A destination on the Interweb to brighten your day (now get back to work!)
RefBan
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The Morning Scoop - The Aborted Gaddafi Amnesty Deal
If you are on a mobile device or cannot view the images in this message, click here to view this email in your Web browser. To receive the text-only version of The Morning Scoop click here. Please add thedailybeast@e.thedailybeast.com to your address book.
As both rebels and Muammar Gaddafi deny that a deal for his exit was proffered, a key insider reveals to The Daily Beast's Fadel Lamen the details of the Libyan dictator's offer—and the opposition's next move. According to the insider, Gaddafi sent a letter, in the care of a former cabinet minster, offering to call a meeting of the General People's Congress where he would submit his resignation. A formal process would give then appearance of a democratic turnover. In exchange, Gaddafi would require that the congress declare immunity for him and his family. But the interim Transitional Council, overseen by Mustafa Abdel Jalil, the closest thing the Libyan people have as an alternative to Gaddafi, rejected the idea as a "farce."
Muammar Gaddafi can go toe-for-toe with Charlie Sheen when it comes to ranting: The Libyan strongman was on state TV again on Tuesday night, warning that "foreign forces" wanted to take over the country. His appearance indicates that he is not too keen on rebel leaders' offer to not pursue charges against him if he steps down by Friday. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, said the U.S. would support an internationally backed no-fly zone, but the U.S. would not lead the effort. "I think it's very important that this not be a US-led effort, because this comes from the people of Libya themselves," she told Sky News. The U.S. will vote in favor of a no-fly zone at the UN, but China and Russia are likely to veto. NATO has also begun 24-hour air and sea surveillance of Libya, in a possible precursor to a no-fly zone.
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker tried to show the world that he's capable of compromise by releasing emails Tuesday that he had exchanged with state Senate Democrats over his union-busting bill. His effort may have backfired, however, by ticking off the Dems. "I've never seen negotiations be done successfully in public," said state Senator Tim Cullen, who was recipient of some of Walker's emails. "I thought they were bargaining in good faith." Cullen said the talks were "discussions" not "negotiations." In the emails, Walker agreed to restore collective-bargaining rights regarding workplace safety, classroom size, and mandatory overtime and to allow salaries to rise at the rate of inflation.
Rep. Pete King, who will begin a controversial House investigation into the radicalization of American Muslims on Thursday, was once himself a strong supporter of terrorism—and has, apparently, no regrets about it. King was once an outspoken advocate for the Irish Republican Army, saying things like, "If civilians are killed in an attack on a military installation, it is certainly regrettable, but I will not morally blame the I.R.A. for it." Now he tells The New York Times, "I understand why people who are misinformed might see a parallel. The fact is, the I.R.A. never attacked the United States."
Marisol Valles Garcia earned headlines for her bravery when, at just 20 years old, she was the only applicant to be police chief in a violent, Mexican border town. Now she is in headlines again, as she has apparently fled across the border to the United States and claimed asylum. The Mexican town, Praxedis G Guerrero fired Garcia Monday for being absent without leave. U.S. Customs confirms she is in Texas. "She will have the opportunity to present the facts of her case before an impartial immigration judge," an official tells Reuters.
As the New York congressman prepares his controversial hearings on American Muslims, he's got support from the White House, he tells Lloyd Grove—praising Obama's war on terror and bashing birthers.
30 Soberest Cities by The Daily Beast With Lent upon us, The Daily Beast ranks which cities show restraint when alcohol nears. From Salt Lake (which isn't tops) to Miami (which makes a run), these are the moderation capitals.
Four Reasons American Idol Is Back From the Dead by Richard Rushfield After Simon Cowell's departure, Idol appeared to be doomed—instead, the show is experiencing a creative resurgence. Richard Rushfield on Idol's shocking comeback.
No comments:
Post a Comment