And Wipe That Smirk Off Your Face

When we last checked in with alleged jihadist and former blogger Ismail Royer, he had had his pre-trial walking papers delayed pending an appeal by federal prosecutors. The government has since won its appeal, and Royer will stay in the clink until his trial in November. U.S. District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema cited, among other things, the glib demeanor Royer demonstrated in recorded phone conversations. Three of Royer's co-defendants are due for a bail hearing of their own Thursday. Brinkema, you may know, is the same judge who is considering throwing out the case against Zacarias Moussaoui—a move that could result in Moussaoui's being tried by military tribunal. Royer is now being represented by Kunstler prot?g? Stanley Cohen; whether that means he's getting top-notch legal advice or tacitly admitting guilt I leave to you to decide.