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August Is a Snooze— Unless These Crises Hit

Iran, Afghanistan won't spend summer snoozing

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 11, 2009 9:30 AM CDT

(Newser) – August is a snooze—except when it isn't, writes Anne Applebaum for the Washington Post, who points out that World War I and Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait began in the eighth month. For the benefit of "the interns who are manning the shop while everyone is out of town," she runs down the crises that could bubble over:

Iran—Show trials of protesters are already under way, and the leadership could very well "test the West" by arresting some top-level opposition leaders.

Russia and Georgia, again—The anniversary of last year's August invasion was marked by grenade-throwing and talk from both sides of a renewed conflict. "What if Russia invades again?" Applebaum writes.
Afghanistan—Many Taliban fled the southern provinces when fresh American troops arrived, but they're now striking in cities and formerly peaceful northern and western areas, and could seriously disrupt the Aug. 20 elections.
Iraq—"It's been simmering on the back burner for years," so why not throw it into the mix?

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

French lecturer Clotilde Reiss, who was reportedly arrested at Tehran airport on July 1, and jailed on charges of spying linked to riots over last month's presidential election, appear in court. (AP Photo/ILNA,Hanif Shoaee)

US soldiers from the 5th Striker Brigade take position next to Sari Ghundi village as they patrol near the Pakistani border southeast of Kandahar, Afghanistan, yesterday. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

A Russian tank is seen driving down the road towards the Georgian military airbase of Senaki, western Georgia, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Bela Szandelszky)

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If you want to surprise any American administration, do something nasty while the president is on vacation. - Anne Applebaum

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August Is a Snooze— Unless These Crises Hit