On the Radar: August 9, 2011

Political Fallout Of Stock Selloff
By John Harwood, CNBC
President Obama put the blame on today's market drop on an economy he says he "inherited," with CNBC's Larry Kudlow & John Harwood. View

Obama Counsels Calm, But No Deal Is In Sight
By Helene Cooper and Jennifer Steinhauer, The New York Times
If ever there was a time for contrition in this town, it might be after the events of the last few days: a deeply embarrassing downgrading of the nation’s credit rating, poll numbers showing public support for Congress at record lows, topped on Monday with a bracing plunge in the stock market. Read more

Spain's Businesses Face Credit Shortage
By Tom Gjleten, NPR
The latest phase of the European debt crisis was sparked by a fear that the troubles plaguing Greece, Portugal and Ireland would spread to Spain and Italy. Spain has been struggling for more than two years with an unemployment rate above 20 percent — the highest in Europe. Even when entrepreneurs are prepared to launch new businesses, they can't get banks to help them. Listen

Shadow War Unlikely To Slow Down After SEAL Deaths
By Yochi J. Dreazen, National Journal
Pinned down by enemy fighters in eastern Afghanistan, the U.S. special operations forces personnel radioed for help and waited for reinforcements to arrive. A helicopter carrying a large contingent of Navy SEALs and other commandos was approaching the battleground when a rocket-propelled grenade slammed into the aircraft, sending it crashing to the ground, killing everyone on board. Read more

Gen. James Mattis, USMC
By John Dickerson, Slate
When speaking to rising officers, Marine Gen. James Mattis likes to tell the story of the British Navy. At the turn of the 19th century, it had no rival in the world, but 100 years later it had grown complacent in dominance. Officers amassed rules, ribbons, and rituals that had little to do with the changing nature of war. "They no longer had captains of wars," he tells them, "but captains of ships." Read more

Perry Signals He's In, To Rivals' Chagrin
By Alex Roarty and Beth Reinhard, National Journal
Rick Perry certainly knows how to make an entrance: The Texas governor, while stopping short of formally announcing, will remove any remaining doubt he’s running for president Saturday during an appearance in South Carolina, the same day as the Ames Straw Poll in Iowa. Read more

Perry Signals Intent To Enter Race, Sending A Jolt To G.O.P. Candidates
By Jeff Zeleny, The New York Times
Gov. Rick Perry of Texas delivered a long-distance jolt to the Republican presidential campaign on Monday by signaling that he intends to join the race and visit South Carolina and New Hampshire on Saturday, the same day his rivals are battling for survival in the Iowa Straw Poll. Read more

Posted: Tue, 08/09/2011 - 12:00am