China Detains 3 Who Criticized Government
By JOSEPH KAHN
The detentions were the latest in a string of arrests of
journalists and scholars who have spoken out against
government policies.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/internat...14china.html?th

..................

9 Iraqis Die in Car Bombing at the Official Compound
By ROBERT F. WORTH
The explosion at the compound that houses the interim
government came one year after U.S. soldiers captured
Saddam Hussein.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/internat.../14iraq.html?th

Jury Says Scott Peterson Should Die for Murder
By DEAN E. MURPHY
After three days of deliberations, a jury determined Scott
Peterson should be put to death for murdering his pregnant
wife.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/national...eterson.html?th

College Fails in Bid to Grow Marijuana
By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr.
A University of Massachusetts request to grow marijuana so
it can be tested for medical uses has been turned down by
the Drug Enforcement Administration.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/national...rijuana.html?th

Lawyer Backed in Conceding Client's Guilt
By LINDA GREENHOUSE
The Supreme Court ruled that a defense lawyer, when faced
with overwhelming evidence that a client is guilty of
capital murder, can concede guilt in open court.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/national/14scotus.html?th

C.I.A. Order on Detainees Shows Its Role Was Curbed
By DOUGLAS JEHL
Concerns about harsh techniques used by Special Operations
forces prompted the C.I.A. last year to bar its officers in
Iraq from taking part in military interrogations.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/politics/14intel.html?th

Democrats Say They'll Assume Watchdog Role
By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG
Complaining about Republicans' oversight of taxpayer money,
Senate Democrats said they would begin holding hearings of
their own.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/politics/14cong.html?th

Oracle to Acquire PeopleSoft for $10.3 Billion, Ending
Bitter Fight
By STEVE LOHR and LAURIE J. FLYNN
The merger is another step in the consolidation of the
information technology industry as it matures.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/technology/14soft.html?th

U.S. Quiet on China Trade Tax
By ELIZABETH BECKER
China's promise to impose taxes on some textile exports
will do little to sway the administration on whether to
limit the expected flood of Chinese goods next year.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/business...14trade.html?th

Symantec Said to Be in Talks for Veritas
By ANDREW ROSS SORKIN
Symantec, which produces the Norton line of computer
products, is in talks to acquire Veritas Software, a maker
of data backup programs.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/technolo...4secure.html?th

Buying Intelligence Blind
Though secrecy rules make it hard to know how the Senate
proposes to use intelligence dollars, recent failures
should guide their spending.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/opinion/14tue1.html?th

A Watchdog Muted
The new head of the United States Commission on Civil
Rights, Gerald Reynolds, is unlikely to give the watchdog
panel any bite.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/opinion/14tue2.html?th

Drug-Assisted Sprinters and Sluggers
If baseball is serious about rooting out
performance-enhancing drugs, it will adopt policies as
tough as those in track and field.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/opinion/14tue3.html?th

EDITORIAL OBSERVER
What's New in the Legal World? A Growing Campaign to Undo
the New Deal
By ADAM COHEN
States' rights conservatives are making progress in their
drive to restore the narrow view of federal power that
predated the New Deal.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/opinion/14tue4.html?th

The Wonks' Loya Jirga
By DAVID BROOKS
The subject of the White House economic summit is not
policy but the president himself.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/opinion/14brooks.html?th

Necessity as the Mother of Tenure?
By ERICH E. KUNHARDT
Inventing should be part of the university mission, and a
requirement for professors seeking tenure.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/opinion/14kunhardt.html?th

This Is Your Country on Drugs
By CARL ELLIOTT
Performance-enhancing drugs have become a fact of American
life, and not just in professional sports.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/opinion/14elliott.html?th

Swinging for the Fences
By WILL CARROLL
Without scientific studies of how drugs affect performance
in baseball, we're left with nothing but emotion and
finger-pointing.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/opinion/14carroll.html?th

- ON THIS DAY -

On Dec. 14, 1981, Israel annexed the Golan Heights, captured from Syria in 1967.

http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/on...y/20041214.html

Tax Deduction Reduction
--------------------


December 13 2004

Eighteen years ago, Congress and President Reagan enacted a tax reform that tidied up the mess quite a bit. Since then, Congress and presidents of both parties have made a new mess, and President Bush is right that it is time for another cleanup. He has called an economic conference this week to mull over some proposals.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editor...ment-editorials

Terrorism's Trojan Horse
--------------------


December 14 2004

A terrorist attack involving a dirty bomb hidden in a cargo container wouldn't have to match the human toll of Sept. 11, 2001, to be effective. Shutting down even a few of the largest ports would have a devastating economic effect, so it's puzzling that so little is being spent to avoid such a catastrophe.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editor...0,5781273.story

Supreme Court Makes It Tougher to Sue Police
--------------------

In a wrongful arrest and a questionable shooting, the justices say officers should be given the benefit of the doubt.

