The Short List - August 26, 2011

International

• Syrian protesters are incredible.
• Yet another Japanese PM resigns.
• Mexico's armed conflict, still under-reported.
• Israeli and Egyptian security cooperation will lead to the re-militarization of the Sinai.
• And the AU (read: South Africa) is on the verge of recognizing the TNC as the government of Libya -- I wonder if AU dysfunction in the face of the Libyan revolution opens space for greater Western political intervention in Africa, maybe lifting the bar to Western-first recognition of Somaliland.

Domestic

• People up and down the East Coast are seeking Shelter from the Storm as Irene bears down.
• Arizona is challenging preclearance. I think the suit is a non-starter, if the Court wanted to strike down preclearance it would have in Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District 1 v. Holder. Instead, the Court determined that all districts should have the ability to bail out of preclearance. Why so few--maybe no?--districts have bailed out is a question that some Voting Rights experts ascribe to the cover preclearance gives localities that engaged in horrific discrimination in the pre-VRA era.
• Pataki out.
• Swampland sees Ron Paul as Rodney Dangerfield.