Around The World. Colin Powell is concerned with a lack of openness in Russia's presidential election and "a level of authoritarianism creeping back" into Russian society. (Hey Colin, about that beam in your eye ...) Powell also warned Iran that the US won't "sit by idly" while Tehran pursues building nuclear weapons. ... The Army is spread so thin that many soldiers who have returned from Iraq will be sent back and monthly bonuses are being offered to soldiers in South Korea for extending their tours of duty.

The US is allegedly secretly funding opponents of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela; Xymphora on a second coup attempt. ... A US-registered cargo plane loaded with 64 "mercernaries" and various military equipment was impounded March 7 at Zimbabwe's Harare International Airport "after its owners had made a false declaration of its cargo and crew." (here and here)

Barbara Bush worries her son might suffer a crushing defeat like the one her husband experienced in 1992. The poor dear. ... About a year ago, she told ABC: "Why should we hear about body bags and deaths and how many, what day it's gonna happen? It's not relevant. So why should I waste my beautiful mind on something like that?"