The Short List

• Labor unions in Egypt stage strikes country-wide, as demonstrations seem to have new life in recent days.  Nearly 6,000 workers associated with the Suez Canal began a sit-in on Tuesday.  The increase in demonstrations is seen as a rejection of the proposed transition plan put forward by Vice President Suleiman.  U.S. allies in the region are urging the Obama administration not to shove Mubarak out the door.  ** Editorial Note: Some of these allies have urged U.S. action before.  Only Israel is a democracy.**


• A government minister in South Sudan was shot inside his ministry earlier today.


• The House rejects an extension of the Patriot Act.  The vote, which required a two-thirds majority, was opposed by 26 Republicans and supported by 67 Democrats.


• Airport industry organizations are crafting proposals that would divide travelers into three security screening tiers.  This tiering system would speed up the screening process by incorporating information about the individual traveler.


• A human story about the DREAM Act.