The Short List - February 21, 2012

International

• The Syrian government continues its bombardment of Homs and dismisses a plea from the Red Cross for a two hour cease fire every day to deliver aid.  Neither of those stories can be found on The Washington Post homepage today.
• Yemenis go to the polls today to elect a new president.  Only Vice President Hadi is on the ballot, but the election is still significant because it ends the 33 year rule of the country by Ali Abdullah Saleh.  The U.S. has promised Yemen aid if they are able to make democratic changes quickly.
• Israel's Supreme Sourt has agreed to free Khader Adan, a lawyer and Palestinian that was detained without charge and has been on a hunger strike for 66 days.
• Afghans blocked roads and protested outside Bagram Air Base after reports U.S. troops had improperly disposed by the Koran by burning it.  The U.S. has apologized and at this moment it cannot be confirmed how many, if any, Korans were burned.
• Greece is getting a second bailout, bondholders not so much.

Domestic

• Romney is thanking his lucky stars for those Super PACs as his campaign has maxed out a lot of individual donors.  Though he may need to be concerned about a fantastical burn rate, which could help President Obama in a general.
• NPR asks what is Romney loses Michigan and what if nominee Santorum has to fully answer for his social views?
• John Huntsman's campaign's IOU to Jon Huntsman.
• Jeremy Lin, racism, and sports.

**Editorial Note:  Ben is on vacation so What Kind of Day has it Been will be intermittent over the next couple weeks.**

The Short List - February 17, 2012

International

• Syria is saying the same thing as DNI Clapper.  Tragically, Anthony Shadid, foreign correspondent for the New York Times died of an apparent asthma attack in Syria yesterday.
• Pakistan is hosting a three-country summit between Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.  The comments, reflecting divergent interests, were interesting to say the least.
• In Spain, austerity has lead to recession.  We should not be surprised.
• Scotland would like to have greater, if not total, freedom from the crown.  David Cameron continues centuries old recalcitrance to the notion.  Maybe it's because of oil?

Domestic

• House Republicans hosted a hearing on birth control and contraception without a single woman testifying.  Though Foster Friess, speaking in MSNBC after the hearing, did manage to offend most woman in America, with an ill-advised medical directive for the use of aspirin.  To paraphrase a friend of DCExile, if you start off any statement with "Back in my day," there's a good chance what follows will be seen as out of touch and offensive.  Let's not forget to mention, Mr. Friess is a big-time donor for a pro-Santorum Super PAC.
• The CBO has scored the payroll tax cut legislation and come in with a figure lower than the originally thought price tag.
• A disappointing decision by Chris Christie.
• Mitt must really be struggling for cash, if Craig Romney is selling his companionship.  **Editorial Note: No offense intended.  I actually think this is a clever idea, and your editor knows at least a dozen women who would pay $5 to hold Craig's hand and boo at the candidates in Arizona.**

UPDATED:

• David Brooks was either struggling for a Friday column, or lived under a rock all football season to write this column about Jeremy Lin and not even mention Tebow.  VIDEO BONUS: Tebow gets SNLed.

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• The U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly endorsed the Arab League plan for Syria. Meanwhile, DNI Clapper says Al-Qaeda is infiltrating the Syrian uprising. Whether it is or it is merely endorsing the uprising and launching its own attacks, the radicalization of the Syrian rebels is a real possibility--and it should be of some concern to us, whatever David Rieff says. 
• Boko Haram overran a Nigerian prison, freeing 118 inmates.
• Bad news for Tariq al-Hashemi, likely bad news for Iraq.

Domestic

• The so-called Underwear Bomber, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, has been sentenced to life imprisonment. The much decried "law enforcement" approach to Abdulmutallab, including his being Mirandized, not only resulted in a conviction and life sentence, but in lots of actionable intelligence, yet again vindicating the law enforcement approach to counter terrorism, as if further vindication were necessary. In other news, the military commissions are struggling with attorney-client privilege. 
• The Economist betrays unusual (and gross) ignorance of the workings of the U.S. administrative state in one of this week's leaders, "Over-regulated America." This Editor wonders if the Economist has forgotten OIRA? If it has forgotten Executive Order 12866? If it is unaware that the last three paragraphs contradict the third?  
• Sadly, there will be no March 1, 2012 CNN Republican Primary Debate. This Editor is jonesing for another fix of Republican Primary craziness and laments this decision.

