MONDAY’S MINI-REPORT…. Today’s edition of quick hits:
* Afghanistan: “Coalition and Afghan forces continued taking fire on Monday from Taliban forces in northern and central parts of the city of Marja, the focus of a major offensive in Helmand Province. American patrols in northern Marja were fired on repeatedly throughout the day, and reporters for news agencies in the area said Taliban fighters were using roadside bombs and snipers.”
* From the weekend: “Twelve Afghan civilians died Sunday after U.S. rockets mistakenly hit a house during the much-trumpeted offensive to clear the last Taliban stronghold in Helmand province, a loss of life that is likely to seriously undermine the operation and the renewed American-led mission to win the trust of the population.”
* A little help from our friends: “Spain announced Monday that it will accept five detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the largest commitment by a European country and a boost for the Obama administration’s dragging effort to close the military detention center.”
* Goldman Sachs manages to look even worse: “Wall Street tactics akin to the ones that fostered subprime mortgages in America have worsened the financial crisis shaking Greece and undermining the euro by enabling European governments to hide their mounting debts.”
* HRC speaking in Qatar about Iran: “Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday that the United States fears Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has gained enough power to potentially supplant the Tehran government.”
* The bizarre and deadly tragedy of Amy Bishop — and her multiple victims.
* President Obama chooses Rashad Hussain from the White House counsel’s office as his special envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).
* A very unflattering portrait of the Congressional Black Caucus’s political and charitable wings.
* Obama wants you to go to college.
* Good column from E.J. Dionne Jr. on what Bill Clinton could teach President Obama.
* Fact checking the Sunday shows.
* If Chris Wallace sounds confused and unformed after “studying up” for a discussion on climate change, perhaps he’s in the wrong line of work.
* Fox News is worried about Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield jacking up their premiums right now — not because it will hurt the public, but because the rate increase may help advocates of health care reform.
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
