Free Republic

Deposed Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia less than two weeks ago, but his escape may have been facilitated by the Israelis in exchange for bombshell information. Literally. First, though, Assad is enjoying his rest in Moscow, where he and his family have been granted asylum... But not all is well for Assad ... terms of Assad's asylum: Bashar is strictly prohibited from engaging in political activity or leaving Moscow without prior approval from Russian authorities. Asma al-Assad filed for divorce through a Russian court and requested permission to leave Moscow for London; her request is still under review....

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton would make about $4,700 less as secretary of state than her predecessor, Condoleezza Rice. Congress late Wednesday lowered the salary for the nation's top diplomat to keep Clinton's nomination from running afoul of the Constitution. An obscure section on compensation for public officials, the Emoluments Clause, says that no member of Congress can be appointed to a government post if that job's pay was increased during the lawmaker's current term.

By KEN GUGGENHEIM ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER WASHINGTON -- The United Nations' long-secret internal audits on the oil-for-food program do not reveal any bombshells, investigators told congressional aides Friday ahead of next week's release of the reports. The 56 audits have been a source of contention between the United Nations and members of Congress examining allegations of corruption in the program. U.N. officials have declined to release the audits while a three-member commission appointed by Secretary-General Kofi Annan conducts its own investigation. That refusal made lawmakers suspicious that the audits pointed to widespread problems. It also contributed to criticism of Annan...