Iraq Deaths: The death toll for U.S. troops, and the number of attacks waged against them both declined in October. There were 39 American deaths last month, which is the lowest number since March 2006, the WaPo reports, citing the web site icasualties.org. There were conflicting reports about civilian deaths in Iraq. An unofficial Health Ministry count showed civilian deaths rose in October compared with September. But the U.S. military says civilian deaths declined from this year’s high of about 2,800 to about 800 in October.
Condi in Turkey: Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice arrived in Turkey today. Almost immediately, Turkish officials pressured her to blame Kurdish leaders in Iraq for attacks by the Kurdistan Workers Party (P.K.K.) against Turkish troops. The Kurdish rebels hide in mountains in Iraq, and they have recently targeted Turkish forces. The NYT reports that Rice “took pains” to show her support for Turkey, but continued to advise against a Turkish invasion into Northern Iraq, which is one of the few relatively calm parts remaining in the nation.
$60K Free Lunch: The Washington Post has obtained internal records from the Consumer Product Safety Commission that show the commission’s chairwoman and her predecessor have accepted lavish gifts from trade associations, manufacturers, and other industries that they regulate. Current chairwoman Nancy Nord and her predecessor Hal Straton have accepted nearly 30 trips paid partially or fully by various manufactuers and associations. The expenses total nearly $60,000 says the WaPo.
Myanmar: The top United Nations official stationed in Myanmar was ordered out today by the junta that controls the country. The junta expelled U.N. humanitarian coordinator Charles Petrie because of a statement released by his office late last month that urged the government to pay attention to dissenters in Myanmar and emphasized a “deterioriating humanitarian situation,” the NYT reports. Massive peaceful protests were held in September in Myanmar to denounce the military government’s strict rule. Led by Buddhist monks, the protests were met with a violent crackdown by the junta. A special U.N. envoy is scheduled to begin a six-day visit to Myanmar tomorrow, and a spokesperson says the trip will continue as planned.
Stocks: The Wall Street Journal paints a happier picture of the stock market today after a surpisingly strong amount of job growth was reported for October. Traders were waiting on the October nonfarm payroll report. According to one chief bond market strategist, stocks would likely rally if the report showed job growth of 125,000 to 175,000, but many economists expected a climb of only 93,000 for October. Well, the report's in, and job growth in October reached 166,000, causing futures to climb.
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