One of the leading voices of dissent inside the U.S. Army has been promoted. Sergeant Ronn Cantu -- who signed a petition to Congress demanding the U.S. withdraw from Iraq and gave interviews to the news shows "60 Minutes" and "Democracy Now!", as well as IPS detailing his opposition -- has seen his rank upgraded to staff sergeant. Some observers say Cantu's promotion shows the military is now so stressed by the ongoing war it is finding it difficult to crack down on dissent within the ranks. Others say it shows a depleted military is doing everything it can to keep as many bodies as possible available for multiple deployments to Iraq (Ronn has already served two tours).

My report about Ronn's case on Free Speech Radio News is below. I also wrote it up for Inter Press News Service.