The Short List - March 17, 2011

• Japan scrambles to prevent a nuclear meltdown.  The Japanese people face a dearth of candor and leadership.  The U.S.government's view on nuclear power has been restrained, compared to Germany.


• Laurent Gbagbo holds on to power in the Ivory Coast, despite sanctions.  Meanwhile, some are reporting a decisive move by Alessane Ouattara to attempt to claim power could sway the military to back him.


• Following yesterday's forced clearing of Pearl Square, Bahraini authorities arrested several member of the opposition today.  The Economist talks to an expert on the region about how this could go from bad to worse (audio).


• As the rebels face setbacks in Libya, the U.S. government has become more vocal in its call for the use of force by the UN.


• Reports are emerging, once again, that the U.S. would be open to negotiations between the Afghan government and some Taliban forces.  However, some Taliban leaders feel their hands are tied by Pakistan's ISI.


• The Environmental Protection Agency released a plan that would reduce mercury and other toxins from the emissions of coal power plants.  The Congressional Research Service reports coal-fired power plants accounted for 70% of sulfur dioxide, 50% of mercury, and 20% of nitrogen oxide emissions in 2005.