The New York Times has this timeline of the cartoon controversy. It differs in some respects to previous timelines I have read, but the main point remains the same. This controversy was taken to another level when Muslims from Denmark brought the issue to the leaders of governments and other groups in the Muslim world. The editors of the National Review believe the controversy is being used by radicals to advance their agenda, and this piece in the Washington Times reveals that there is a conspiracy theory regarding the chaos in Lebanon. Yes, you guessed it, they think the Syrians are behind it. Ed Morrissey wonders about the views of moderate Muslims and whether they are being intimidated by the radicals into silence over the issue.

President Bush was in New Hampshire yesterday. John Distaso of the Union Leader writes this report about the visit and the speech to a group of local business leaders. I'll post some further comments about the speech over at NH Insider later today.

The NYT reports that U.S. military personnel are forcing hunger strikers at Guantanamo to eat. I guess they don't want any of these guys to die on them. I just wish they would get around to the business of trying them in front of those promised military tribunals and either convict them or set them free. It is important that we continue to represent ourselves as bound by the rule of law, unlike our enemies.

George Will writes about the problems in Michigan. Rising unemployment, caused by the troubles besetting the auto industry, is making the race for governor very interesting.

Finally, the Dutch Ambassador to the U.S. has this piece in the Washington Times explaining how his country, as a member of NATO, is participating in efforts to secure Southern Afghanistan. I hope the recent problems in the Netherlands with Muslim extremists has made them realize that the efforts to help Muslims find democracy in their own lands is the best weapon we have to defeat the extremists.