Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics (Welcome Back!)

Monday, 13 January 2003, 3:05 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Iraq Has No Smoking Guns: Blix
Which Country is the Biggest Threat to World Peace?
Is Germany About to 'Stiff' Bush?
I Was Nabbed, Beaten, and Deported: Jaggi Singh Tells all
NZ POLITICS: Brownlee Gears Up For Leadership Challenge
Scoop Letters to the Editor
ACC Investments Open to Scamsters
Q&As From The War Monger’s Lair
Operation Iraq: Brits Call Up Army Reserves
MORE SCOOP HOLIDAY SEASON COMMENTARY

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
More Rot In Southern Homes
AG Study Prompted From Northland Health Failure
Ground-based assault Will Get PAM
Bradford Targets Pokies
Memories of WWII
Sustaining Economic Growth Environmentally
Where Will Refugees Go Asks Peters
WINZ Computer System Endorses Fraud
Nats Say OSH Info Campaign Flawed
Govt’s Victim’s Rights Stance Hollow
NZ Drugs Shortage Needs Sorting Out
NZ Film Commission Irresponsible With Tax Payer’s Money

Iraq Has No Smoking Guns: Blix

- The top United Nations weapons inspectors today said there were still many unanswered questions in Iraq's arms declaration although investigations on the ground so far have not uncovered any "smoking guns." See… Iraqi arms declaration flawed but no 'smoking gun' [1] LISTEN: Click here for audio of Dr. Blix and Dr. ElBaradei following Security Council Briefing ALSO: - No Deadline Says Bush - White House Press Briefing [2] - Security Council Fully Backs UN Arms Inspectors [3] - In Verbatim: Blix Briefing Notes To UN Security Council [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0301/S00038.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0301/S00042.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0301/S00039.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0301/S00040.htm

Which Country is the Biggest Threat to World Peace?

Click Here to VOTE in the TIME Poll

Is Germany About to 'Stiff' Bush?

- Germany’s now on the UN Security Council. Will it vote yes to an Iraq war? And is its goal to 'stiff' Bush and have Europe become the balancing superpower preventing the USA from achieving its stated goal of sustainable global dominance? See... Has Bush Missed Germany's True Agenda? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00022.htm

I Was Nabbed, Beaten, and Deported: Jaggi Singh Tells all

- My thanks and gratitude to everyone who helped me after my recent nabbing, detention and deportation. I'm overwhelmed by your support and solidarity. Thanks to all of you, in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Nablus, Beit Sahour, Montreal, Toronto and elsewhere. I'd like to particularly thank the members of Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights (SPHR) and the No One Is Illegal campaign in Montreal, and the incredible organizers involved with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) in Palestine. See... I Was Nabbed, Beaten, and Deported: Jaggi Singh [1] ALSO: - Jaggi Singh Nabbed in Jerusalem [2] - Jaggi Singh Beaten and Deported from Israel [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0301/S00030.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00024.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00026.htm

NZ POLITICS: Brownlee Gears Up For Leadership Challenge

- Gerry Brownlee’s call for ending New Zealand’s ban on nuclear-powered ships is a complete ‘u’ turn from his statement on the issue last September, says Foreign Minister Phil Goff. And the about-face is more to do with the National MP’s leadership ambitions ... See... Brownlee's Nuke About-face motivated by ambition [1] ALSO: - Greens - Nats call to end nuclear-free policy [2] AND: - Paulo Politico Brownlee’s Uranium Effluvium - It is likely that Brownlee will challenge English at National’s forthcoming caucus retreat in February. Whoever wins the leadership must demand consistency from his caucus colleagues. That’s what’s behind Brownlee’s NUKE rethink… See... Brownlee’s Uranium Breath Leadership Challenge... [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0301/S00045.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0301/S00046.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00029.htm

Scoop Letters to the Editor

- Is Germany About to 'Stiff' Bush? - Brownlee's Nuke Rethink - See... Scoop Letters to the Editor [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00028.htm

ACC Investments Open to Scamsters

- The ACC is once again in the public spotlight following revelations that it plans to increase its NZ and overseas investments from the current $3.8 billion to $5.4 billion by 2005 while at the same time increasing petrol levies for motorists… See... Howard’s End: ACC Investments Open to Scamsters [1] Streets of London: HIV and Hep Tests - Compulsory HIV and hepatitis tests for potential NHS recruits, with those who test positive becoming ineligible for posts entailing a higher risk of infecting patients, came a step closer last week. See... Streets of London: Compulsory HIV and Hep Tests [2] USA Continues Depleted Uranium Weapons Plan - A study of the irresponsible and continuing use of depleted uranium ammunition by the United States armed forces proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that exposure to this poisonous substance guarantees cancer, birth defects and other lethal hazards. See... America Killing Its Own Soldiers [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00027.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00025.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00016.htm

