Is Bush trying to start World War III before he leaves office?

American helicopters kill civilians in Syria:

American military helicopters have tonight attacked an area along Syria's border with Iraq, causing casualties, according to reports on Syrian state TV and from witnesses. Quoting unnamed Syrian officials, the television report said the area is near the Syrian border town of Abu Kamal.

Local residents told the Associated Press by telephone that two helicopters carrying US soldiers raided a farm in Hwijeh village, 10 miles (17km) inside Syria's border.

An official Syrian spokesman confirmed eight people were killed in the attack. Witnesses said five others were wounded; one of the witnesses said five of the dead were from a single family. The residents refused to allow their names to be given because they feared they would be harassed by authorities.

The US military in Baghdad had no immediate comment.

The area is near the Iraqi border city of Qaim, which had been a major crossing point for fighters, weapons and money coming into Iraq to fuel the Sunni insurgency.

The Syrian foreign ministry has summoned the US charge d'affaires in Damascus to protest at the raid, Syria's state news agency SANA reported tonight. Syria's deputy foreign minister had informed the US official of "Syria's protest and condemnation of this serious attack", it said. The Iraqi charge d'affaires had been summoned for the same reason, it said.

Iraqi insurgents seized Qaim in April 2005, forcing US marines to recapture the town the following month in heavy fighting. The area became secure only after Sunni tribes in Anbar turned against al-Qaida in late 2006 and joined forces with the Americans.

(cross posted at appletree)

US Democratic Presidential Candidates : Who Stands For Small Change And Who Stands For A Chance For Real Change?

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Duh!



Yep. We know. After all these years, who doesn't?

So, see and hear a few home truths.



Rumours are rapidly reaching Britain's shores that there are still some American Democrats saying they're seeking "change," but still don't understand the real meaning of the word.



Nor does said certain section of self deluding (though well meaning), Democrat dudes seem even close to comprehending the (self evident), concept of 'Same old, same old'.



And that's such a crying shame.



We mean, shouldn't someone stand up and say something about the last several years of the United States' serial, political charades?



Surely, given half a proper chance, the people would want to be wised up.

Well, wouldn't they?



After all, nobody likes the last laugh being on themselves.

Well, do they?



And who among us ever enjoys the joke being on 'us'? Unless of course it's still true today that there's one born every minute?

Well, whatever.

We sincerely & firmly believe that at the end of the day, the American public will prove to the wider world at large that they are NOT ALL plonkers. And, that they'll prove it - by realising before it's too late that there truly is a genuine chance for change.

And, that chance for change - is Senator Barack Obama.



[As for the old Republican lag, McCain ... in Britain, McCain (in the main), makes oven chips.]

*(Cross posted at Appletree)