- The U.S. will call for Syrian President Assad's resignation following weeks of popular protest and government violence. At the UN a Syrian envoy called the criticism aimed at his country "western hypocrisy" and compared the violence in Syria to the riots in London.
- In London, the riots may be flagging but the frays of racial tension may extend well into the future.
- The U.S. is reporting that they have killed the insurgents responsible for the downing of a Chinook helicopter over the weekend that claimed the lives of over 30 service members. Elsewhere in Afghanistan, a roadside bomb claimed the life of 5 NATO fighters.
- The man accused of the 2002 bombings in Bali is back in Indonesia after being extradited from Pakistan.
- A fuel shortage and long supply lines is slowing the rebel advance in Libya.
- President Saleh is warming to the Gulf Cooperation Council's power transfer idea that would see him removed from power. Saleh has not been exercising any authority over the country since he sought medical treatment in Saudi Arabia several months ago. Saleh has previously agreed to the transfer of power only to back out at the last moment.
Domestic
- The roller coaster continues in the markets as on Wednesday they gave up Tuesday's gains. The American people don't have faith in Washington to lead us through this crisis.
- A lot of old hands are filling up the deficit reduction super committee and with Rep. Pelosi's choices still outstanding, only Sen. Patrick Toomey (R-PA) voted against the debt ceiling compromise.
- A panel at the Energy Department will offer a qualified endorsement of shale gas exploration.
Pundit's Corner
- Brad Plumer explains that your flight could be delayed because the FAA hasn't been able to invest in the air traffic infrastructure to streamline operations.
- Will Wilkinson fears the American people aren't prepared to make the tough choices, so why should they think the politicians they elect will?
- Matt Yglesias concedes a Chinese aircraft carrier to a bit worrisome, but reminds us it takes more then a ship to make a fighting force.
Rather than spend more money on the FAA, why not just privatize it as our northern neighbors have done with award-winning
ReplyDeleteNav Canada?
Nav Canada covers just one aspect of what the FAA does, and while a non-profit entity like Nav Canada might make sense for air traffic control operation, it does not indicate an alternative to the FAA.
ReplyDeleteThat's fine -- then get the FAA out of the air traffic control business and replace it with a private entity like Nav Canada.
ReplyDelete