Well I’ll be… the U.N. passed a new round of sanctions on Iran. Didn’t expect it.

The U.N. Security Council ratcheted up sanctions on Iran on Monday for refusing to suspend nuclear enrichment and other sensitive activities, but Tehran dismissed the decision as illegal.

There were 14 votes in favor, none against and one country, Indonesia, abstained. Previous sanctions resolutions were adopted unanimously in December 2006 and March 2007, but council envoys said Monday’s message to Iran was a strong one.

Mind you they are fairly mild to get everyone to agree to them but they are sanctions. If anything, it does send a message to Tehran that we don’t trust them.

They’re with us such a short time but they encircle our hearts with love and then they’re gone crushing our hearts with loss. Matata, Ellison’s beautiful, beautiful cat has crossed over the rainbow bridge. Same thing as Meryl’s Tig died from only faster. Least she didn’t suffer long. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Ellison, and family.

Note the touches of orange, those striking green eyes. *sigh* Just gorgeous. I have saved many pics of that cat.

Other fine cats: BKCFoC CotC ARK WCB

That was quick. Bowing to pressure Israel stopped it’s devastating response to Hamas’ rocket attacks.

Israeli troops pulled out of the Gaza Strip on Monday after a U.S. appeal to end days of fighting that killed more than 100 Palestinians and rescue peace talks.

The Hamas Islamists who control the coastal enclave declared “victory” and vowed to continue firing rockets into Israel, launching one into the main southern city of Ashkelon shortly after the troops withdrew, and wounding one person.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that despite the end of the five-day operation, Israel would pursue further military action in Gaza until rocket fire was reduced significantly.

And so it’s spun as a victory for Hamas. With no change in the rocket attacks into Israel. Israel loses again. Sad. And faces international condemnation to boot. Israel can’t win for losing. For now.