What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• Syrian forces retook the Damascus suburbs the government lost control of over the weekend. Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council heard debate on the Arab League's transition proposal. 
• U.S. drone strike in Yemen kills 11. And, Prof. Robert Chesney considers U.S. intervention in Yemen's non-international armed conflict with AQAP (and gives me a shout-out).
• Oh, Argentina, using the language of anti-colonialism while abjuring the self-determination of the Falkland Islanders.
• The U.S. intelligence community believe Iran to be a greater threat than AQ (and its franchises).  

Domestic

• It's E-Day in Florida. Polls close at 8:00 pm Eastern; Romney is expected to win handedly. Results here. Note: Polls close at 7:00 pm local time so for the majority of the state, polls close at 7:00 pm Eastern but the western Panhandle closes at 8:00 pm Eastern. 
• Dear Sarah, the media giveth and the media taketh away.
• The glory of quarterly FEC reports. Plus Colbert's.
• The Dover Airforce Base burial scandal gets worse.

The Short List - January 30, 2012

International

• In Syria, the unrest has reached the suburbs of Damascus.


• A "handful" of Americans have taken shelter in the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.  This unusual move come sin the wake of Egyptian raids on NGOs.


• Hussain Haqqani has once again been allowed to leave Pakistan.


• European Union leaders meet again, continue to try to stave off crisis.


• Raul Castro has said Cuban presidents should have term limits of 10 years.

Domestic

• The FDA surveilled the personal emails of scientists and doctors that were likely whisteblowers against the agency, according to a law suit filed by a few of the scientists and doctors.


• Freddie Mac is betting against homeowners.


• A new casino in Atlantic City will have "term limits" on employment.

Correction -- Bani Walid Fighting Not A Pro-Qaddafi Uprising

In Wednesday's WKODHIB, DCExile linked to a report indicating that the fighting in Bani Walid was sparked by pro-Qaddafi forces revolting against the NTC. That report was inaccurate. 

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• The Economist agrees: there's a civil war in Syria.

• An American and Danish hostage rescued by Navy Seals this week may have benefited from a crooked cop.
• France has agreed to withdraw its combat troops from Afghanistan by 2013, a year earlier than expected.
• Israeli negotiators indicated their guiding approach to a two-state solution is the inclusion of existing settlement blocks in Israel. Yes, Margaret, neo-colonialism does exist. 

Domestic

• The Huckster says he didn't approve his appearance in this Gingrich ad.
• The Department of Justice is making the severability argument in the alternative on health care reform.
• Paul's racists chickens are coming home.

On Marginalia

This Editor loves formatted, printed text; he loves marginalia; and he loves marking, dog-earing, and thumbnailing his way through books and articles. His Kindle receives a fair amount of attention but the inaccessibility of the text itself, the lack of pagination, and the repositioning of the text on the screen when one leaps to and fro footnotes are constant sources of aggravation. This comment, in the New Yorker hit home, particularly:

The Kindle allows for electronic marginalia via the “notes” function, but it feels all wrong: something about having to call up a menu and type a note on the keypad, with its little stud-like plastic buttons, makes the whole process seem forced and contrived. Marginalia are supposed to be spontaneous and fluent. “Noting” something on a Kindle feels like e-mailing yourself a throwaway remark. There’s also something attractive about the contrast between the impersonal authority of the printed page and the idiosyncrasies of the reader’s handwriting. A book someone has written in is an oddly intimate object; like an item of clothing once worn by a person now passed away, it retains something of its former owner’s presence.

The Short List - January 27, 2012

International

• Another dispatch from Syria indicates residential buildings were targeted by pro-Assad forces with many women and children killed.


• Goodluck Jonathan has challenged Boko Haram, the radical Islamist terror group in Nigeria responsible for a series of recent attacks, to identify themselves and make their demands known.


• There are whispers of progress from the Greek debt forgiveness talks.


• The twitter revolution was always overstated, now it may be obsolete.

