Free Republic

A declaration posted on an Al-Qaida website urges followers to make attempts to kidnap Israeli and American citizens, reports Channel 2 TV news. The website calls on followers to attempt to kidnap Israeli journalists too. The declaration was made in the name of Ayman al Zawahiri, a high ranking deputy of Osama Bin Laden's. The declaration makes special mention of the need to kidnap American and Israeli hostages: "at least one or two", says the website. "Special effort must be made to capture journalists or famous people in order to put pressure to release our prisoners."

      Frist in 2008       "Babes and Whales" is the title of a feature in the September issue of Washingtonian magazine, in which Capitol Hill staffers pick the best and worst of Congress - leaders, followers, dimwits, hotheads and more.       A few of our favorites on the Senate side (viewpoints expressed by Capitol Hill aides do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this columnist, his editors, this newspaper or its readers) include:       Showhorse: Sen. John McCain, Arizona Republican       No Rocket Scientist: Sen. Patty Murray, Washington Democrat       No Altar Boy: Sen. Robert G. Torricelli, New Jersey Democrat...