Court rules for Franken in contested election

ST. PAUL, Minn.--After months of delay and bluster from former Senator Coleman, the Minnesota Supreme Court moments ago ruled in favor of Al Franken. Governor Pawlenty has said previously that he would seat Mr. Franken if the state's highest court rules in his favor. Franken will be the mythical 60th vote and help Democrats in tight situations as Senators Kennedy and Byrd are rarely in chambers due to medical conditions. While this decision is great, it is unfortunate that Mr. Coleman dragged his feet instead of graciously conceding in the days after he knew that Franken had the votes to win.

Pakistan's allies draw Indian military to China border

NEW DELHI--Military sources tell The Schadenfreude Post that Western nations are cooperating with China to relieve pressure on Pakistan's border by drawing Indian forces to its disputed border with China; thus easing pressure on the Zardari government to focus its attention on defeating Taliban forces in the lawless Western provinces. News reports are reporting that an Indian Air Force plan is missing at the China front. Sources say that the United States and China, two long-time Pakistan allies, are attempting to support the Pakistan military by relieving pressure on the Indian border. The strategy appears to be working.

West, Gulf States are winners in Lebanon

BEIRUT--The victory of Harari's March 14th Alliance over Hezbollah-backed candidates in Lebanon's June 7th election is a major victory for the West and moderate Sunni Gulf States. From a strategic view, the methods used by the United States and Saudi Arabia to neutralize Hezbollah's grassroots support offer proof that diplomatic activity, accompanied by financial, military and intelligence support, are valuable tools to neutralize bad actors without using the heavy hand (e.g., Iraq) which creates blow back on America's long term interests. We got it right in Lebanon and the democratically elected government is slowly rebuilding the damaged nation and replacing chaotic militias and NGOs with governmental institutions. Hopefully, we will learn from this victory.