Gaining something in translation
: Spiegel is now going to translate articles of international interest into English. That’s the power of the international Internet: A German magazine wants an audience over here. [via David’s Medienkritik, which will no longer be the only source for English translations of Spiegel… which could just be why they did it]
Spin the numbers
: Yesterday, I noted that the BBC — even the BBC — found and lead with positive notes from a poll it took in Iraq: “The poll suggests that Iraqis are happier than they were before the invasion, optimistic about the future and opposed to violence.”
The New York Times reported on the same poll this way: “Ambivalence From Iraqis in Poll on War.”
Spin.
: Wednesday, The Times reports more polling from its glass-half-empty perspective.
In some predominantly Muslim countries, where negative attitudes toward American policy have prevailed for years, disapproval of the United States persisted over the past year, although at a less intense level that Mr. Kohut described as anger rather than hatred.
Still, the survey found, people in Jordan, Pakistan and Morocco tended to view other outsiders with almost the same degree of ill will and distrust as they did the United States.
Well, gee, couldn’t one also say that this year of all years, following the war in Iraq, isn’t it amazing that Muslim countries’ attitudes toward America improved?
Free Martha
: Elizabeth Spiers has the letter Martha Stewart sent to friends soliciting notes testifying to her character before her sentencing:
Many people have inquired as to whether they can help by writing to Judge Cedarbaum about my sentence. I am advised by my lawyers that it is appropriate to do so, and that they believe Judge Cedarbaum will conscientiously read everything sent to her. If you would be so kind as to write such a letter, please include your opinion of my character, my work ethic, my integrity and my probity.
And damned fine creampuffs.
Seriously, though, the woman has been punished enough. Sentence her to fine and community service and let’s be done with it.
Coming home to roost
: French President Jacques Chirac, meeting with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, says that “all democracies are in danger of possible terrorist attack.”
Welcome to the real world, Jacques. [via the Sueddeutsche Zeitung, auf Deutsch]
: London’s police chief says a terrorist attack on the city is “inevitable.”
Sir John agreed with Mr Livingstone, who said: “It would be miraculous if, with all the terrorist resources arranged against us, terrorists did not get through, and given that some are prepared to give their own lives, it would be inconceivable that someone does not get through to London.” …
“This is not just about the railways, the underground,” he said. “It’s about buses, roads, pubs, nightclubs and the like. Remember al-Qaida attacked a nightclub in Bali.”
: Meanwhile, in Germany, liberals are pushing to create a National Guard to protect against terrorist attacks. [via Bild, auf Deutsch]
: At the same time, Bild lists the most dangerous Muslims in Germany. Keep in mind that some Germans have been less than fond of Turks and other outsiders.
After Madrid, beware of ethnic attacks on Muslims (and not just Jews now) and not just in Germany.
