Actions taken

Alkatiri gone. Was he just a scapegoat for a myriad of unfixable problems? I tend to think it will be no loss.

A kidnapped Israeli soldier may trigger all-out war as Ehud Olmert pins responsibility on Hamas and threatens to invade Gaza. Hamas denies knowledge. Palestinians got Gaza back, they have to grow up a little and take some responsibility sooner or later.

Buffett is giving $37 billion US to charity. That, Collins Street, is what we call philanthropy. Gettler at the Age blogs some more on this.

Somalia wants the US to rocket them, or something. Another theocracy- that should resolve the country's developmental issues, they'll be another Dubai this time next year.

Tories in Britain apparently like some rights, just that they'd rather they were contained in a Bill, not an Act. Express reference to Humans also discouraged.

Finally, closer to home for the Aussies, Cam gets into the detail on the whole fighter-bomber acquisition thingy. Australia has an exemplary record for purchasing military hardware, I don't know why people question the powers that be, do you?