Baghdad Merchants Beg to Differ With McCain

VP candidate has some in Congress worrying less about ugly November

(NEWSER) - Congressional Republicans nervous about their own election chances are encouraged by the thought of a Sarah Palin-fueled boost to the GOP’s overall image, Real Clear Politics reports. Polls conducted since she was picked as John McCain’s running mate show a generic Republican congressional candidate trailing a generic Democrat by only 3.6%, narrowing a lead that has held at 12% or more since July. More»

New administration will need to fix problems Bush has not addressed

(NEWSER) - Taking the attitude that "since we were now all-powerful, allies were no longer necessary," President Bush damaged the US' image and diminished its power, Fred Kaplan writes in Slate. How can the next president heal our diplomatic woes?

1. Visit all Middle East countries; leave a full-time envoy: "It is appalling that President Bush made his first trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories in his final year."

Promises 'unwavering commitment' of US as war begins 6th year

(NEWSER) - Leading Iraq war architect Dick Cheney made an unannounced visit to Baghdad today, beginning a nine-day Middle East tour by promising Iraq the "unwavering commitment of the United States in finishing the difficult work that lies ahead." John McCain, traveling as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, simultaneously met with other Iraqi leaders in the capital, AFP reports. More»

Suspected suicide bomber was bodyguard of Sunni MP

(NEWSER) - Eight people, including three lawmakers, were killed and at least 30 wounded when a suicide bomber eluded the normally heavy security around the Green Zone and denonated an explosion in the cafeteria of the Iraqi parliament. Officials believe the culprit was the bodyguard of a Sunni legislator not among the dead. The bomb squad defused two other satchel bombs found inside the building. More»

President refuses to compromise on Iraq funding

(NEWSER) - Bush is staying the course in the war with Congress, ripping into "Democrat leaders" in a press conference today, and repeating his vow to veto any bills with troop withdrawal deadlines that crossed his desk. Congress, he said, is more clearly interested in fighting political battles than real ones. More»