HORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 10:58 P.M. ET:

DEAL REACHED – You all probably know by now that a deal has been reached in Washington, averting a technical default on our debts scheduled to take place on Tuesday.  We actually don't know the details of the deal, although leaders of both parties seem optimistic that it will pass Congress.  It was pretty clear during the day that one element holding up agreement was Speaker Boehner's insistence that any agreement not do damage to national defense.  It appars, based on reporting by Jennifer Rubin at the Washington Post, that he may have succeeded in isolating defense from other items in the budget, and giving it some protection.  We won't comment on this until we know the details tomorrow.

REVOLT OF THE GENERALS? – We've had several military "revolts" in American history, none coming close to a coup, of course.  Generals and admirals periodically express their displeasure with the civilian leadership and the decisions that affect national defense.  In the last few days we've heard rumblings that many American military officers believe that the drawdown in Afghanistan is too abrupt, and will endanger the gains made in that country.  At the same time, it's becoming clear from leaks and public statements that top military leaders in Washington are dismayed over the prospect of radical defense cuts, and are warning that this country cannot carry out its obligations if an already worn out and stressed force is cut much more.  Anyone listening?

DISCOURAGEMENT ON LIBYA – Britain's defense secretary, Liam Fox, concedes that Libyan rebel troops will not be able to dislodge bandit President Muamar Gadaffi.  Gadaffi and his forces have withstood four months of bombing, and Gadaffi remains in Tripoli, although his life is restricted by the bombings.  Fox is a solid guy and a keen ally of the United States.  His words should be taken seriously.  He says that the only way for Gadaffi to be overthrown may be the old reliable method, the palace coup.  In other words, NATO is looking for a betrayer, or a group of betrayers, inside Gadaffi's inner circle.  The lack of American leadership in the Libyan campaign has been a source of embarrassment for this country, and of frustration for our allies.

July 31, 2011