Domestic

• The GOP candidates left standing debated again last night, and even with crowd reactions Newt failed to deliver a great performance.  It will now be four weeks before the next debate, and I that point the debate could just end up being Gov. Romney of Massachusetts debating Presidential Candidate Romney of Wherecanilockupthemostvotesylvania.


• The U.S. economy grew at 2.8% in the fourth quarter of 2011, which is the best quarterly growth number posted for the year.


• Obama wants to pursue an "all of the above" energy policy.

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• U.S. civil society boosters employed by organizations that were raided by the Egyptian authorities last month have been barred from leaving Egypt.
• There's a civil war in Syria, folks. Meanwhile, an Arab League is slowly ratcheting up pressure on Assad, taking its plan to the U.N. Security Council. Reality to soon follow. Airstrikes thereafter.
•  In the wake of the daring U.S. rescue of an American and Dane held by Somali pirates, other pirate/hostage-takers are threatening other American hostages. It's notable that, while some commentators equate Somaliland and Puntland in their levels of stability, democracy, and security, that the pirate/hostage-takers are based in Puntland and rump Somalia, whereas Somaliland partners with NATO in policing its waters and prosecuting captured pirates. 
• More Somalia: a U.S. drone strike against a former British citizen hours after he made a phone call to his wife in the U.K. This Editor is curious about the use of force justification applicable to this case.

Domestic

• The Department of Defense unveiled its 2013 budget plan today. The Pentagon plans to cut $487 billion over the next decade. In part, this is accomplished by shifting resources away from ground forces and towards robotics, like drones.
•  The STOCK Act, which received an oddly partisan (Democrat) standing ovation, is going to the floor.
• Oh, that's rough, Republicans. That's rough.
• What to watch for in tonight's 19th GOP primary debate. This Editor cannot take another one.
• Secretary Clinton: Out. 

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• The slow-motion ouster of Bashar al-Assad appears to be speeding up with France and Britain beginning a push at the UN to that end. It will be interesting to see to what degree they follow the Libya playbook.
• Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich has been demoted to private but will not serve any of his three-month sentence behind bars.
• Worryingly, the NTC has recognized the local tribal government established in Bani Walid after the NTC was pushed out.
• 
  

Domestic

• Both the latest Quinnipiac and CNN/TIME/ORC polls showed Romney leading Gingrich 36 to 34 in Florida.
• Geithner out if Obama is reelected (and out if Obama loses, too). 
• Oh! Fidel!
• Gingrich accuses the President of practicing Peronism. This accusation is facially ridiculous. 

The Short List - January 25, 2012

International

• Egyptians gathered in Tahrir square to commemorate the largely peaceful uprising that ousted Mubarak from power.  The demonstration today was also a reminder to many Egyptians that the hard work is not over.


• U.S. Special Forces rescued two aid workers who had been abducted in Somalia.  All nine captors where killed in the raid.


• Despite defaming the Arab League for launching a foreign plot to unseat the government, Syria has agreed to extend the observer mission there.


• For the first time in three decades, Japan has reported a trade deficit.


• The World Economic Forum is kicking off in Davos and the eurozone crisis is expected to dominate the agenda.  NPR's Planet Money has a great podcast on who bought this Greek debt and the negotiations to have part of it forgiven.

Domestic

• President Obama gave a stirring State of the Union speech last night.  Well it was stirring if you think most Americans are getting a raw deal and that upward class mobility is largely a mirage.  Your editors thought both his defense for why the rich should pay the same effective rate as everybody else and the metaphor of Seal Team Six and the U.S. government were quite effective.  Ezra Klein outlines 5 policies to watch coming out of the speech.


• Romney's Cayman Islands money indicates the adroitness of he and/or his tax advisers in avoiding paying taxes.


• Same sex marriage made positive strides in 2011, but in the future its fate could be decided by the Supreme Court.


• The U.S. dependence on foreign oil is on the decline.

