It's been one of those weeks where I had to focus on my own work and still managed to get disrupted. So not much collected here. In particular, nothing about the Iowa caucuses, which seem to indicate that Democrats at least are not only in a mood to take "change" as something more literal than a hoary cliché, they recognize that Clinton is a big part of what they want to change away from. I can't say that I'm much of a fan of what Obama says and does, but if change is your mantra, he's going to be tough to compete with.

Tariq Ali: My heart bleeds for Pakistan. On the succession, where Benazir Bhutto's so-called Pakistan People's Party was handed down to the dauphin (Bhutto's 19-year-old son), with crooked husband Asif Zardari acting as regent. One would think that a populist movement would have more options than a single (ethically dubious) aristocratic family.

Tariq Ali: Daughter of the West. A pre-assassination background piece on Benazir Bhutto. Ali has a book on Pakistan promised for early 2008. Events may be overwhelming the book, but such background is essential.

Dahr Jamail: Iraq Progresses to Some of Its Worst. Subtitle: "Despite all the claims of improvements, 2007 has been the worst year yet in Iraq. Jamail does covers most of the good news; e.g.:

By the end of 2007, attacks against occupation forces decreased substantially, but still number more than 2,000 monthly. Iraqi infrastructure, like supply of potable water and electricity are improving, but remain below pre-invasion levels. Similarly with jobs and oil exports. Unemployment, according to the Iraqi government, ranges between 60-70 percent.