The Short List - February 16, 2012

International

• Iran, in a single day, touted its nuclear ability, threatened to cut oil exports to Europe, and raised the possibility of talks about its nuclear ambitions.  Standard day of diplomacy with Iran.
• Karzai confirms three-way U.S., Afghan, Taliban talks have taken place.
• Syria, which has slipped from the front page of the Washington Post, continues to be gripped with violence as the state has begun assaulting Deraa.
• A suspected US drone strike killed six in Pakistan.
• A Chinese leader and his love for an Iowa town.

Domestic

• A deal was struck late last night to extend the payroll tax holiday and unemployment benefits in Congress.  But many are bearish on the prospects Congress does anything else this year.
• Santorum released his tax returns which showed income of over $900,000 in 2010, a substantial sum but nothing compared to the millions gained by his GOP rival, Mitt Romney.  NPR discusses how Romney might be able to combat this latest Santorum surge.
• The expiration of a wind power tax credit could end the industry and result in lost jobs.  In other energy news, federal lawyers in New Orleans are preparing for one of the largest, most complex environment lawsuits in history against BP for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that imperiled the gulf for months.
• Marco Rubio tries to flex his muscle, ends up alienating some Hispanic voters.

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• Iran debuted its homemade nuclear fuel today. It also announced its willingness to return to the negotiating table. 
• U.S. Special Agent Jamie Zapata, traveling in an armored suburban in the Mexican war zone, was killed as a result, in part, of the automatic door unlock when parked feature. This just defeats understanding. 
• Despite all the negative reporting on Libya, 75% of Libyans think they are better off today than they were one year ago. Better yet, 43% of Libyans thank the United States for that outcome (but 86% rightly thank France).
• Israel drew a closer link between the would-be Iranian bomber in Thailand and the bomb and attempt in India and Georgia, claiming that the bombs are all similar.
• The Arab League pushes forward on the "Uniting for Peace" path. France, meanwhile, works for humanitarian corridors. This Editor believes the humanitarian corridors route would be merely a first step toward armed intervention, as they would almost certainly be attacked or harassed, necessitating armed protection and so on. 

Domestic

• We have a payroll tax cut deal! It's a ten-month extension, giving the Republicans the gift of not having their unpopular, anti-middle class positions highlighted near Election Day. 
• SANTORMENTUM: Megadeath backs Rick. Also, another day, another national poll with Santorum in the lead. Another Michigan poll, too. And what's this? An Ohio poll, too?! The Rust Belt has SANTORMENTUM.
• But maybe not for long--Willard McScrooge Romney is grossly outspending the rest of the field (and crushing Santorum) in all but one media market in Michigan and on cable. And that's just Michigan, Romney is dropping $5 million over the next two weeks across Arizona, Ohio, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Georgia. This Editor imagines this will look something like the Romney negative blitz in Iowa that sank Gingrich in December.

The Short List - February 15, 2012

International

• Ahmadinejad puts the first home-grown rod into a Iranian research reactor.  In Thailand, authorities will charge two Iranian nationals with the bombing there.  Reza Marashi, Research Director of NIAC, debates (Part 1 & Part 2) the push to bomb Iran.
• In Syria, the government has begun shelling a new city, Hama as the unlikely cheerleaders for democracy, Qatar & Saudi Arabia, endorse a UN resolution that would push for a plural political system.  In Homs, the only accounts we have are from citizen journalists risking their lives.  President Assad has called for a constitutional referendum to be held in two weeks, but opposition groups, excluded from the drafting of the document, are unlikely to engage (especially if they're still being shelled).
• The Eurozone economy shrank by 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2011, taking a half step toward recession.  In Greece, GDP shrank by nearly 7% in 2011, a dizzyingly high figure.  And as a deal nears on tentative a debt forgiveness that would cut the value of bonds held be investors by more than 50%, NPR's Planet Money asked, "Who bought these bonds?"
• As Xi Jinping's visit continues, he and Obama discussed the myriad of issues between the two countries. In only mildly related news, China is seizing iPads because of a trademark spat.
• Egypt will hold presidential elections in May, a month earlier than planned as the military faces growing unrest.

