Paul E. Ester's Flogger

ANKARA, Turkey, Feb. 26 — The United States has promised to prevent Kurds from imposing a federation-style government in postwar Iraq that would ensure their continued autonomy and agreed to allow Turkish troops to enter northern Iraq and observe the disarmament of Kurdish militias once fighting has stopped, Turkish officials said today. … Rest of Article

In one transaction, Tyler received $4,005 for 232 fingernails at $15 each and 35 toenails at $15 each, according to Tyler’s records. … Rest of Article

In a stunning move, a San Francisco grand jury has indicted Police Chief Earl Sanders, his second-in-command and other top police officials on charges they conspired to obstruct the investigation into an off-duty brawl involving three rank-and-file cops, authorities said Friday.

Indictments were returned against 10 officers Thursday night, throwing the Police Department and City Hall into turmoil. The department rallied behind the men even as it scrambled to chart its course through an unprecedented crisis. Mayor Willie Brown called the developments “deeply disturbing” and defended the chief he hand-picked in July. … Rest of Article

(Feb. 24) — It sounds like a movie thriller.ÊÊ A mysterious doctor with ties to the CIA, the Pentagon, and biochemical weapons kills himself but leaves behind an incredible mystery–including massive amounts of biological agents and a secret interest in a Nevada gold scam. … Rest of Article

BOSTON — A federal judge on Monday tossed out a lawsuit aimed at preventing President George W. Bush from launching war against Iraq.

The lawsuit was filed earlier this month by three U.S. servicemen, parents of serviceman and six U.S. congressmen who argued that the resolution Congress approved in October supporting military action against Iraq did not specifically declare war and unlawfully ceded the decision to the president.

But U.S. District Judge Joseph Tauro said the court did not have jurisdiction to issue an injunction against Bush.

The judge said the lawsuit engages “political questions in the legal sense that are beyond the jurisdiction of the court.”

Tauro said given the Congressional resolution approved in October, he could not find evidence of any conflict between the will of the executive and legislative branches.

“Case law makes clear that the Congress does not have the exclusive right to determine whether or not the United States engages in war,” he said. … Rest of Article

The United States is considering direct military intervention in Colombia for the first time following the murder of an American and the kidnapping of three others, all suspected CIA agents. … Rest of Article

Some theories via wired

BOGOTA, Colombia – Leftist rebels on Saturday acknowledged for the first time that they shot down a U.S. plane and are holding hostage three Americans they accuse of being CIA ( news -web sites ) agents. The White House sent 150 soldiers to join the search for the captives.Ê

The Americans were on a U.S. government plane on an intelligence mission when it crashed on Feb. 13. A fourth American and a Colombian army sergeant were shot and killed at the site.

“We can only guarantee the life and physical integrity of the three gringo officials in our power if the Colombian army immediately suspends military operations and overflights in the area,” the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, said in a statement. … Total Fark