Q&As From The War Monger’s Lair

-Ever since the global war on terrorism began, we have pointed out that it is a war unlike any other war that our country has ever fought, and that victory will require new ways of thinking, new ways of fighting, as well as a good deal of patience… See... News Briefing - Secretary Rumsfeld and Gen. Myers [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0301/S00017.htm

Operation Iraq: Brits Call Up Army Reserves

- UK Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has issued orders to enable the call-up for 1,500 army reservists for possible operations against Iraq. However he added that this did not mean that a decision had taken to commit British forces to such operations. See... UK announces plans to call-up army reservists [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0301/S00021.htm

MORE SCOOP HOLIDAY SEASON COMMENTARY

- Jason Leopold - Rumsfield Has Other Plans For Thomas White [1]
- David Miller - David Miller Online: What Motivates North Korea? [2]
- Maree Howard - Howard’s End - There’s Madness Afoot [3]
- Deepak Sarkar - Israel, Wants Palestine Without Palestinians [4]
- Jason Leopold - Enron and the Dodgy $8 million Army Fortress Scam [5]
- Rosalea Barker Stateside With Rosalea - Oh-two in review [6]
- Julie Symons Julz’s World: The price of life in Swatch land [7]
- Bernard Weiner '02 Politics Summed Up For Dummies [8]
- Barbara O'Brien How Bush Is Screwing Korea [9]
- Selwyn Manning Christmas - Starting With the Man in the Mirror [10]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00023.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00015.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00010.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00013.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00005.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00001.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00156.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00119.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00154.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00136.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0301/S00022.htm
IMAGE: Is Bush About to be 'Stiffed'?

More Rot In Southern Homes

The rotting homes crisis is affecting Central Otago more than previously realised, says National’s Housing spokesman Wayne Mapp, after speaking at a public meeting in Queenstown today. See... Southern area widely affected by rotting homes [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0301/S00050.htm

AG Study Prompted From Northland Health Failure

- A call by National MP Phil Heatley for an audit of the contracts between a failed Northland health and social services agency and two Ministries has resulted in a proposal for a much wider investigation into contracting practices across the state ... See... THOTT probe prompts Auditor General study [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0301/S00049.htm

Ground-based assault Will Get PAM

- Green Party Biosecurity Spokesperson Ian Ewen-Street today backed Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey's call for a switch from blanket aerial spraying to a ground-based campaign in the Painted Apple Moth eradication programme. See... Back to basics on the painted apple moth [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0301/S00048.htm

Bradford Targets Pokies

- The 30 per cent explosion in spending on "pokies" has hardened Green MP Sue Bradford's resolve to tighten the Responsible Gambling Bill due before Parliament this year. See... Greens take aim in "pokie" war [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0301/S00047.htm

Memories of WWII

- Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Judith Tizard, is urging all New Zealanders with an interest in war history to support a project to chronicle the experiences of World War 2 veterans. See... Focuse on North African and Italian Campaigns [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0301/S00051.htm

Sustaining Economic Growth Environmentally

- Too many people assume that economic growth equals damage to the environment. It doesn't have to. You can have a healthy economy and a healthy environment - and that is what this government is aiming for. See... Sustaining the environment in a growing economy [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0301/S00044.htm

Where Will Refugees Go Asks Peters

- New Zealand First wants the Government to explain which category it is using to bring in another 150 refugees when there are already hundreds of people in the country seeking such status. See... Where Do These Refugees Fit In? Asks Peters [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0301/S00043.htm

WINZ Computer System Endorses Fraud

- The fact that the Work and Income Service's computer system cannot tell whether or not a benefit debt is the result of fraud makes Government claims of effective fraud prevention implausible, ACT New Zealand Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman said. See... Computer-Endorsed Benefit Fraud [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0301/S00042.htm

Nats Say OSH Info Campaign Flawed

- The National Party’s targeting a new OSH information campaign for more criticism. See... OSH changes come at a price [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0301/S00041.htm

Govt’s Victim’s Rights Stance Hollow

- The National Party’s accusing the Government of offering nothing more than lip service to the victims of crime after the early release of a convicted rapist. See... Government stand on victims’ rights hollow - Ryall [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0301/S00040.htm

NZ Drugs Shortage Needs Sorting Out

- New Zealand is losing its first world health status when New Zealander’s cannot get access to essential day to day drugs, says National Health Spokesperson Dr Lynda Scott. See... Govt must act on drugs shortage [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0301/S00030.htm

NZ Film Commission Irresponsible With Tax Payer’s Money

- Answers to new parliamentary questions show the New Zealand Film Commission has been totally irresponsible with taxpayers' money over the demise of Larry Parr's Kahukura Productions Ltd, and Chief Executive Ruth Harley - See... Kahukura Saga Gets Murkier [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0301/S00033.htm

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

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