Free Republic

MANILA: Fierce clashes between Philippine marine troops and Abu Sayyaf rebels Saturday left at least seven soldiers dead and 25 others wounded on the southern island of Jolo, military officials said. Government bombers and attack helicopters took turns blasting suspected positions of an Abu Sayyaf faction believed to be holding four female Jehovah's Witnesses, the officials added. The women were snatched Aug. 20 while selling Avon cosmetics in a remote village on the troubled island. There were no reports on the women's fate. Three Indonesian tugboat crewmen are also being held by the Abu Sayyaf. Other marines deployed elsewhere on...

We're on the brink of war with Iraq. Congressional Jane Fondas are holding press conferences. Demos are trying to steal a Senate election in New Jersey. Businesses are fleeing the town. The local budget crisis is yielding to tax increases. The economy of San Francisco is absolutely anemic. There's a governor's race where no issues have been discussed in the "paper of record". Corruption is rife in city hall. The homeless own the streets of San Francisco. And the Chronicle? They've just begun a new campaign to release more murderers and kidnappers on to our streets from our prisons. Why?...

Three more men have been arrested in the slaying of American reporter Daniel Pearl in Pakistan -- and they've reportedly told police where Pearl's body can be found. According to a police official in Karachi, authorities have headed to a site on the western edge of the city. That's where they were told they'd find the body of the slain Wall Street Journal reporter. The official said, "We believe we have found Daniel Pearl's body." The development comes even as the trial continues for four Islamic radicals who've already been charged with Pearl's murder and kidnapping. Pearl is believed to...