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• Qaddafi loyalists retook Bani Walid.
• Ahmed M.I. Egal makes an excellent point--and one with which DCExile has long agreed--about Somalia and reconciliation. 
• Egypt is set to lift its decades old State of Emergency, with a proviso. 
• France backed off threats of a quick withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Domestic

• Mitt Romney's wealth dominated political coverage today leaving Politico to ask whether he is too rich. And the DNC smells blood in the water.
• Jeffery Toobin bemoans Super PACs. This Editor bemoans that ubiquitous misnomer.
• Gingrich is up in every Florida poll on RCP since South Carolina.
• Tonight is the State of the Union, DCExile provides you with a guide drinking game.

DCExile's 2012 State of the Union Drinking Game

It’s that time again--the President’s Annual State of the Union Address. And, with it, time for DCExile’s Annual State of the Union Drinking Game. His is mandated by Article 2, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution. Ours is derived from an even hoarier source of law: custom. And, as the Sergeant at Arms announces the President’s entry into the House of Representatives, allow us to convene our tradition: Ladies and Gentleman, the DCExile State of the Union Drinking Game:

• During the pre-game--err, we mean pre-speech--show, drink one sip of beer each time the Republican Primary is mentioned
• During the pre-game show, drink one sip of beer each time a candidate in the Republican Primary is compared with the President
• During the pre-game every time “wife” is preceded by a numerical qualifier, take a sip.  When it applies to Gingrigh, drink a boilermaker.  (Newt Gingrich, doing Pennsylvania proud since he decided to claim residency in a different state)
• During the pre-game show, drink half your beer anytime a former Republican candidate is mentioned
• Anytime “Fair Shake” is compared to “the New Deal,” “the Fair Deal,” “the Square Deal,” or any other deal, have a shot of beer
• If the State of the Union is likened to your high school prom, drink from a plastic handle of vodka that cost no more than $12 (DCExile recommends Rubinoff)
• One shot of Old Grand-Dad if the Sergeant at Arms appears to have not aged since the last State of the Union
• As the President and Leadership walk down the aisle, drink one sip of beer each time Speaker Boehner winks at someone; one Shirley Temple each time a tear comes to Boehner’s eye -- in fact, apply this rule throughout the State of the Union Address
• When Al Green is in the camera shot (and he will be), sing Here I am Baby into the mouth of your beer can like a microphone.
• One shot of schnapps every time the First Lady and Invitees are shown
• Shotgun a beer for “The State of our Union is Strong” or any variation thereon
• Anytime the Republican members of Congress do something disrespectful that would have been considered treason under the George W. Bush administration, one shot of whiskey; throw the shot glass at the wall.
• Half a beer for each standing ovation
• Guzzle for Democrat-only standing ovation
• Pinky out sip for Republican-only standing ovation (Look mom, Log Cabin Republicans do exist!)
• Celebratory shot of tequila anytime there is bipartisan clapping
• Every time the President says “challenge” or “challenged” spin around three times and drink half a beer.
• “Fair Shake” = Shotgun a Beer
• Every time the President says “Wall Street” fire off two desk pops and finish your beer.
• Every time the President says “Main Street” exclaim, “I’m not licked!” and finish your beer.
• Every time the payroll tax cut extension is mentioned, sip of beer (hey, we’re not trying to kill you)
• If health care reform is mentioned, drink whiskey twice: once in celebration because it’s the water of life; once in disgust because you know the remaining Blue Dogs are going to run away from it
• He says Iran, you drink Shiraz
• He says Arab Spring (or Egypt or Libya or Syria or Yemen), you drink tea, smoke a hookah, and sneak a sip of beer
• We hear Euro Crisis and you taste schnapps again
• If Biden falls asleep in the background, email in sick to work the next day and declare a case day.

The Short List - January 24, 2012

International

• The Muslim Brotherhood, finding itself as the dominant party in Egypt, has decided to play it cool with the floundering Egyptian economy.


• The Obama administration is looking to repatriate non-Afghan prisoners held in that country, in a move intended to avoid handing them over to the Afghans as the transition accelerates.


• Syria says the Arab League is implementing a foreign conspiracy in suggesting Assad step down, and the state has vowed to continue to use force to quell the insurrection.


