4:43 am .. just got woken up by an overwhelming need for water. In all the filling up of the brita jug etc, i am no longer sleepy. So, an update is in order...

I did not finish Harry Potter today. Me and my three sibs are sharing the book and since school is out as of tomorrow, they had the luxury of reading a bit later into the night tonight and I could not get my hands on it for long. But, I left the book on a critical point which seems to be the beginning of a full out confrontation. We will see...

I do not think that Hagrid wil be the one to die any longer. I actually have no clue who will... and any guess on my part on this page will give away bits of the story, if not that, it will atleast betray the larger roles some of the charcaters play in this book. so.. I digress..

moving on...

Pakistan and the War on Terrorism.

Pakistan's government chose to whole heartedly support the US in this war and the US is reciprocating the support. First, Pakistan has just pledged to send troops to Iraq if, atleast one other muslim nation will. The US has thanked Pakistan for this support by promising US$ 3 billion in aid.

It is interesting to note that the current Pakistani govt is one that is not democratically elected. The current leader of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf took over from the then democratic govt in a coup and although he had promised to reform the democratic system and return it into the hands of the people two years ago, he has not made a move in that direction. Moreover, the US is once again supporting a dictator (because that's what he is) just to acheive their short term goals. Some people never learn.

The Greenpeace Mission in Iraq is being b-logged.

Robert Fisk's new article is out. He talks about the recent killing of six British soldiers in Iraq. Very good, as always.

An American soldier has chosen a Court Martial trial over a lesser charges trial in the friendly fire incident that led to the deaths of four Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. This guy either has very high morals and believes completely that he is innocent or he is just haughty ans stupid. He could face 64 years in prison if found guilty during the court martial.

Lastly, here is an article which explains in depth the whole political situation and wrangling behind the recent clashes and political stalemate concerning Hamas in the Occupied Territories. A very interesting article from a very reliable writer.

I'm going to bed...