Real Clear World Interview with Richard Haass, author of War of Necessity, War of Choice: A Memoir of Two Iraq Wars:

RCW: How badly has American influence in the Middle East been damaged?

HAASS: The U.S. strategic position has worsened: Iran is much stronger, Iraq is weak and divided, Afghanistan is going in the wrong direction, and moderate Palestinians have lost ground to radical Palestinians. What we used to call the peace process is on its heels. Sunni Arab regimes are fearful of Iran, and to some extent, the Shia populations within their own countries.

The next era of Middle Eastern history – which we are already in – will be worse for the United States. The era after the Cold War – where for fifteen or so years the U.S. had no great power competitor, amassed the coalition that won the first Iraq war, and helped promote a peace process that nearly reached closure – is now over. We’re now in an era where Iran, various militias and terrorists now have a much larger share of power. We’re still the most important external actor in the region, but our position has clearly suffered.

Following the Logic

If we need to keep evidence of torture, like photographs, secret, to protect our troops, doesn't that suggest that torture isn't a great way to keep them or us safe? - Josh Marshall

Thanks, Stimulus Bill:

Smokies - +1,500 jobs

... The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will receive $64 million in federal stimulus money, with most of the funds going toward road work. The parks’s trails, cemeteries, public restrooms and other buildings also will be improved... the funds are expected to create up to 1,500 private-sector jobs, according to Ditmanson. - Knoxville News-Sentinel

http://tinyurl.com/q85qpm

ETSU Press Closing:

From Johnson City Press:

In-house Printing Press - 11 employees

http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/09/News/article.php?ID=68873

Why do they hate history?

Talking about the city of Johnson City's acquisition of the old National Guard property on West Market St., city commissioner Steve Darden said "immediate plans would be to demolish the old armory building."

They don't know what they're going to do with the property (nearly 30 acres), but the building has to be demolished. Par for the course ...

Shots fired leads to Carter man’s arrest

Of course, he has the right to bear arms against small children.

From Johnson City Press:

A shot fired in the direction of two children on Monday afternoon has led to the arrest of a neighbor. Larry Guinn Jr., 24, 161 Grace Lewis Road, has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of marijuana possession ... Witnesses told the officers that Guinn had first thrown a Pepsi bottle at the 5-year-old girl and 3-year-old boy who were inside a fenced-in lot on their property. They said Guinn then yelled for the adults in the residence to come outside ... as they came onto the porch Guinn pulled out a pistol and pointed the weapon in the direction of the children. He then fired one shot ... Guinn said "I'm tired of the (expletive) kids and I'm going to go get a silencer and blow all your heads off."

http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/09/News/article.php?ID=68846

Erwin Plant Closing:

From Johnson City Press:

Morgan Insulation - 42 employees.

http://www.johnsoncitypress.com/09/News/article.php?ID=68840