"Iraqis think the U.S. is in cahoots with the Islamic State, and it is hurting the war"

"On the front lines of the battle against the Islamic State, suspicion of the United States runs deep. Iraqi fighters say they have all seen the videos purportedly showing U.S. helicopters airdropping weapons to the militants, and many claim they have friends and relatives who have witnessed similar instances of collusion."

Ordinary people also have seen the videos, heard the stories and reached the same conclusion — one that might seem absurd to Americans but is widely believed among Iraqis — that the United States is supporting the Islamic State...

“It is not in doubt,” said Mustafa Saadi, who says his friend saw U.S. helicopters delivering bottled water to Islamic State positions. He is a commander in one of the Shiite militias that last month helped push the militants out of the oil refinery near Baiji in northern Iraq alongside the Iraqi army...

U.S. military officials say the charges are too far-fetched to merit a response. “It’s beyond ridiculous,” said Col. Steve Warren, the military’s Baghdad-based spokesman. “There’s clearly no one in the West who buys it, but unfortunately, this is something that a segment of the Iraqi population believes.” (read more)

"No person shall knowingly operate, possess, or use a vehicle with a hidden compartment..."

"The driver, 30-year-old Norman Gurley of Michigan, was pulled over for speeding. A highway patrolman noticed wires running to a secret compartment in the car and arrested Gurley, even though there were no drugs in the compartment..."

It makes no difference whether police find drugs or not, according to a new Ohio law that prohibits secret compartments.

“We apparently caught them between runs, so to speak, so this takes away one tool they have in their illegal trade,” said Lt. Michael Combs in a statement to local news. “The law does help us and is on our side.”

Driving a car is a privilege, I believe, although I'm not sure you give up your 4th amendment right while operating a vehicle. I know driving is a privilege because I've had it suspended in New Jersey. But, enough about me, this post is not about me.

What about the drug runner? is he up-worthy of 4th amendment rights? Or is this apparent exception justified in order to aid law enforcement ... It's for a good cause.

via Drudge tweet where I found little sympathy for the police power.