New York Times: 5 Years After It Halted Weapons Programs, Libya Sees the U.S. as Ungrateful

TRIPOLI, Libya — When Libya gave up its nuclear and chemical weapons programs in late 2003, President George W. Bush pointed to the decision as a victory in Washington’s so-called war on terror and as a potential model for pressing Iran and North Korea to give up their weapons programs, too.

A barbershop in Tripoli, Libya, beneath the visage of Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi. One analyst said, “Dealing with Qaddafi is not easy because he is unpredictable.”

But now Libyan officials say they are dissatisfied with the way the deal worked out, insisting that the United States has done too little to reward Libya’s concessions. Officials here say they believe that Libya’s limited payoff undermines the credibility of the United States as it presses other nations to abandon weapons programs.

Washington Post: Hidden Message Found in Lincoln Pocket Watch

By: Neely Tucker

Blogger Comment: A bit of lighter reading for you history buffs out there....

New York Times: 2 West Africa Slayings May Signal a New Day

By: Lydia Polgreen; Full Article May Be Read Here

"This mutual loathing had both personal and tribal roots. General Tagme Na Waie was from the Balante tribe, which dominates the army. Mr. Vieira came from the less important Papel tribe. The general claimed that Mr. Vieira’s government had once tortured him by shocking his testicles with an electric device. Mr. Vieira suspected the general of undermining his power and threatening his rule."