israeli barrier is creating some news today. The International Red Cross, an organization that is usually known for its neutrality, has severly criticized the Israeli government for taking what it sees as actions contrary to international law 'far beyond what is permissible for an occupying power.' At the same time, Israel has decided to fly the remains of a bus from a recent suicide bombing for display outside the World Court hearings as a demonstration why the wall is needed, despite refusing to take part in the actual proceedings. Thing's aren't looking peachy at home either -- the opposition to Ariel Sharon's plan to clear the Gaza strip of Jewish settlers is becoming more pronounced. A resolution opposing the evacuation passed the Knesset on Tuesday after being sponsored by Sharon's own Likud party. Party rival and former Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu also came out against the plan, stating that it can not go forward without some type of reciprocity from the Palestinians.

Back in San Francisco, a judge has ruled that allowing same-sex marriages violates state law, but did not order an immediate halt to the practice as was hoped by anti-gay rights organizations. The City of San Francisco plans to follow up with a constitutional challenge against the proposition that restricted the definition of marriage to one between members of the opposite gender.

In other news:
- Tony Blair announces that social justice must be at the top of the EUs agenda in the 21st century.
- A US federal prosecutor is suing Attorney General Ashcroft alleging that he was investigated solely for raising concerns about the 'war on terror.'
- A study shows that women are more critical of other women's looks when they are at peak fertility.
- Conan O'Brien decided to apologize (sort of) to the people of Quebec after an insulting sketch.
- The UK and Argentina are making progress in their talks over the future of the Falkland Islands. I guess hard feelings don't die.
- A view of internal political reform from a conservative Iranian's perspective.
- ETA, the Basque separatist group, has announced that it will suspend terrorist activities in Catalonia.
- It's Canada 1 and Australia 2 on the list of least-costly developed nations to do business.
- Election plans in Iraq are being rethought as opposition to holding caucuses wins the day.
- A Federal Appeals Court has upheld the Do-Not-Call registry.
- An interesting piece in the New York Times on how oil can change the economic, political and cultural situation of African nations.