Rumsfeld questioned about Iraq-al Qaeda link
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said their was no “‘hard evidence'” that there was ever a link between al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein. Rumsfeld was pounded by question from reporters on Monday, Oct. 4 to talk about the link between the two. In Sept. 2002 Rumsfeld told reporters that there was a link between al Qaeda and Iraq. “‘I have seen the answer to that question migrate in the intelligence community over a period of a year in the most amazing way. Second, there are differences in the intelligence community as to what the relationship was,'” Rumsfeld said. He also discussed that the United States still had not found weapons of mass destruction like they said existed before the war began, according to the Associated Press.
U.S. not prepared with enough troops
Former head of the U.S. occupation in Iraq L.Paul Bremer said that the United States did not have enough troops when the war started. Bremer said that he witnessed looting throughout the unstable region. “‘We paid a big price for not stopping it because it established an atmosphere of lawlessness,'” Bremer said. Bremer then stated that he supported the Bush administration and that he feels there are currently enough troops on the ground in Iraq. The topic concerning whether or not the United States was prepared to oust Sadaam Hussein and free the Iraqi people has been a hot topic throughout the upcoming presidential election. Bremer’s statements only cause more discussion about the war, according to the Associated Press.
Volcano unpredictable
Mt. St. Helen’s gave people in Washington state a show. The active volcano has been shooting ash into the sky since Friday, Oct. 1 and has caused many scientist to worry about the possibilities that could arise if the volcano had a major eruption. The last time the volcano erupted was in 1980 and killed several people. Scientists warn that it is very hard to predict what volcanoes do. Towns and homes are not expected to receive much damage due to the west-northwest winds blowing the ash, according to MSNBC.
Flu vaccine running in short supply
Health officials in the U.S. fear that there will be a significant shortage in flu vaccines this year. One of the reasons for the shortage is due to the fact that the British health officials canceled the licenses of many U.S. companies that made the vaccine. The BBC reported that Britain had made adequate preparations to ensure that countries do have enough vaccines. However, the vaccines may reach their destination a bit late, according to CBS News.
10 million awarded to spaceship
SpaceShipOne made history by racing to space reaching heights over 62 miles twice in one week. The privately owned rocket won the $10 million Ansari X prize. The flight was created by designer Burt Rutan and received funds of $20 million from Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, according to usatoday.com.
Dangerfield dead at 82
Comedian Rodney Dangerfield dies at 82 at the UCLA Medical Center after slipping into a “light coma.” In order to improve his body’s blood flow in preparation for a heart valve replacement, Dangerfield had undergone arterial brain surgery. Dangerfield was known for his act as an everyman’s man who got no respect, according to the latimes.com.
Posted to the web by Paul Nasella