• A deadly blast in Sadr City has killed at least eight people in Iraq.  It is one of a growing number of attacks expected to precipitate now that the U.S. has almost entirely withdrawn.


• Japan's Central Bank has downgraded its growth forecast for the nation rocked by a tsunami and nuclear disaster.

Domestic

• President Obama will give his State of the Union address tonight at 9pm-ish ET.  Some questions remain like is the State of the Union obsolete in our modern micro-news cycle?  What would President Obama do with a second term?  Will John Boehner tear up?  When will DC Exile release the SOTU 2012 Drinking Game Rules?  (The answer to that last questions is 11am ET)


• The GOP candidates squared off in Florida last night, and Mitt "I made over $20 million this year without a wage-paying job" got some solid reviews for taking the fight to Gingrich.  Here are six takeaways from Politico.


• Our national nightmare is over for some, as Starbucks will begin to sell wine and beer at select stores to attract the evening crowd.

What Kind of Day Has It Been

International

• Sgt. Frank Wuterich, the only Marine still facing charges arising out of the Haditha Massacre, plead guilty to a reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter and dereliction of duty. He will face no more than 3 months in confinement and reduction in rank. 
• The ICC levels charges against four Kenyan leaders for the violence that followed Kenya's 2007 elections.
• Libya remains fragile and unsettled months after the fall of Tripoli and the killing of Qaddafi.
• Nigeria is becoming a horror show.

Domestic

• Sen. Rand Paul was not detained by the TSA despite his assertions otherwise. Instead, after refusing to be pat-down following his triggering of a body scanner, he was escorted outside of the security area, booked on a new flight, and re-scanned without incident. Gawker has some harsh words for Senator Paul.
• John Kiriakou, former CIA officer, has been charged criminally in relation to leaks about water boarding.
• SCOTUS says you no to warrant-less GPS tracking. 
• DCExile has added a Republican Primary delegate counter to its sidebar. Stay abreast of the delegate race with DCExile. 

The Short List - January 23, 2012

International

• The EU has placed sanctions on Iranian oil.  But do sanctions work?


• Syria has rejected a proposed transition plan released by the Arab League.


• Egypt's newly elected assembly begins its first session.

Domestic

• Romney, tasting his first real setback in South Carolina, comes out swinging in Florida, calling Gingrich a "failed leader."


• Rep. Gabbie Giffords will step down to focus on her recovery.


• Joe Paterno's legacy is outside of his hands now.


• The New York (New Jersey) Giants will face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 46.  Now for what really matters.

The Short List - January 13, 2012

International

• A few British sources are claiming Pakistani Prime Minister Yousef Reza Gilani called a UK diplomat expressing a panicky fear of an army coup being imminent.
• In Nigeria, a union oil workers strikes will continue even has union leaders are negotiating with the President Goodluck Jonathan.  **Editorial Note:  Great name for a head of state or greatest name for a head of state?**
• Myanmar's ruling junta continues to loosen its grip with the release of at least 100 political prisoners so far with an many as 651 expected to be release.  According to state media they are being released to assist in "nation-building."  ** Editorial Note:  What the f*** did HRC say to these guys a few months back to get this kind of response?**
• Former Taliban walking the beat in Northern Afghanistan.  Sounds encouraging, but could be disastrous, especially considering this is in the North.
• The U.S. is taking two army brigades (and a good chunk of its security umbrella) home.  Europe will have to find their own armed forces.

Domestic

• Romney is holding off most attacks against his time at Bain Capital, and those attackers won't be helped by a Four Pinocchios rating for King of Bain.  There has been some great commentary about how strange it is to see Republicans attacking a Republican for doing the corporate thing.  For Romney, even if he outlasts the Bain attacks, evangelicals could still line up behind one of the other guys and derail the whole thing.
• The President asked Congress for the authority to streamline the organization of the federal government.  The House GOP checked the caller ID, pick up the receiver, said "No," and hung up.
• I'm re-linking this because it was that good, but the experience of old and new manufacturing in Greenville, SC.  It is worth every minute to listen to.  If you're more of a reader, the guy that put the report together has a cover story in The Atlantic.

