Slate's Bizbox
the zeitgeist checklist: What Washington is talking about.

Zeitgeist Checklist: Zeitgeist Hearts YouWhat Washington is talking about this week.

By Christopher Beam
Posted Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007, at 6:26 AM ET

(Continued from page 2)

5. Last Week: 6 Weeks on List: 34 [UP ARROW]

Safer Sects
Iraq. The Iraqi government announces a major security upgrade, including an earlier curfew in Baghdad. Insurgents caught outside after 8 p.m. will be grounded, with the possibility of water-boarding. Also, Iraq temporarily closes off its borders with Syria and Iran. Sounds like a job for some explosively formed penetrators.

6. New This Week [UP ARROW]

Splitting Hairs, Atoms
North Korea. Kim Jong-il tentatively agrees to close down his main nuclear reactor and readmit inspectors in exchange for oil—a deal that could take North Korea off a list of terrorist regimes and reduce the axis of evil to a mere partnership. Conservatives from Elliott Abrams to the National Review accuse Bush of putting too much faith in Dear Leader. Others start wearing "What Would Rumsfeld Do?" bracelets.

VIEW AS SINGLE PAGE
Print This ArticlePRINTDiscuss this in The FrayDISCUSSEmail to a FriendE-MAIL
Share on FacebookPost to MySpace!Share with MixxDigg ThisShare with RedditShare with del.icio.usShare with FurlShare with Ma.gnolia.comShare with SphereShare with Stumble Upon
Christopher Beam is a Slate political reporter.
Illustrations by Vivian Selbo.
Join the Fray: our reader discussion forum
What did you think of this article?
POST A MESSAGE | READ MESSAGES
Washington Post
The Washington Post
OPINIONS
Topic A: Obama's Speech
| Pundits and diplomats respond.
Robinson: Sunshine in BerlinToles: Obama the UniterTelnaes: Meanwhile, McCain
PLUS » Stumped: Bring Back Bill Clinton