Backlash Times 3

Follow-up to recent blog postings:

Iraq

Al-Qaeda seems determined to bring down the al-Maliki government in Iraq by killing as many people—mostly Shiites—in Baghdad as possible. They may succeed. At least 127 people died Wednesday from a car bomb at Baghdad’s Sadriyah market, the exact spot where 137 died February 3, before the surge. Al-Maliki arrested the colonel in charge—no cars were supposed to be allowed near the market after what happened in February.

According to The Times (London), al-Maliki’s action “was not enough to deter criticism . . . from both Sunnis who believe his Government is too beholden to its Shia supporters and militias and from radical Shias who object to his attempts to negotiate with Sunni leaders.”

Mass Murderer’s “Manifesto”

NBC News came under heavy criticism for having provided the megaphone for the Virginia Tech mass murderer’s from-the-grave attempt to justify his crime:

• Virginia police said they were “disappointed’’ that NBC chose to broadcast a rambling manifesto by the campus killer at Virginia Tech.

• Fox News Channel said today it would stop and other networks said they would severely limit their use.

• Some families who lost loved ones expressed their anger by cancelling appearances on NBC’s “Today.”

• The Virginia Tech administrator dealing with the victims’ families said that he wished NBC News had kept the material under wraps.

Imus

Some liberals apparently are indeed reluctant to eat their own. Sen. John Kerry, as had Ellen Goodman earlier, expressed opposition to the Imus firing. Indicating the firing went too far, Kerry said, "You know, the punishment has to fit the crime, so to speak."