The Short List - March 7, 2011

• The U.S. ponders if and how to intervene in Libya, while Qaddafi's delusion continues.  Interestingly, eight captured UK citizens have been released by opposition forces.  Reports indicate they were trying to make contact with opposition groups and seven of the eight were British special forces.


• Hamid Karzai has rejected as insufficient Gen. Petraeus's apology for the accidental death of two young boys in Afghanistan.  This and other issues are sure to arise as SecDef Gates arrives in Afghanistan for a two-day visit.


• The UN Chief weapons inspector can not confirm the scope and intent of Iran's nuclear program do to a lack of cooperation from the Iranian government.


• The Chinese-appointed governor of Tibet has stated the Dalai Lama can not name a successor, but rather, a successor must come through reincarnation.


• Tunisia is set to name an interim government today or tomorrow.  Reports are the members of the interim government will be almost entirely technocrats and members will not be allowed to run in upcoming elections.


• Alberto Granado, Che Guevara's riding partner through South America in the early 1950s, died on Saturday.


• The Economist considers the Republican primary, the lack of declared candidates, and the beat-ability of Obama.