Replies

MUNICH, Germany, Feb 7 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld faces a hostile reception on Friday from German politicians and peace activists over his remark that the country's anti-war stance put it on a par with Libya and Cuba.

Rumsfeld was due to address an annual security conference in the southern German city of Munich on Saturday and was expected to argue that allowing more time for weapons inspections in Iraq makes sense only if Iraq cooperates with the United Nations.

Mass protests are planned in Munich on Friday and at the weekend against the security conference, Rumsfeld's visit and the threat of war in the Gulf, with police warning of possible violence. Some 3,500 officers are on duty to try keep the peace.

Rumsfeld's comments on Wednesday putting Germany in the same category as Libya and Cuba as states that would not be helpful in any international effort to overthrow Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein have infuriated many, putting new pressure on already strained transatlantic ties.

full story

Kentucky Derby favorite out of Triple Crown races

Vindication, the unbeaten 2-year-old champion and the son of Seattle Slew, strained a ligament in his left front leg and will miss the Kentucky Derby and the other Triple Crown races.
Trained by Bob Baffert, Vindication was the early favorite for the May 3 Derby after winning all four of his starts.

The colt will also miss the Preakness on May 17 and the Belmont Stakes three weeks later. The hope is for Vindication to be back for the Travers Stakes at Saratoga in August.

..putting Germany in the same category as Libya and Cuba as states that would not be helpful in any international effort to overthrow Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein...

There is speculation Saddam owes France and probably Germany money for weapons illegaly purchased from them. If there is a regime change their violation of sanctions would be revealed big time and (probably their biggest concern) they won't get paid.