* In an interview in yesterday's Post, Prince Sisowath Thomico says "I think that spending US$100 million just to try Duch is a big problem, because I don't think Khieu Samphan, Nuon Chea, Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith will ever be tried." Khieu Samphan's lawyer, Jacques Verges, expressed a similar viewpoint in a recent interview. This is a concern I often hear. Duch's case is by far the most straightforward, and even it is progressing more slowly than originally expected. The cases against the other defendants are far more complicated -- and, unfortunately, those defendants also happen to be older than Duch.

* Another, heartbreaking, article in the Post tells the story of a mother who is still waiting to hear news of a son that disappeared during the Khmer Rouge period. After 30 years, she still lives in the same village, just so her son can find her.

* The November edition of the Court Report is available online. In the newsletter, the Office of Co-Prosecutors reports that it "has accelerated its trial preparations in (Duch's case) dealing with the S-21 Security Centre of Phnom Penh. It prepared its audiovisual and other exhibits, witness lists and summaries, and other materials to be submitted as part of the pre-trial package to the Trial Chamber."

I certainly hope all offices of the court are hustling to get this kind of preparatory work done. After the start of Duch's trial was pushed back because of an appeal by the Co-Prosecutors, court watchers are hoping proceedings begin very early in 2009. As I mentioned before, a decision on the Co-Prosecutors' appeal is due this Friday.牋