Turkey to provide military bases: On Tuesday, Turkey’s government asked its Parliament to let approximately 62,000 American troops into the country in light of the impending war with Iraq. Although the Turkish Parliament hasn’t voted on this measure yet, it would allow over 300 planes and helicopters to be based in the country. Presently, there are around 50 American aircraft based in the Turkey that patrol a no-flight zone over northern Iraq. According to a New York Times story, “…the United States Army’s top general said the military force for postwar Iraq could total several hundred thousand American soldiers to provide security and relief aid.”
Currently, around 180,000 Americans serve in “air, land, and naval forces in the Persian Gulf,” and some commanders are predicting an invasion into Iraq around mid-March. The Bush administration has not definitely determined the number of troops to occupy Iraq. In regard to ongoing weapons inspections against Iraq, chief United Nations weapons inspector Hans Blix said Iraqi officials had given six letters to inspectors on Tuesday with new information on the state of Iraq’s arms programs. Included in this information was mention of two R-400 aerial bombs that could be filled with either chemical or biological agents, and information about materials that were disposed in 1991.
Sound manager warned club of potential fire hazards: In West Warwick, R.I., 97 people died in a fire last Thursday due to fireworks, or a “pyrotechnic display,” that was set off by the Great White band inside the Station club, even though the club did not have a permit to set off the fireworks. Sound manager Paul Vanner said he warned owner Michael Derderian and his brother Jerry three months ago that the fireworks had been set off by different bands performing at the club and posed a fire hazard. The club spread after fireworks ignited the gray soundproof material surrounding the stage, which Vanner claims fire officials should have noticed when it was inspected after installation 18 months prior to the incident. According to a law enforcement official, the soundproofing material is being tested in the investigation and will probably help determine whether criminal charges should be filed.
California takes action to remove electronic votes: On Tuesday, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors in San Jose, Calif. voted to invest $20 million in 5,000 voting machines that would provide voters with paper receipts. This motion makes Santa Clara the first county in America to begin to utilize a “voter-verified paper backup system.” It also reflects concerns about electronic voting machines like those in Florida that led to the 2000 Presidential election fiasco. According to a New York Times article, “The intent is to provide more protection against hackers, or political operatives, who might tamper with the results.” Congress has put aside $3.9 billion for states to revamp their voting systems.
Data compiled by Paige Wassel with information from the New York Times.