Some quick hits

* The "axis of evil" is back - and in expanded form.

* "A quiet revolution is taking place in US politics," writes the Independent's Andrew Gumbel. "By the time it's over, the integrity of elections will be in the unchallenged, unscrutinised control of a few large - and pro-Republican - corporations."

* Iraqis are losing faith in the US. Amongst the Americans, you can find confused, triggerhappy soldiers, alarming rates of suicide, and a newfound policy of collective punishment.

* Speaking of collective punishment, Israel's latest incursion into the Gaza strip killed 8 Palestinians and has left 1,200+ homeless.

* In related news, Mother Jones reports on the 27 Israeli airforce pilot "refuseniks."

* Yesterday, Bush paid respect to the "sacrifices" of soldiers just before going off to play a nice round of golf with his "buddies." How symbolic.

* Oh, and what's up with Bush's returning halo?