Domestic

• Romney needs to win big in Michigan, while Santorum is managing expectations and adding a few friends.  ** Editorial Note:  I really don't like Facebook**
• I agree with my co-editor on Super PACs, but I also agree with Obama that even if you don't like it, you don't unilaterally disarm yourself.  In other Obama news, 65% of registered voters polled like the compromise the president proposed on birth control.  David Gregory might have been eager on Sunday for another culture war, but your editor thinks it's only happening on the margin.
• And now organic will mean the same thing on both sides of the pond.  Your editor doesn't think that means much.

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• Indian investigators do not believe that Iran was behind yesterday's bombing. That doesn't really explain the attempted bombing in Georgia or the attempted bombing in Thailand. 
• Chinese Vice President Xi met with President Obama today amid revelations that China denied the U.S. Ambassador-at-large for religious freedom an entry visa in recent days.
• Speaking of China, another Buddhist monk set himself on fire to protest Chinese rule in Tibet. The young monk was extinguished by Chinese police, and (according to NPR) then beaten and arrested by those same police.
• Nic Robertson, lifting the . . . ahem . . . veil on the Taliban's political strategy.
• Pakistan is allowing some NATO supplies to transit Pakistan again.
• And Abu Qatada was freed.

Domestic

• Maine starting to look even more like it was stolen from Dr. Ron Paul. What's worse than Romney losing Maine outright? Romney looking like he cheated his way to Pyrrhic victory in Maine. 
• More SANTORMENTUM.
• Liberals subsidize conservatives. Despite that, we still have to put up with their questioning our patriotism. 
• David Weigel makes the pitch for Super PACs at Slate, largely echoing Colin's point of view in our recent back and forth--including the post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy! Weigel refers tongue-in-cheekly to his position as Pollyanish. This Editor, not so tongue-in-cheekly, agrees. 

The Short List - February 14, 2012

International

• The Syrian government continues to shell its citizens in Homs.  Meanwhile, some believe the latest UN efforts regarding Syria taken up by the general assembly is meant to pressure Russia, more than Syria.
• In Bahrain protesters marched on the Pearl roundabout commemorating the protests at that location last year.  They were met by tear gas. 
• Israeli police are on heightened alert after several bombings believed to be targeting Israeli officials in three countries.  No one has claimed responsibility, but Israel has pointed to Iran as the culprit.
• The Chinese have expressed a willingness to help the eurozone, but stopped short of pledging to buy bonds from the EU because they weren't sure it would provide a sufficient return.   **Editorial Note:  That's a bad communist!  Bad!**

Domestic

• House Republicans will support an extension of the payroll tax holiday without spending offsets, in a move widely seen as a backing down by the GOP to avoid a political fight they've been losing.
• Obama's budget includes a tax hike on the wealthy.  The GOP has called it an "insult to taxpayers."  Your editor is insulted that someone would presume my insult to the Obama budget.  It's all very insulting.  NPR asks, what would the GOP nominees do?  And Ezra Klein on who bears the burden, Obama v Romney, when it comes to paying taxes.
• Speaking of Romney, he's losing independents.  Perhaps it's because he's talking about how "severe" a conservative he is.  Paul Krugman writes on how far right the GOP has drifted, when the front-runner who implemented a Heritage Foundation plan to expand healthcare runs like hell from that very accomplishment.
• More then 1.8 million dead people are on the voter roles in the USA, but incidence of voter fraud remain low.
• Justice Breyer was robbed by a man wielding a machete at his vacation home in the West Indies.

