The Short List - March 16, 2011

• Japan's woes continue, as a second reactor may have ruptured.  In an unprecedented televised address, Emperor Akihito called on the people of Japan "to overcome these difficult times."  The New York Times considers the fragility of modernity in the wake of catastrophes.


• Security forces in Bahrain have routed protesters out of Pearl Square.


• The US has begun sending drones into Mexico on intelligence missions, according to new reports.  The program had be kept secret because of restrictions in Mexico.


• Egypt disbanded the old state security system, with a new system removing a repugnant visage of the old regime.


• Gen. Petraeus told a Senate committee yesterday that progress is being made in Afghanistan, and a scheduled draw down of troops beginning this summer appears on schedule.


• The House passed a continuing resolution on the budget that cuts $6 billion and would ensure the government remains open through April 8th.  The Senate is expected to pass the bill before Friday, when the current CR would expire.