Roundup

A possible successor to Russia's Putin is unhappy that independent Estonia is acting like it's independent.

The parents of 'American Taliban' John Walker Lindh are requesting that their son's sentence be commuted since Australian David Hicks will serve only 9 months for his support of terrorism. Lindh fought with the Taliban at Tora Bora in the battle in which CIA Agent John Michael Spann was killed. Lindh's attorney says he was treated 'harshly.'

Nancy Pelosi's smart, tough message to Syria. The Washington Post - not exactly an organ of the right - slams her for obstructing the 'peace process.'

Political arithmetik looks at Congress' approval rating over time. Interesting graphs.

Reading tea leaves - er, oil prices. Megan McArdle notes that while oil prices spiked when Iran seized British sailors, they did not drop when the sailors were released. What does it mean? Perhaps that markets believe Iran has tipped its hand, and is in fact seeking a confrontation.

The Washington Times notes that Fred Thompson's backers are basically putting together a campaign in the hope/expectation that he will run.

Victor Matus has seen the first two episodes of the final season of the Sopranos. His preview has no spoilers, but it sounds like Tony is more and more focused on how his life as a mobster will end. Philo has suggested that the resolution is given away by the series title: that Tony will sing. But Victor is skeptical.

HotAir has the audio of Dennis Miller's radio show, with guest Dana Carvey. The highlight is Carvey doing George Bush 41 and 43, discussing Rosie O'Donnell's having cracked the secrets of 9/11.