Monday Newsbreak: 3/31

--When listening to different takes on the “surge” in Iraq, I hear two basically different points of view, both valid, within their limitations. The first, generally espoused by supporters of President Bush, claims that the surge has been a success. By making agreements with Sunni leaders disillusioned by the presence of Al-Qaeda in their midst, the U.S. was able to take back for the Iraqi government territory that had been in the control of insurgents. And that has indeed happened. So to that extent, the surge HAS been successful. But the Iraqi government was then supposed to take advantage of this improved situation on the ground and pass reconciliation legislation that would give all of the major factions within Iraq a sense of participation and security. It is in this area, as detractors of the surge’s effectiveness claim, that the surge is not coming to fruition. And if too much time passes without realizing true reconciliation there, then it all will have been in vain.

--The presidential campaign continues, and after the recent flack about Barack Obama’s pastor and Hillary Clinton’s exaggerations about her experience, not much has changed. Obama is still leading Clinton in delegates, primaries won, and states won. In national polls he leads against both Clinton and John McCain. The only change I am seeing is an increasing number of Democrats beginning to urge Hillary to back out, either now or at least not long after the April 22 Pennsylvania Primary results are revealed.

--A giant 160 square-mile chunk of Antarctic ice just dropped off into the ocean, continuing the undeniable trend of polar ice melting. In the U.S., we had a relatively late winter due to the La Niña effect, causing some (especially folks like Rush Limbaugh) to question the existence of global warming. But friends, it hasn’t gone away!

--The University of Florida Gators men’s basketball team has made the “final four” for the National Invitation Tournament. The next game is tomorrow evening. Florida has shown itself to be an NCAA Tournament-caliber team through its excellent play in the NIT. In the NCAA tourney, I predict a North Carolina-UCLA final next week, with the UCLA Bruins prevailing in that one.