Despite the fact that thousands of Iraqis have risked their lives and the security of their families by supporting U.S. reconstruction efforts in Iraq, the U.S. is excluding them from a fast-track refugee resettlement program. Approximately 100 Iraqi employees of the U.S embassy will receive preferential treatment while the rest must rely on the surge working, join 2 million other Iraqis and flee the country, or risk violent retribution for their aid to the U.S. (AP)

The government is presenting closing arguments in its case against suspected terrorists accused of plotting a homegrown religious insurrection against the American government that would include spectacular attacks. Administration officials once “trumpeted” the case as a major break in the “war on terror,” until the defendants turned out to be pathetic indigents. Since the defendants never possessed weapons or equipment and posed “no immediate threat,” they face 70 years based primarily on a videotaped oath to Al Qaeda that was guided by F.B.I. informants. (New York Times)

Yesterday, two unidentified witnesses (including a man with a shaved head and black leather jacket) testified before a federal grand jury in an investigation into Blackwater. A third witness in a brown leather jacket and military style crew cut also appeared. A court escort wore khaki cargo pants and the judge may have worn a black robe but nobody seems to know any details of the testimony or even the names of the witnesses. (AP)

The U.S. military recently discovered that it has >miscounted the number of Iraqi civilians serving as volunteer guards. The number, inflated by thousands, has now been reduced from 77,000 to 60,321. (AP)

The Dickie Scruggs case “came together” in a shocking moment when a state court judge was offered a bribe on behalf of Scruggs from a second lawyer. The Wall Street Journal has a good recounting (sub. req.) of how the sordid affair played out. (Wall Street Journal)

In the south, it is not good manners to host a political fund-raising event within a fortnight or so of being indicted. Dickie Scruggs therefore will not be hosting a December 15 event for Hillary Clinton at his home. Bill, but not Hillary, was expected to attend. (Wall Street Journal)