Israel urges world to curb criticism of Egypt's Mubarak  —  Jerusalem seeks to convince its allies that it is in the West's interest to maintain the stability of the Egyptian regime.  —  Israel called on the United States and a number of European countries over the weekend to curb their criticism …

Barack Obama braces for Jon Huntsman 2012 bid  —  The White House expects Jon Huntsman, the U.S. Ambassador to China, to resign his post this spring to explore a bid for the Republican presidential nomination, top Democrats said.  —  GOP allies of Huntsman have already begun laying plans …

Al Jazeera English Blacked Out Across Most Of U.S. … WASHINGTON - Canadian television viewers looking for the most thorough and in-depth coverage of the uprising in Egypt have the option of tuning into Al Jazeera English, whose on-the-ground coverage of the turmoil is unmatched by any other outlet.

The Kochs vs. Soros: Free markets vs. state coercion  —  Palm Springs, California -At the front gates of the Rancho Las Palmas resort, a few hundred liberals rallied Sunday against “corporate greed” and polluters.  They chanted for the arrest of billionaires Charles and David Koch …

Americans Believe GOP Should Consider Tea Party Ideas  —  Half of Republicans are Tea Party supporters; 5% are “opponents”  —  PRINCETON, NJ — About 7 in 10 national adults, including 88% of Republicans, say it is important that Republican leaders in Congress take the Tea Party movement's positions …

DCCC targets 19 with first media offensive  —  In the first major media salvo of its effort to reclaim the House in 2012, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is launching an advertising campaign against 19 targeted Republican incumbents.  —  The radio ads, web ads …

House Republicans Plan to Redefine Rape  —  Drugged, Raped, and Pregnant?  Too bad — Republicans are Pushing to Limit Rape and Incest Cases Eligible for Government Abortion Funding  —  Rape is only really rape if it involves force, according to the new House Republican majority as it now moves to change abortion law.

Professor Cornpone  —  Ethanol lobbyist Newt Gingrich and us—and the future of the GOP  —  The last time these columns were lambasted by a presidential candidate in Iowa, he was Democrat Richard Gephardt and the year was 1988.  The Missouri populist won the state caucuses in part on the rallying cry that …

Olbermann misread meaning of ‘Mission Accomplished’  —  I AM very happy that Keith Olbermann is no longer on MSNBC.  I participated in more than 10 combat missions in Vietnam, so I know a mission is not a war.  Someone should have told that to Olbermann, as he demonstrated his ignorance by equating the two for years on his show.