**Programming Note:  Your editor will be on travel the early part of next week, so the Short List may or may not be published.**

re: Executive Authority & War Making

Over at Lawfare, Ben Wittes has been reposting Peter Marguiles' dispatches from the AALS conference. This one summarizes the discussion there had on the different views of the President's authority to engage in hostilities absent Congressional authorization. Back in March, DCExile echoed Jack Goldsmith (also of Lawfare) here. Now, Marty Lederman has outlined an eminently sensible approach:

Marty suggested that the Clinton and Obama Administrations have been seeking an alternative to these problematic approaches that accounts for all post-WW II executive practice with the (dramatic) exception of the Korean War.  Marty cited Walter Dellinger’s OLC memos from the Clinton administration and Caroline Krass’s memo on initiation of the Libyan intervention, which calibrated the degree of presidential unilateralism permitted to the duration, intensity, and scope of the military intervention.  In essence, those memos suggest (without articulating and hard and fast rules) that the President alone can authorize brief and relatively costless (in blood and treasure) interventions, while bigger, more protracted conflicts require congressional authorization.  

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• Yesterday, a video emerged of U.S. Marines (scout snipers, evidently) urinating on what appear to be Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. SecDef Panetta called President Karzai to assure him that there will be an investigation; reportedly, the Marines have already been identified. The Taliban have indicated the video will not affect their willingness to negotiate. 
• South Sudan six months on.
• Al-Shabaab militants launched a raid into Kenya. 

Domestic

• Will Mitt suffer the fate of John Kerry and lose for failure to connect with voters?
• Greenspan, when the sheen came off.
• Dollar-dollar-bill, y'all.
• The Justice Department gave the okay to the President for last week's recess appointments. This seems eminently reasonable.

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• As Jason noted, another Iranian scientist was assassinated today. NPR notes that it was at least the fourth such assassination in two years (and the fifth in five years). 
• Today is the ten year anniversary of the opening of Guantanamo Bay (nee Camp X-Ray). Vanity Fair presents an oral history. The anniversary has been marked by a fair amount of nonsense and inaccuracy--unsurprisingly, Marc Thiessen took to the Diane Rehm Show to produce much of it.
• Ranking countries by nuclear security.

Domestic

• As Jason noted, I was totally wrong about Romney's showing in New Hampshire. What a tremendous night for Republican John Kerry. 
• My hopes and dreams for a Newt Gingrich scorned destroying the GOP are unraveling.
• Elizabeth Warren had a huge haul in the fourth quarter.

The Short List - January 11, 2012

International

• An Iranian nuclear scientist was killed by a targeted car bomb Tuesday.  The Iranian government is blaming Israel and the U.S.  In other Iran news, China remains reluctant to cut Iranian oil imports.
• Drone strikes have begun anew in Pakistan, as a strike is believed to have killed 4 militants.  Unrelated, but related news, Pakistan's Defence Secretary has been fired.
• North Korea may be looking for a food-for-nukes deal.
• The Greek experience with austerity comes under questioning.  **Editorial Note: So you're saying if you spend less money, the economy contracts?  And I am shocked to find gambling going on in this establishment!**

Domestic

• Romney wins New Hampshire with 39%, sorry Ben.  Further down the card, it's Paul, Huntsman, Gingrich, Santorum, and Perry.  Perry failed to capture more than 1%.  As the Romney Inevitable Express starts to pick up steam, conservative activists look to block the tracks in South Carolina.  And Dana Milbank, fun distraction at times, talks about being a journalist on the campaign trail.
• Planet Money considers the past and future of American manufacturing.

