Fox News Video: FoxNews.com

The Factor has reported on the alleged terrorist ties of Sami Al-Arian, a former professor at the University of South Florida. This week a jury acquitted Al-Arian on eight counts of aiding terrorists, but was deadlocked on nine other charges. Journalist Josh Gerstein asserted that the government's case was too weak and too old. "A lot of the information against Sami Al-Arian was from 1994 and 1995 and was pretty stale by the time it came into the courtroom. The government may have bit off more than it could chew." Terror expert Steve Emerson declared that Al-Arian is not out of the legal woods. "The government lost a major trial against John Gotti, but didn't give up in the war against organized crime. So the fact that the jury was deadlocked on nine of the charges shows that there were jurors who believe he is guilty of the most serious allegations." The Factor predicted Al-Arian will face another judge and jury. "There was no question that the professor was raising money for dubious groups, and I think the government will re-try him on the nine counts."

ABC News has reported classified information that the CIA is holding suspected Al Qaeda terrorists in secret jails in Poland and Romania. Lt. Col. Ralph Peters accused the network of doing harm to American interests. "I would like to see in the Constitution where it says that newspapers are obliged to trumpet military secrets in wartime. This is a war against an implacable enemy, and the terrorists in question are perhaps the most brutal killers on Earth. When ABC gives away our national secrets, they are putting America and our allies at risk." The Factor accused some in the media of hostility toward the US government. "ABC News says the public has the right to know, but this kind of exposition helps the terrorists and hurts the USA. The press is actively try to undermine the Bush administration."

Miguel Robleto, a former worker at the Oregon DMV, was arrested for helping thousands of illegal aliens obtain drivers licenses. But the case against him has been thrown out by Judge Steven Price, and Oregon prosecutor Josh Marquis explained why. "The judge's claim is that although the evidence made it look very likely he was guilty, he was not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt. And the judge made it clear he did not believe the federal agent who was investigating the case." The Factor pointed out that Judge Price has a history of liberal decisions, and that Miguel Robleto was extremely fortunate. "There was overwhelming evidence, and Robleto had a half-million dollars in cash at his home. The judge obviously looked for any reason to let this guy off."

A library in Memphis, TN prohibited a manger scene that was intended to advertise a local church event. Church member Brandi Chambless elaborated on the controversy. "I was told I could have the nativity scene as long as it didn't have Jesus, Joseph, Mary, or the three wise men, so we have a bunch of barnyard animals in the display. This is ridiculous! Having Christmas without the baby Jesus is like having the Bill O'Reilly show without Bill." Fox News analyst Andrew Napolitano pointed out that the library encouraged the public to advertise civic events, and thus is on shaky legal ground. "In this case the government itself invited people to come on to government property and publicize what they're doing. Once the government issues that invitation, it can't censor the display. I think the library is going to back down and let the baby Jesus and the blessed Mother be there." Judge Napolitano also couldn't resist the opportunity to tweak The Factor. "Bill, I love this segment because it's the first time I heard you compared to the baby Jesus."

There is reportedly tension between the Aruba government and the family of Natalee Holloway. Aruba reporter Julia Renfro said that island authorities are complaining that Natalee's family used the media against them. "It's not what I believe, but the police say that the family's attacks via the US media changed the investigation, pressuring the police to make what they thought were premature arrests." Fox News host Greta Van Susteren was harshly critical of the Aruba police. "It's disgraceful if any police department says they make arrests because they were pressured. If this police force is that fragile that they don't want any adverse publicity or don't want any families upset, they should think about cleaning house."

French doctors have transplanted part of the face of a dead woman onto a 38-year old woman who was mauled by her dog. Surgeon Malcolm Roth predicted that similar operations will soon be done here. "There's a team in Cleveland that has been gearing up to do the same thing. The team is ready, and they're considering who would be the ideal candidate. It's an exciting new time in transplant science, but we are far from the drive-by face transplant because the drugs required put that patient at risk for other diseases." The Factor summed up the brave new world of facial alteration. "In the future you believe we are going to have more of these face transplants as the drugs get better. And cosmetic surgery will continue to develop."

Doug Somers, Franklin, WI: "Bill, you are a prime example of someone who shouts down people on The Factor, often resorting to 'shut up.'"

June Quick, Homosassa, FL: "Mr. O, the two Democrat guests you talked with were typical. When you asked them why the far left wants to deny free speech - they said the Republicans made them do it!"

Lisa Barker, Baltimore, MD: "Bill, here is a list of words you have used covering the Christmas controversy: fighting back, siege, attack, and assault. Your combative approach is not attractive."

Capt. Tyler Bailey, Honolulu, HI: "As a police officer, I am appalled that an atheist group wants to remove crosses honoring police killed in the line of duty. Thank you for standing up for our freedoms."

Don Murray, Hemet, CA: "Bill, I don't like you but still watch. When I watch you stick your foot in your mouth, it just reaffirms to me that I am smarter than you."