The Short List - March 21, 2011

• Over the weekend, allied forces under the authority of a UN Security Council resolution have imposed a no-fly zone over Libya, and have now started to target military assets not related to imposing a no-fly zone.  Qaddafi's compound was reportedly bombed, but allies forces say they aren't trying to kill Qaddafi.  **Programming Note: DCExile breaks down the legality of the allied attacks at 11am.**


• The Arab League has called an emergency meeting to discuss reported, but unconfirmed accounts of civilian casualties in Libya.  Five Yemeni generals have called for the ouster of the President Saleh and thrown their support behind the protesters.  Protesters in Syria set fire to the Baath Party headquarters in Dara'a on Sunday.  The government responded by firing live munition into the crowds.  Oil jumped $2 in early trading today.


• Japan continues to work to contain failed nuclear reactors there and prevent a meltdown.  There were reports over the weekend that elevated levels of radiation were found in some produce and in the water supply even beyond the immediate area.  The current death toll sits at 8,600 with 13,000 people missing.


• AT&T has agreed to buy T-Mobile for $39  billion from Deutsche Telekom.  The merger is expected to face intense anti-trust review from government regulators, and if approved would create the largest carrier in the country.


• The Wikileaks scandal continues, as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Carlos Pascual, has resigned after cables reveal that Pascual criticized Mexico's drug war.


• Elections held in Haiti yesterday have been declared successful, despite poor logistics, reports of people voting twice, and low turnout.  **Editorial Note:  The economics of catastrophe, condensed.**