Senate passes terror interrogation bill after much debate and Democratic challenges … Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and Justice Stephen Breyer speak out against Republican and Conservatives attacking the concept of judicial independence…They say this could lead to governmental dictatorship…RetroVision Media endorses Andrew Cuomo for New York Attorney General over Jean Pirro and James “The Sexist” Webb for senate over George “The Red Neck” Allen in Virginia

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATE
Following are excerpts from the declassified version of 16 U.S. intelligence agencies’ consensus April 2006 National Intelligence Estimate on “Trends in Global Terrorism: Implications for the United States.”
_ On the global jihadist movement:
“United States-led counterterrorism efforts have seriously damaged the leadership of al-Qaida and disrupted its operations; however, we judge that al-Qaida will continue to pose the greatest threat to the Homeland and US interests abroad by a single terrorist organization. We also assess that the global jihadist movement – which includes al-Qaida, affiliated and independent terrorist groups, and emerging networks and cells – is spreading and adapting to counterterrorism efforts.”
“Four underlying factors are fueling the spread of the jihadist movement: (1) Entrenched grievances, such as corruption, injustice, and fear of Western domination, leading to anger, humiliation, and a sense of powerlessness; (2) the Iraq `jihad;” (3) the slow pace of real and sustained economic, social, and political reforms in many Muslim majority nations; and (4) pervasive anti-US sentiments among most Muslims – all of which jihadists exploit.”
“The jihadists’ greatest vulnerability is that their ultimate political solution – an ultra-conservative interpretation of shari’a-based governance spanning the Muslim world – is unpopular with the vast majority of Muslims.”
_ On terrorist tactics:
“We judge that most jihadist groups – both well-known and newly formed – will use improvised explosive devices and suicide attacks focused primarily on soft targets . . . and that they will attempt to conduct sustained terrorist attacks in urban environments. Fighters with experience in Iraq are a potential source of leadership for jihadists pursuing these tactics.”
_ On Iraq:
“We assess that the Iraq jihad is shaping a new generation of terrorist leaders and operatives; perceived jihadist success there would inspire more fighters to continue the struggle elsewhere.
“The Iraq conflict has become the `cause celebre’ for jihadists, breeding a deep resentment of US involvement in the Muslim world and cultivating supporters for the global jihadist movement.”
“Al-Qaida, now merged with Abu Mus’ab al-Zarqawi’s network, is exploiting the situation in Iraq to attract new recruits and donors and to maintain its leadership role.”
_ On the Internet:
“The radicalization process is occurring more quickly, more widely, and more anonymously in the Internet age, raising the likelihood of surprise attacks by unknown groups whose members and supporters may be difficult to pinpoint.
“We judge that groups of all stripes will increasingly use the Internet to communicate, propagandize, recruit, train, and obtain logistical and financial support.”