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• Likely Iranian bombings of Israeli targets are likely responses to Israel's likely responsibility for the covert sabotage and assassination campaign in Iran.
• The UN says Syria has indiscriminately attacked civilians. Video of such an attack here.
• Spain gets downgraded by Fitch and the S&P. Greece embraced austerity.

Domestic

• SANTORMENTUM: one poll has Santorum ahead of Romney nationally; more importantly, another poll has Santorum winning all but one of Michigan's counties. Michigan Governor Snyder says he will endorse a GOP candidate in the next week. Oh please oh please oh please be Pretty Ricky.
• Tony Bennett says legalize it, echoing Peter Tosh. 
• A much needed call for the GOP to quit the asinine teleprompter jokes.

The Short List - February 13, 2012

International

• The Arab League is appealing to the UN for a joint peacekeeping mission, but Russia's continued opposition is stifling the plan.  Rebels continue to fight on in the Syria and Abu Muqawama on why you can't call this a civil war yet.
• The presumed next president of China, Xi Jinping, is visiting the US in a visit that preludes his transition to power.
• Two seemingly coordinated strikes against Israeli diplomats in India and Georgia will likely keep tensions high between Iran and Israel.
• Greece's parliament as approved far reaching austerity measures insisted upon by the EU, but protests continued as buildings burned in Athens.

Domestic

• The Obama budget plan is out and you can download it on your smartphone.  Ultimately policy wonk/tech geek crossover?  I think so.
• Santorum has a plan to derail Romney.  He was also on Meet the Press discussing the secret plan Obama has for the country in the second term.
• In Maryland, Democrats look for votes across the aisle to legalize same-sex marriage.

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• Imran Khan says a Pakistan under his party's leadership will shoot down U.S. drones -- this Editor wonders if this means Khan's Pakistan will also close all of the airstrips from whence drones are launched. 
• A good explanation of how to understand al-Shabab (and its merger with al-Qaeda Central).
• Syria says the two bombs that struck Aleppo today were suicide car bombs.

Domestic

• Obama administration muffed the Catholic Contraception Controversy.
• CPAC -- take your pick.
• Rick Santorum: 3 days, $3 million. Dollar, dollar bill.
• Rep. Spencer Bachus is in the sights of the Congressional Ethics Offices. 

The Short List - February 10, 2012

International

• In Syria, a bomb has gone off outside a government security building in Aleppo.  The government blames "terrorists" while the opposition movement says the government set the blast themselves.  In Homs, the entire city is besieged by tanks according to opposition forces and they believe the government is "determined to conquer the opposition neighborhoods" almost certainly by force.
• The Pakistani Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by PM Gilani who is facing charges of contempt for refusing to reopen a corruption investigation into President Zardari.
• Greeks launched a two day general strike in protest of the proposed austerity measures the Greek government has pursued as part of an international monetary bailout.

Domestic

• There are reports this morning that President Obama will accommodate the protests of religiously affiliated healthcare providers and insurers that would have required them to make birth control available to women free of charge.
• Dear Gov. Romney, please pander more and use smaller words.  The rank and file can't connect with you.  Thanks, The GOP Establishment.
• Even as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission approves the construction of two new reactors in Georgia, groups are threatening to sue to stop the projects from even starting.

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• Al Shabaab has "officially joined al-Qaeda." Whatever that means -- they pledged fealty to OBL several years ago; this Editor is dubious of the practical implications of this move. 
• A drone strike in Pakistan killed an al-Qaeda ally early today. It was the second strike in two days.
• U.S. intelligence analysts lament the death of Inspire and the insight in provided.

Domestic

• The United States will ease restrictions on women in combat. This is more a shrugging acceptance of reality on the part of the Pentagon than it is revolutionary.
• Severely weakened by the House GOP, the STOCK Act progresses, passing the House 417 to 2.
• The long anticipated foreclosure settlement between five of the United States' leading banks and the fifty states and federal government has come to pass. The federal government and 49 states agreed to a $26 billion settlement. The "landmark" agreement is pretty underwhelming. 
• Nationwide, Gallup has Santorum tied with Gingrich at 20 but Romney still leading at 36.

