• Kidnapping of Egyptian diplomat : Filling Supreme Court vacancies Kidnapping of Egyptian diplomat : Filling Supreme Court vacancies The Egyptian Gazette, Cairo — July 2, 2005 The kidnapping of the head of Egypt’s diplomatic mission in Baghdad does by
• Kidnapping of Egyptian diplomat : Filling Supreme Court vacancies
Kidnapping of Egyptian diplomat : Filling Supreme Court vacancies
The Egyptian Gazette, Cairo — July 2, 2005
The kidnapping of the head of Egypt’s diplomatic mission in Baghdad does by no means do good to Iraqis’ interests. The opposite just holds true. Ihab al-Sharif’s kidnappers should remember that he represents a country, which openly opposed the U.S.-led war in Iraq and espoused a peaceful end to the Iraqi crisis. In the run-up to the Iraq war, Egypt sternly warned against the dire consequences to be unleashed by the American military adventurism. Over the past two years, Egypt has been in the forefront of countries wholeheartedly seeking to re-establish stability to Iraq. So kidnapping an Egyptian diplomat is not the proper way to show appreciation to Cairo’s efforts.
Al-Sharif’s abduction comes as a grim reminder of deterioration in Iraq. Insecurity is a major hindrance to the return of life to normal to Iraq and the flow of badly needed investments. Over recent months, Iraq has been hit by a spate of kidnappings, many of them unleashed by gangs seeking ransoms. Likewise, the deadly attacks, the victims of which were mainly innocent civilians. Such dastardly deeds cannot be described as resistance. …
Los Angeles Times — July 2, 2005
Both sides have been gearing up for a brawl, and now it appears that it will be a double bill. In coming months, President Bush and the Senate will probably be filling two Supreme Court seats: those of Sandra Day O’Connor, who resigned Friday, and Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, whose health is in peril. …
Bush starts this battle in a seemingly towering position, with his party in control of the Senate. But not every Republican will support anyone Bush might nominate. If he overreaches, he will be forced to compromise. The president’s plummeting approval ratings also offer a caution about the perils of governing from the far right. Especially if he has two seats at his disposal, Bush may decide to compromise on at least one before the battle. That would be wise of him. But we are in no position to insist, unfortunately. …
