Peter’s Blog

BBC NEWS | UK | UK troops in huge turbine mission

Two thousand British troops in southern Afghanistan have successfully transported a huge hydroelectric power turbine through Taleban territory.

In one of their biggest operations in Helmand, a convoy of 100 vehicles took five days to move the massive sections of the turbine 180km (112 miles).

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British forces were helped by 2,000 Nato and Afghan troops.

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The convoy travelled the length of the Helmand river valley - through areas insurgents have controlled for more than two years - carrying seven 20-30 tonne sections.

Oh, and did you see the BBC reporter there in his baby blue polo shirt? An American reporter would probably be wearing 2 flak jackets and a helmet…

Disclosures on Palin Raise Questions on Vetting Process - NYTimes.com

A series of disclosures about Gov. Sarah Palin, Senator John McCain’s choice as running mate, called into question on Monday how thoroughly Mr. McCain had examined her background before putting her on the Republican presidential ticket.

I don’t particularly care about her background but it seems that McCain (and his campaign organization) didn’t talk to Palin until he had decided on her, which seems strange. If nothing else, if I were the Presidential candidate I’d talk to the people I was considering for the Vice Presidential ticket and ask them why (or even if!) they’d want to be the candidate and about their background.