The United States “has decided to designate” Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps as a “specially designated global terrorist,” a move that allows the U.S. to target the group’s finances. “If imposed, the declaration would signal a more confrontational turn in the administration’s approach to Iran and would be the first time that the United States has added the armed forces of any sovereign government to its list of terrorist organizations.”
Karl Rove on his departure: “Somebody else will come and do my job — or several people will do my job. But I’m a cog. I’ve served a useful purpose, I think. I know I have.”
“Despite U.S. claims that violence is down in the Iraqi capital, U.S. military officers are offering a bleak picture of Iraq’s future, saying they’ve yet to see any signs of reconciliation between Sunni and Shiite Muslims despite the drop in violence.”
“Intent on demonstrating progress in Iraq,” the LA Times reports that Gen. David Petraeus “is expected by Bush administration officials to recommend removing American troops soon from several areas where commanders believe security has improved, possibly including Al Anbar province.”
Stephen Hayes writes that in the recent battle over FISA, Vice President Cheney “did not spend much time on Capitol Hill seeking support for the White House-backed changes as he had during the debates over detainee interrogations and earlier versions of the NSA programs. Instead, Mr. Cheney pushed and prodded inside the White House, insisting that the legislative affairs team approach the issue with the same urgency Mr. Cheney feels.”
Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-IL), who previously served as speaker of the House, intends to retire next year. The WSJ reports that Hastert wants to add one “last hurrah” to his career: “enacting climate change, energy legislation with the woman who took the gavel from him, Nancy Pelosi of California.”
Gen. George Casey, the Army chief of staff, said lengthening the tours of duty would be too stressful and risky for troops. “I don’t see going beyond the 15 months,” Casey said. “Any more than that, it puts our soldiers at a level of stress and a level of risk that right now I’m not comfortable with.”
“One in six U.S. diplomats who have served in dangerous countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, the U.S. State Department said.”
And finally: Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) will return to DC with a bald head. Bilirakis had promised to shave his head if the American Cancer Society Southeast Hillsborough met its fundraising goal. The goal was met, so Bilirakis and several of his staffers will now fulfill the pledge. Mike Wick, the cancer society unit’s chairman of the board, said, “We are thrilled because when Gus shaves his head and goes to his office in D.C., he will lead the way and bring more awareness to the U.S. Congress.”
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