Top of the News - 17 May

*1. A Middle East Update

From NYT - Al Qaeda Turns to Syria, With a Plan to Challenge ISIS

"The movement of the senior Qaeda jihadists reflects Syria’s growing importance to the terrorist organization and most likely foreshadows an escalation of the group’s bloody rivalry with the Islamic State, Western officials say."

Good!  Let them fight each other so we don't have to fight either.

+ From FP - In the Event of the Islamic State’s Untimely Demise…

+ From WaPo - Obama’s minimalist Mideast muddle

"Some Arab leaders and thinkers say the West should stay out of this debate [what should the borders in the Middle East be?]— Mr. Sykes and Mr. Picot and their colonializing descendants, up to and including George W. Bush, have done more than enough damage, they say. Others contend the region can be stabilized only by a foreign intervention — not another Western invasion, but maybe a U.N. trusteeship, like those that managed several pieces of postwar Yugoslavia."

+ Not really Middle East related, but same cast of characters - Al-Qaeda affiliates are threatening West Africa’s most peaceful cities

*2. Hops, water, barley and yeast

The German beer purity law turns 500 this year.

“It is the oldest law still in force anywhere in the world regulating a consumed product,” said Gerd Treffer, a local tourism chief and historian. “And of course a great marketing argument for German traditions.”

*3. Be VERY afraid, grocery stores

Amazon is going to sell its own lines of food, detergent and diapers, and it's going to be a really big deal

"The e-commerce powerhouse will soon begin selling its own packaged goods, exclusively to Amazon Prime members under brands like Happy Belly and Mama Bear, the Wall Street Journal reports."

Amazon is going to take over the world.

*4. If you control the message...

Social Media Finds New Role as News and Entertainment Curator

The Facebook "censoring conservative news outlets" drama continues. My Facebook feed probably has more news content than social content. I use Facebook, emailed newsletters and an RSS agregator called Feedly to get my daily news. Again, anyone controlling content is biased (to include me and Top of the News).

*5. Welcome back, Mr. Johnson

From NYT - Man Receives First Penis Transplant in the United States

"The surgery is experimental, part of a research program with the ultimate goal of helping combat veterans with severe pelvic injuries, as well as cancer patients and accident victims."

"If all goes as planned, normal urination should be possible for Mr. Manning within a few weeks, and sexual function in weeks to months, Dr. Cetrulo said."

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