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• Another day, another batch of Iranians rescued by the USN at sea.
• We moved closer to doomsday today. But not this close.
• Israel is preparing to receive Syrian refugees once the regime falls and the bloodletting begins.
• Ireland Scotland long a province be a nation once again. Bonus: A Nation Once Again

Domestic

• These folks that had exit polls for Iowa early that turned out to be the real exit polls have exit polls for New Hampshire, too. DCExile has no idea if they're real. The question of exit poll accuracy in general is an entirely different subject.
• Nate Silver says Romney wins with 39. I respectfully disagree--I think Romney pulls in less than 35, likely less than 33. 
• Damn it, yard signs do not vote. No, not even in New Hampshire.
• The Socialist Party of America had this to say about President Obama: 

The notion that Barack Obama is a socialist ranks among the greatest fairy tales in American society -- right up there with the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and the idea that if you work hard enough your children will live a better life than you," Socialist Party spokeswoman Lynn Lomibao said in an email. "Socialists know what Obama is: another corporate funded politician placed in the White House to protect the wealth and status of the 1 percent.

Satisfied, Republicans?

The Short List - January 10, 2012

International

• President Assad has gone on the offensive in Syria, claiming foreign interventions have fomented the sustained unrest in that country.
• With friends like these, Ahmadinejad continues his Latin American trip complete with TV show appearances and rants against the U.S.
• As the prison facility at Guantanamo Bay turns 10, human rights groups and detainees plan protests of the facility's continued existence.
• Suu Kyi, recently freed from house arrest, will run for parliament in Myanmar.

Domestic

• It's primary day in New Hampshire and the town of Dixville Notch once again claims its mantle as first primary in the nation.  Mitt Romney was leading going in to today, but he's been suffering some blows in recent days from his GOP rivals, especially from Newt Gingrich who seems to be balancing good Newt and bad Newt.
• At the White House, Chief of Staff Daley is out and OMB Director Lew will take up the post.
• Texas asks for more time for insurance providers in the state to achieve an 80/20 split of funds going to healthcare versus finds going to administrative costs and profits as part of the role out of the affordable care act.
• Roll Tide.

The Short List - January 9, 2012

International

• Iran has sentenced a former Marine, and they believe a CIA Agent, to death.  Meanwhile, Ahmadinejad flew to Venezuela hoping to find a friend.  There are reports this morning of diplomats confirming Iran's nuclear enrichment in a bunker.


• A gunman in an Afghan army uniform killed a US soldier in that country.


• The end of oil subsidies in Nigeria continue to be met with violence.


• Is the Arab Spring good or bad for the US?

Domestic

• Heavy is the crown as Romney took the majority if the barbs from GOP opponents yesterday morning.  There is an interesting shift where back in September is was pile on Obama.  Yesterday Romney wanted to talk about Obama and everyone else wanted to talk about Romney.  And for John Huntsman it all comes down to the Granite State.  Is it just me or would the best debate, the debate America deserves be the debate between Obama and Huntsman?


• The Supreme Court will hear arguments about Texas re-districting.

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• AQI continues to work to restart Iraq's sectarian civil war. Today, bombs targeting Shiites killed 72.
• Slate interviews Mustafa Barghouti on the issue of Palestinian statehood.
• Prosecutors in Egypt are seeking the death penalty for Mubarak. 
• Friend of the blog Reza Marashi made an appearance on the Diane Rehm show.
• Qatar owns up to the failings of Arab League monitors in Syria.

Domestic

• President Obama announced his vision for a less expensive defense posture.
• Rick Santorum is drawing large crowds and media attention in New Hampshire. He has moved to up to third place in one New Hampshire poll (although he still lags some 30 points behind Romney) and his fundraising is at an all time high.
• Romney's campaign suffers blowback on the weak McCain endorsement rally that we noted yesterday.

The Short List - January 5, 2012

International

• According to Afghan officials, Iran is making a move to get closer to Afghanistan in an attempt to marginalize America.  Meanwhile, Karzai has endorsed the idea of direct U.S.-Taliban negotiations, though he did manage to take a shot at the U.S. in the process.


• In Pakistan, the Pakistani Taliban claim to have killed 15 soldiers in North Waziristan.


• Activists in Syria claim the government there has staged tranquility for the benefit of the Arab League observers.

Domestic

• Heavy is the crown for Romney as the field of GOP candidates train their ire on him in the granite state.  Oh and Santorum believes there are no Palestinians in the West Bank.