The Short List - February 9, 2012

International

• Bloodshed in Homs, Syria continues.
• Al Shabab has claimed responsibility for a car bombing in Mogudishu.
• It's never as easy as just executing an airstrike.
• Chucks go big in China.

Domestic

• Washington State has approved a measure to legalize gay marriage.
• Five major U.S. banks will announce a settlement with at least 40 states regarding recriminations of fraudulent and flawed foreclosure practices.  The settlement could be some relief to struggling homeowners.
• Union bashing in Arizona: "You're not in government, you know, to collect a fat paycheck. You're in government to serve. And if you get paid reasonably, that's nice but the moment you feel the need to organize collectively and create laws like collective-bargaining laws that give you special privileges to negotiate and extract compensation not seen in the private sector, you've gone too far."  So you're saying freely organizing is going to far?  Perhaps we should make political parties illegal to?
• The U.S. will likely scale down plans for military bases in Japan and Guam, facing resistance from locals and budget constraints.  This scale down runs contrary to the recent defense strategy laid out by DOD that put increased emphasis on the Pacific region.
• Congress is likely to pass a watered-down ethics bill this week.
• American Crossroads has a clear agenda, and at least $13 million from just six donors.

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• Turkey: "How do you like me now?" And the Dutch quit Syria, too.
• The Boko Haram problem is getting worse.
• Israeli courts remain one of the few institutions to protect Palestinian interests. 

Domestic

• The Christian Science Monitor presents Mitt ('08) vs. Mitt ('12).
• A 3 Judge Panel of the Ninth Circuit ruled that California's Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. The ruling will almost certainly be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
• It's E-Day (C-Day?) in Minnesota and Colorado and, sort of, in Missouri. Results here.
• South Carolina Republicans are suing the U.S. DOJ to enforce their modern poll tax voter ID law. Silly DOJ, don't you know poor people and people of color shouldn't be allowed to vote?
• Bonus: even the Republicans can't find voter fraud.

The Short List - February 7, 2012

International

• Gen. Mattis is going to Pakistan this month to try to smooth over U.S.-Pakistani relations.
• Afghan police are still not ready for prime time.
• Syria continues to shell Homs. France and Italy join the embassy exodus. Russia sends envoys. 

Domestic

• The wholly expected Florida loss for Newt Gingrich may have cost him one of the most important primary constituencies: the media. They've killed before. They'll kill again.
• But today could be a good day for Santorum.
• Poor Pete Hoekstra. No one gets a good racist negative ad anymore. 
• Bonus: see recent photos of Pete here. 

What Kind Of Day Has It Been

International

• The United States has closed its embassy in Damascus. The UK has recalled its ambassador. And the violence just gets worse. 
• South China Sea, next Cold War? 
• Hamas and Fatah have agreed to a unity government with Abbas as PM.
• Noriega has been moved to a hospital.
• Also in the annals of former dictators, Saleh was pelted with shoes after emerging from the New York City hotel where he is being treated. 

Domestic

• Good news for the President among Democrat's white whale: blue collar white Americans. 
• A former Kennedy White House intern has written a book revealing her 18-month long affair with the President.
• Why is Mitt Romney scared of taking questions from the people? He seems pretty aloof to me. He must be some sort of elitist.
• Bonus: Rick Santorum won the Pat Boone primary.

The Short List - February 6, 2012

International

• Egypt is looking to prosecute about 44 people, including 19 US citizens, as part of its investigation of NGOs in the country.  The US is threatening to withhold over $1 billion dollars in aid if Egypt doesn't clarify the situation quickly.
• After the UN Security Council failed to pass a resolution on the matter, the Syrian government is stepping up the violence in Homs.
• The endgame for US military involvement in Afghanistan is going messily.

Domestic

• Even as Romney won a convincing Nevada caucus victory, President Obama has, for the first time, an edge over the former governor of Massachusetts in matchup polls.