By David G. Savage
Times Staff Writer

December 14 2004

WASHINGTON — In a pair of victories for law enforcement, the Supreme Court on Monday made it harder to sue police for a questionable shooting of a fleeing suspect or for arresting a motorist on false charges.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/na...0,3541617.story

Bush Selects EPA Chief as Health Secretary
--------------------

Mike Leavitt would face challenges in setting up a Medicare prescription plan while potentially dealing with deep budget cutbacks.

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar and Elizabeth Shogren
Times Staff Writers

December 14 2004

WASHINGTON — Shifting his Cabinet reorganization back into high gear, President Bush on Monday nominated Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Mike Leavitt to head the Department of Health and Human Services, which faces a fiscal crunch over the massive medical costs of the elderly and the poor.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/na...eadlines-nation

Military Will March Front and Center at Inaugural Festivities
--------------------

A ball for troops is among events planned over 10 days to kick off Bush's second term.

By Johanna Neuman
Times Staff Writer

December 14 2004

WASHINGTON — As he leaves the Capitol after taking the oath of office Jan. 20, President Bush is expected to exercise a familiar presidential prerogative — reviewing the troops.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/na...eadlines-nation

Nominee's Withdrawal Could Taint Giuliani
--------------------

The former New York mayor may be hurt politically by the failed candidacy of Kerik, who reportedly had more than a nanny problem.

By Josh Getlin
Times Staff Writer

December 14 2004

NEW YORK — As local newspapers reported a series of new allegations against Bernard Kerik, New York political observers suggested Monday that he hadn't withdrawn his nomination as Homeland Security secretary solely because of a nanny problem.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/na...0,2441268.story

Three U.S. Troops Killed in Iraq
--------------------

From Associated Press

December 14 2004

BAGHDAD — Two U.S. Marines were killed in action Monday in Iraq's volatile western Al Anbar province, the military said, bringing to 10 the number of Marines reported killed in the region in the last three days.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

Hezbollah's TV Station Is Ordered Off the Air
--------------------

From Times Wire Reports

December 14 2004

France's highest administrative body ordered the TV station of Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group off French airwaves within 48 hours for broadcasting hateful content in some shows and posing risks to public order.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

Beijing, Moscow Plan Joint Military Exercise
--------------------

From Times Wire Reports

December 14 2004

China and Russia will hold their first joint military exercise next year, Beijing announced.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

Pentagon Confirms Detainee Deaths After Disclosure
--------------------

In a letter to Rumsfeld, Human Rights Watch seeks accountability for 'abuses' in Afghanistan.

By John Hendren
Times Staff Writer

December 14 2004

WASHINGTON — Four U.S. soldiers were accused of murder in the 2002 death of a detainee in Afghanistan but the charges against all but one eventually were dropped, according to Pentagon officials who confirmed the previously undisclosed case Monday after it was uncovered by a human rights group.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,6682754.story

Required: School Prayer
--------------------

At L.A.'s Washington Prep, it takes faith and hard work to keep college dreams alive -- and street smarts just to make it safely home.

By Erika Hayasaki
Times Staff Writer

December 14 2004

Micah Grant begins his day under a clock, its hands pointed at 6:41 a.m., his hands clasped in prayer.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/f...lines-frontpage

Tokyo Stocks Finish Higher, Dollar Up
--------------------


December 14 2004, 12:19 AM PST

TOKYO -- Tokyo shares finished higher Tuesday, buoyed by Wall Street's overnight strength. The U.S. dollar inched up against the Japanese yen.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/nationworl...-ap-topbusiness

Crude Oil Futures Rise
--------------------

By YEO GHIM LAY
Associated Press Writer

December 14 2004, 12:23 AM PST

SINGAPORE -- Crude futures rose Tuesday amid worries of harsh winter weather, while the market impact of an oil production cut by OPEC has slowed to a minimum.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/nationworl...-ap-topbusiness

Egypt Signs Trade Deal With Israel, U.S.
--------------------

By JASPER MORTIMER
Associated Press Writer

December 14 2004, 12:13 AM PST

CAIRO, Egypt -- Egypt wants jobs. Israel wants a meaningful peace. And the nations plan to sign an agreement that they hope will fulfill both their goals.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/nationworl...-ap-topbusiness

Analysts: Fed Will Boost Interest Rates
--------------------

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER
AP Economics Writer

December 14 2004, 12:12 AM PST

WASHINGTON -- With a fall in oil prices easing inflation concerns, the Federal Reserve is expected to continue its easy-does-it approach to raising interest rates, boosting a key rate by a moderate quarter-point at its final meeting of the year Tuesday.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/nationworl...-wires-business

Textile Curbs May Not Help U.S.
--------------------

China's plan to control surging exports might increase pressure on American producers of higher-end apparel.

By Evelyn Iritani and Don Lee
Times Staff Writers

December 14 2004

China's decision to slow the growth of its textile and apparel exports may help competitors in poor countries but probably won't create more business for higher-cost U.S. producers, industry analysts and officials said Monday.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-text...dlines-business

Corporate Optimism Sparks Wave of Deals
--------------------

Cash hoards and higher stock prices make firms more willing to take risks on takeovers.

