Morning Brief, Thursday, November 9

Election 2006 The AP has called the Virginia Senate race in favor of Democratic candidate Jim Webb, which, after fellow Dem Jon Tester’s win in Montana yesterday, will give Democrats control of the Senate. It’s the first time the party has controlled Congress in a dozen years. The WSJ breaks down what it means for ...

606243_Rumsfeld5.jpg
606243_Rumsfeld5.jpg

Election 2006

Election 2006

The AP has called the Virginia Senate race in favor of Democratic candidate Jim Webb, which, after fellow Dem Jon Tester’s win in Montana yesterday, will give Democrats control of the Senate. It’s the first time the party has controlled Congress in a dozen years. The WSJ breaks down what it means for 2008, William Safire weighs in on the what the first few months will bring, and David Frum offers some advice from the neocons.

Rumsfeld’s exit

Despite Bush’s assurances just days before the election that Rumsfeld would lead the Pentagon through the end of his second term, Rumsfeld fell on his sword yesterday. Both Michael Gordon and David Ignatius offer thoughts on the legacy he leaves behind.

The nomination of Robert Gates, former CIA director under the first President Bush, as Rumsfeld’s successor signals an inside victory for an earlier era of Republican foreign policy. Here’s more on the man who may head the Pentagon: WaPost, FT, and WSJ.

Gaza

Thousands of mourners protest in northern Gaza today after 18 Palestinians were killed by Israeli tank fire.  

Elsewhere

The ICC opens its first case – that of a DRC militia leader. 

The head of the soon-to-be-closed Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction tells the BBC that corruption in the Iraqi government costs the country billions of dollars a year.  

Close calls between Israeli and French troops stationed in Lebanon. The Krygyz president agrees to give up some of his powers. The U.S. trade deficit lowers on the back of cheaper oil. The top candidate for French president is in hot water over a gaffe regarding the country’s stance on Iranian nuclear power. And Web shoppers are more impatient than ever.

Carolyn O'Hara is a senior editor at Foreign Policy.

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