Daily Archives: Jan. 27, 2007

Open thread

Jan. 27, 20071:04 a.m.

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Open thread | Comments (70)

Raising the stakes against Iranian agents

Jan. 27, 20071:02 a.m.

If you’re an Iranian operative in Iraq, your morning commute just got a little tougher.
The White House said Friday that U.S. forces in Iraq are now free to take whatever actions deemed necessary — including death — to counter agents aiding attacks on American troops.
The United States detained five Iranians in northern Iraq last month. If it’s been killing others, we probably won’t hear about it.
At first blush, it makes sense to raise the stakes for the Iranians — this is war. But a public announcement of the policy seems counterproductive, handing our foes a valuable propaganda card when a bullet meant for an Iranian operative inevitably hits someone who isn’t.
Posted by Dave Knadler

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Iraq | Comments (134)

Discover the Ark River

Jan. 27, 20071:01 a.m.

Our editorial today gives belated props to those — including blogger Ben Huie — who are working to add new access points on the Arkansas River from west of Hutchinson through Wichita to Oxford. Organizers say the plan isn’t solely for canoeists, kayakers and fishermen. Some of the access points could be parklike places for people to hike, camp or just watch the river flow. As the editorial notes: “If we want people to discover and appreciate Kansas, we’ve got to provide access to it. This river plan is a great start.”
Posted by Phillip Brownlee

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Environment | Comments (24)

Should public dollars fix classrooms only?

Jan. 27, 20071:00 a.m.

As lawmakers are acknowledging the need to do something about crumbling buildings on the state university campuses, some want to cut athletic facilities from the to-do list. The thinking is that funds could be raised privately for athletic buildings. Still, if universities chose to press the issue, they could argue that gymnasiums and stadiums are state buildings, and no less deserving of state care than classrooms. Meanwhile, the House-passed help this week — $15 million a year for five years — wouldn’t make much headway on the full $727 million work list. At that rate of investment, it would take half a century to finish the repairs needed now.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Education | Comments (15)