Witch-hunt begins

The witch-hunt has begun. And if you are not already aware of it, here are some news flashes to chew on.

FBI targets Indymedia
British authorities with a subpoena supplied by the US FBI shut down 20 Independent Media websites--spanning the continent of Europe and across the ocean to western Massachusetts.

The websites were hosted by Rackspace, an Internet Service Provider based in San Antonio, Texas.

Volunteer-run Indymedia carries news, articles and other postings about anti-globalization struggles, anti-war protests, and many other issues, including anti-Bush rants.

Colin Powell's resignation leaves hawks to rule the roost
...did he jump or was he pushed? Last night in Washington, the answer was still unclear as the most doveish member of the Bush administration announced he would resign from office whenever his replacement was appointed, probably in January, before the president's inauguration.

Last night, a senior administration official said Mr Bush had asked Condoleezza Rice, his national security adviser, to replace Mr Powell as secretary of state...

It's war: the CIA vs Bush
"The agency is being purged on instructions from the White House," said a former CIA official. "Goss was given instructions ... to get rid of those soft leakers and liberal Democrats. The CIA is looked on by the White House as a hotbed of liberals and people who have been obstructing the President's agenda."

Bush accepts Powell resignation along with three others
...The White House said it would not announce replacements for Powell, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman; Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham; and Education Secretary Rod Paige on Monday.