By Tom Petruno and Josh Friedman
Times Staff Writers

December 14 2004

A corporate takeover spree is signaling a new aggressiveness on the part of U.S. executives, who suddenly appear less concerned about the economy or about making strategic missteps.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-buyo...0,5311837.story

Pinochet Indicted on Human Rights Charges
--------------------

By EDUARDO GALLARDO
Associated Press Writer

December 13 2004, 8:06 PM PST

SANTIAGO, Chile -- A Chilean judge, known for pursuing human rights violators, indicted former dictator Gen. Augusto Pinochet on Monday on charges of kidnapping nine political dissidents and killing one of them during his 17-year military regime.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...opinternational

U.S. Classifies 13 Guantanamo Detainees
--------------------

By FRANK GRIFFITHS
Associated Press Writer

December 13 2004, 5:55 PM PST

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- A U.S. military review panel ordered 13 more detainees at Guantanamo Bay held as enemy combatants as two more prisoners accused of links to the al-Qaida terror network pleaded their cases before the panel on Monday.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...opinternational

U.N. Suspends Aid Operations in Sudan
--------------------

By MOHAMED OSMAN
Associated Press Writer

December 13 2004, 5:22 PM PST

KHARTOUM, Sudan -- The United Nations has suspended its humanitarian operations in Sudan's troubled South Darfur area following a shooting that killed two aid workers, the agency said Monday.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...opinternational

Suicide Bomber Kills 13 in Baghdad
--------------------

By PAUL GARWOOD
Associated Press Writer

December 13 2004, 11:26 PM PST

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- An al-Qaida-linked suicide bomber blew up his vehicle Monday near cars waiting to enter the Green Zone, home to the U.S. Embassy and Iraq's interim government, killing 13 Iraqis on the anniversary of Saddam Hussein's capture.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...opinternational

Report: 15 Dead in India Train Collision
--------------------


December 14 2004, 12:07 AM PST

NEW DELHI -- Two passengers trains collided on a stretch of rural track in northern India on Tuesday, killing at least 15 people, local television stations reported.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...opinternational

Israeli Troops to Leave Palestinian Areas
--------------------

By GAVIN RABINOWITZ
Associated Press Writer

December 13 2004, 11:55 PM PST

HERZLIYA, Israel -- Israel is prepared to withdraw troops from Palestinian areas well ahead of its planned pullout from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank next summer, its defense minister said, signaling that a deadly attack on an Israeli army outpost has not derailed peace efforts.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...opinternational

Ukraine Seeks to Control Yushchenko Probe
--------------------

By DANICA KIRKA
Associated Press Writer

December 13 2004, 8:50 PM PST

KIEV, Ukraine -- Ukraine's outgoing government sought Monday to control the inquiry into the poisoning of presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko, with officials close to the government taking charge of both investigations into who tried to harm or kill the leader of the "Orange Revolution."

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...opinternational

3 Negative Views of Americans
--------------------

Polls find that most of Germany, France and Spain sees U.S. citizens in an unfavorable light.

From Associated Press

December 14 2004

WASHINGTON — International resentment of the Bush administration apparently has spilled over to include bad feelings about Americans — at least in three European countries that opposed U.S. policies in Iraq.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

Sharon Raps Abbas Over Violence
--------------------

The Israeli government pledges a troop pullout from Palestinian population centers for three days at the time of elections next month.

By Laura King
Times Staff Writer

December 14 2004

JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Ariel Sharon delivered a sharp rebuke Monday of the transitional Palestinian government led by Mahmoud Abbas, saying it must do more to stem violence by militant groups.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

Pentagon Confirms Detainee Deaths After Disclosure
--------------------

In a letter to Rumsfeld, Human Rights Watch seeks accountability for 'abuses' in Afghanistan.

By John Hendren
Times Staff Writer

December 14 2004

WASHINGTON — Four U.S. soldiers were accused of murder in the 2002 death of a detainee in Afghanistan but the charges against all but one eventually were dropped, according to Pentagon officials who confirmed the previously undisclosed case Monday after it was uncovered by a human rights group.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

Blacklisted Russian Tied to Iraq Deals
--------------------

The alleged arms broker is behind four air cargo firms used by U.S. contractors, officials say.

By Stephen Braun, Judy Pasternak and T. Christian Miller
Times Staff Writers

December 14 2004

WASHINGTON — Air cargo companies allegedly tied to reputed Russian arms trafficker Victor Bout have received millions of dollars in federal funds from U.S. contractors in Iraq, even though the Bush administration has worked for three years to rein in his enterprises.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,5020113.story

http://www.antiwar.com/eland/?articleid=4157

Next Target, Iran?
Ivan Eland

http://www.antiwar.com/paul/?articleid=4159

Nation Building is Not Conservative
Ron Paul

http://www.antiwar.com/roberts/?articleid=4160

Dangerous Delusions About Iran
Paul Craig Roberts