Wars had "disastrous" effect on hurricane relief

And the British press totally scoops us on our own news. Again. Recommended reading.

Relief efforts to combat Hurricane Katrina suffered near catastrophic failures due to endemic corruption, divisions within the military and troop shortages caused by the Iraq war, an official American inquiry into the disaster has revealed.

The confidential report, which has been seen by The Independent, details how funds for flood control were diverted to other projects, desperately needed National Guards were stuck in Iraq and how military personnel had to "sneak off post" to help with relief efforts because their commander had refused permission.

In addition to giving the lie to another administration claim, it's yet another example of how our press rooms have become high-paying lounges for the blow-dried and sycophantic.