Israeli troops seize Palestinian occupied land

In what was seen as an aggressive new tactic in the Israeli-Arab conflict, Israeli forces seized an L-shaped tract of Palestinian-governed land in northern Gaza yesterday morning. The Israelis positioned battalions there for what was announced as an indefinite occupation and, just as unexpectedly, pulled their forces out, announcing that the mission was already finished. All day long, Israeli army officials made strong statements describing how the operation was necessary to protect Israel and how it could take "days, weeks, even months." However, harsh criticism from Arab nations and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell followed the invasion. Powell, who blamed the Palestinians for provoking new violence, called the Israeli occupation "excessive and disproportionate," even after Palestinian mortar attacks into the "heart of Israel" on Monday night. Palestinian leader Yassir Arafat called the military operation "an unforgivable crime ... a vicious attempt to bring our people to their knees." A spokesman for the Hamas fundamentalist organization, known for its terrorist attacks, anticipated that these actions will only provoke "more shedding of settlers' and militants' blood," according to The New York Times.

Beijing, China

U.S. to meet with China to discuss spy plane incidents

A special eight-member U.S. delegation of diplomats arrived in China yesterday in preparation for today's planned discussions, which will focus on the resolution of issues surrounding the recent mid-air collision of a U.S. Naval spy plane and a Chinese fighter jet. The meetings are likely to last a few days and are unlikely to produce quick or conclusive results, according to The Times. The United States is demanding the immediate return of its EP-3 spy plane, which the Chinese continue to hold captive after the release of its crew. The Chinese are blaming the U. S. for the collision and are demanding an end to U.S. reconnaissance flights anywhere near China. Each country's populace is siding with its government. Chinese popular opinion last week supported "standing up to the U.S. hegemonism," but has softened up a bit. David Shambaugh, an expert on the Chinese military said in The Times, "The common ground is a mutual desire to preserve the overall framework of the relationship. One has the sense now that this relationship is spinning downward and needs a floor."

Richmond, Virginia

U.S. District Court says felons have right to DNA testing

Felons have a constitutional right to DNA testing, according to U.S. District Judge Albert V. Bryan, Jr. The decision, which offers felons another avenue into federal courts through civil rights litigation, is believed to be the first of its kind in the country. "Denying the plaintiff access to potentially powerful exculpatory evidence would result in … a miscarriage of justice," wrote Bryan in his opinion. The evidence is seen as potentially powerful, as DNA testing has exonerated more than 80 people nationwide, though inmates usually depend on the good will of prosecutors for access to evidence that might prove their innocence, according to CNN.com. Bryan acknowledged that his decision expands the due process clause, saying: "Due process is not a technical competition with a fixed concept unrelated to time, place and circumstances. It is flexible and calls for such procedural protections as the particular situation demands." The decision has some prosecutors worrying that an expanded right to DNA testing could clog the courts with frivolous appeals and inflict needless pain on victims and their families as cases are reopened.