• President Obama will visit the Pentagon today to announce his new strategic vision of the military intended to change the mission of the nation's military in light of a changing world and austere budget environments.  Some are concerned this new strategy would make the U.S. incapable of executing two wars at the same time.

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• Syrian activists complain that government tanks are still occupying cities in violation of the Arab League agreement. Arab League observers seem less relevant by the hour.
• EU agrees to embargo Iranian crude.

Domestic

• In the wake of last night's Iowa caucuses, Bachmann (5% of caucus attendees) dropped out but Perry (10%) stayed in--despite initial indications that Perry would retreat to Texas to "reassess" and drop out.
• John McCain endorsed Mitt Romney in New Hampshire. This Editor views McCain's endorsement as meaningless in a state Romney is likely to win handedly (and in a newscycle he has no hope of winning: see linked article's title).
• Obama belatedly recess appoints Richard Cordray. Finally.

The Short List - January 4, 2012

International

• Iran's warning to U.S. ships didn't impact the U.S. military, but has impacted oil prices.
• The U.S. continues to push Myanmar to reform.
• Syria claims the U.S. wants to stoke unrest in that country.  Stories like this make Santorum's criticism of Obama's reaction to the 2009 green movement in Iran all the more asinine.
• Armed groups continue to clash in Libya, but they have selected a new chief of the armed forces.

Domestic

• The Iowa caucus results are in and Romney wins by the skin of his teeth over Santorum.  Paul came in third, then Gingrich, Perry, and Bachmann.  Let the media story-telling begin: Romney has problems.  Santorum has surged.  Perry is heading back to Crawford Austin.  Gingrich is on the attack in New Hampshire.  Meanwhile, DCExile might just have to start the countdown clock til the end of the Bachmann campaign.
• Airlines are fighting in court a regulation that will compel them to disclose the full price of tickets, not just the base fare.

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• Iran warned the United States not to bring another carrier group into the Gulf. The United States told Iran, rightly, to go to hell.
• Syria's armed rebels threaten to escalate attacks.
• Israelis and Palestinians met today in Jordan.
• At the urging of the Afghan Taliban, a new umbrella group for disparate Pakistani militants has been announced. The Shura-i-Muraqba will (supposedly) unite the TTP, the Haqqani Network, Nazir's organization (erstwhile of the TTP), and Hafiz Gul Bahadur's organization. Notably, unlike the Afghan Taliban and the rest of the Pakistani groups now united, the TTP seeks the overthrow of Pakistan. This would seem to be rather problematic. [Note: Bill Roggio at Long War Journal attributes the umbrella organization to AQ and not the Afghan Taliban.]

Domestic Iowa

• As Jason noted, it's caucus day in Iowa. If you're an Iowan, find your caucus location through the Iowa GOP's website. Wikipedia does a good job of breaking down the Republican caucus process, which is substantially different than the Democratic caucus process--the GOP uses secret ballots and there is no viability threshold or realignment. I will be watching, beer-in-hand, with a few other veterans of '08, trying not to remember the pain of having my teeth kicked in. 
• Bonus: Why Iowa goes first.
• Double Bonus: Results.
• Triple Bonus (h/t Carly).

The Short List - January 3, 2012

After a holiday break, we're back.

International

• The Taliban has reportedly opened up its Qatar offices to U.S. officials to negotiate, however in their invitation to the U.S. they make no mention of the elected government in Kabul.


• Egypt is holding its third round of elections as the country moves forward to resolution.


• The Arab League may remove observers from Syria as reports of government violence against citizens and protesters continue.


• In South Sudan, tribal conflict has forced many thousands to flee their homes.  The UN is working to step in.


• In Libya two armed groups clashed over the detention of members of one of the armed groups.

Domestic

• It's Iowa caucus day and the Washington Post breaks down the final day of campaigning.  Meanwhile, Dan Balz asks if the candidate will shape the party or if it'll be the other way around.  And John Huntsman will be lonely in New Hampshire for just a few more hours.


• Another week, another cry for infrastructure investment.


• The minimum wage in Washington state.