Published Thursday, March 30, 2007

Congress turned talk into walk this week and passed initial measures for a US troop-withdrawal deadline from Iraq. Bush's reaction? Less than pleased. But as the war in Iraq showed the first faint signs of closure, conflicts with neighboring Iran continued to grab big-font headlines. The latest: an amplifying dispute over seized British sailors that has ratcheted overall international tensions, with Britain closing down all business with Tehran by week's end. Regional temperatures cooled elsewhere, however, as a summit in Saudi Arabia renewed plans — again — for peace in the Middle East. All parties would do well to train their eyes on Northern Ireland, where sworn enemies agreed to disagree and made plans to share power in a unity government.

Local news featured different sorts of face-offs: an upstate New York rabbi and police wrestled over the building protocol for an unconventional matzo-baking operation. Meanwhile, vintners are saying adieu to corks, taking their cue from humble Passover wines — think Manischewitz, the original screw top — and reaping the rewards.

- Catherine New