[Domestic Church]

"One of the most recent ones today is that Bush and Tony Blair were told personally that Al-Qaeda had obtained nuclear weapons through contact with former KGB agents."

That is our worst nightmare...2 megaton grapefruits with which to play Bocci.

[WestCoastGal]

"Mystery Disease" Kills Over 300 Children in Afghanistan

Over 300 children have died of a mysterious illness in Afghanistan's northern province of Badakhshan in less than one month.

Deputy Province Governor Shamsur Rehman is quoted as saying the ailment appears to be a respiratory disease, which begins with flu, but later chokes the breathing system of the children.

Rehman said casualties my be higher, but it is difficult to get exact figures in this cold, remote area at the foot of the Hindukush mountains. (Hindu Kush)

The cities of Wakhan, Darwaz, Yaftal, and Khwahn - all bordering China and Takikistan - have also been hit with the disease.

Relief organizations and government officials are providing aid to people in several affected areas, but there are many places which cannot be accessed without helicopters.

Deputy Governor Rehman has appealed to the World Health Organization (WHO) and other groups to send medical and relief supplies, to avoid "a worst-ever human catastrophe".

Source: Pakistan Tribune, February 24. 2004.