News Nuggets 793

Watercraft splits a calm surface in Norway.  From the Atlantic.

Leading From Behind (Roger Cohen) from the New York Times
"Leading from behind — a phrase first used by a White House adviser in a New Yorker article by Ryan Lizza — was smart policy in Libya. ... The United States took out Libya’s air defense system. It provided more than 70 percent of the surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities. It flew 70 percent of refueling missions. What it did not do was wade into Libya with the army it had in the vanguard of a motley coalition of the willing."

Syria Accepts Arab League Plan from United Press International
"Syria said Tuesday it has reached agreement with the Arab League on ending the violence sparked by anti-government protests. ... The Arab League has proposed talks between the Syrian government and the opposition, CNN reported."

A Long List of Suckers in Afghanistan (Thomas Friedman) from the New York Times
" the Iranian Persians invaded Afghanistan in an effort to “seize the towns of Herat and Kandahar” and a great battle ensued. I had to laugh to myself: “Well, add them to that long list of suckers — countries certain that controlling Afghanistan’s destiny was vital to their national security.”"

What The Hell Just Happened In Greece? (Andrew Sullivan) from the Daily Beast
"Greece's Prime Minister, George Papandreou, announced today a referendum on the bailout/austerity measures the EU is offering."

Ukraine: Postcommunist, European, And 'Short Of People' from Radio Free Europe
"Ukraine is one of just a dozen countries in the world today that has a negative population growth. And by no accident, it shares one key characteristic in common with almost all the others: It is a formerly communist European state."

Julian Assange Loses Appeal Against Extradition from the Guardian [of the UK]
"High court judges rule the WikiLeaks founder should face accusations of rape in Sweden."

Obama Team Places its Bet on 2012 (Greg Sargent) from the Washington Post
"They are wagering that resurgent populism and anger at Wall Street will still figure heavily in shaping the political atmosphere a year from now. Contrary to the conventional wisdom that Romney’s turnaround whiz kid routine will hold appeal amid the bad economy, they are betting that the charged atmosphere will ensure that this is exactly the wrong political moment for someone with Romney’s profile."

Herman Cain Now Recalls 'Couple of Other' Items in Accuser's Complaint from Politico
"Herman Cain once again revised his account of the sexual harassment allegations he battled in the 1990s, saying in a TV interview that he recalled there were additional “ridiculous” items in his accuser’s complaint, beyond the single incident he detailed Monday."
What a DOPE!!

Iowa Yawns at Cain Allegations from Politico
"While Herman Cain struggled for a second day in Washington to push back against sexual harassment allegations, the high political drama almost went unmentioned Tuesday in one of the most important courts of public opinion — Iowa. On the campaign trail, on local conservative talk radio and in conversations among activists, Republicans here have so far greeted the story with a shrug."
I am NOT AT ALL surprised!  With their visceral hatred of the 'lamestream' media and their victimization story concerning Clarence Thomas, GOPers can't help but view Cain's travails but through the lens of the Hill-Thomas hearings.  It sounds like at least one of Cain's accusers may come forward and give details.  If I were her, I'd think twice about it.  She will be put through the mill.

The Right's Absurd Cain Race Card (Michelle Goldberg) from the Daily Beast
"Is racism to blame for the sexual harassment claims against Herman Cain? Michelle Goldberg on the roots of leading conservatives’ cynical strategy. Plus, Patricia Murphy on Gloria Cain's public debut."

An Idea for Republicans, Ctd (David Frum) from the Frum Forum
"Last Friday I talked about the importance of the poverty problem to a limited-government party in a modern society. It comes down to this: poor people are expensive. The money they don’t earn in wages they still cost society in terms of prison cells and emergency room visits."

Rick Perry’s Giddy Speech Raises Eyebrows, Questions from the Boston Herald
"A spirited and giggling Texas Gov. Rick Perry showed up to deliver a speech in Manchester, N.H., on Friday and the resulting video became a YouTube hit Monday. His campaign insists Perry was simply "being passionate," but the video drew a slew of jokes and questions about whether Perry was under the influence of anything during the speech."

MAGAZINE HISTORY NUGGET!!
How Do You Spell Ms.? (Abigail Pogrebin) from New York Magazine
"Forty years ago, a group of feminists, led by Gloria Steinem, did the unthinkable: They started a magazine for women, published by women—and the first issue sold out in eight days. An oral history of a publication that changed history."

LBJ HISTORY BOOK NUGGET!!
Caro's Fourth LBJ Book Coming in May from the Associated Press via the Sacramento Bee
"Book four, "The Passage of Power," comes out in May, publisher Alfred A. Knopf announced Tuesday. "Passage of Power" will focus on the years 1958-64, from the time he began seeking the presidency, through his years as vice president under Kennedy, and to Johnson's becoming president and his astonishing early run of legislative victories. ...  Caro said he has already done an outline and most of the research for the presumed final volume, which would cover the rest of Johnson's presidency..."