What we’re watching Monday

Good morning. Here’s the news on our radar this morning:

Kenya – Mall Attack

• Kenyan forces claim to have control of the mall, despite the fact that an unknown number of gunmen are still inside.
• New explosions and gunfire rocked the mall as the hostage standoff entered the 3rd day.
• The attackers were identified as 10 to 15 militants from al-Qaeda-linked Somali group, al-Shabab.

• The group says the attack is revenge for the Kenyan military’s offensive in Somalia in 2011.

  Pakistan – Church Bombing

• Christians protest after Taliban suicide bombers kill at least 78 church-goers in Peshawar on Sunday.

Iran – Nuclear Ambitions

• Before leaving for the UN, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani calls for “interaction” with Western leaders.

Germany – Election

• Prime Minister Merkel’s conservative win in Sunday comes up just shy of an absolute majority.

Gun Violence

• In a Sunday memorial for Navy Yard victims, President Obama says “we can’t accept this”, and urges the nation to address gun violence.
• On “Meet the Press”, the NRA’s Wayne LaPierre blames a “complete breakdown” of the mental health system that leaves “homicidal maniacs” loose.

Budget Battle

• With one week to go, both sides stand their ground on Sunday