Quickhits

E&P and Rawstory do a pretty good takedown on the NYTimes frontpage article unquestioningly reporting Iranian involvement in supplying IED's in Iraq. (The reporter was once second on the byline beneath Judith Miller on the "aluminum tubes" story.)

(BBC) "The Bolivian government has seized control of the country's largest, privately-run tin smelter complex."

(BBC) After blasting the US earlier, Putin sets off on a trip to Saudi, Jordan, and Qatar. (AFP - discussing arms sales.)

Later: (Telegraph) "Leaders of Sunni Arab states are embarking on a military spending spree in an attempt to contain the growing threat from Iran."

(AP) Why in the hell is Australian PM Howard blasting Obama? Is he afraid Obama's message will affect his own election chances?