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November 16, 2011 | | CRISIS It's decision time for Germany's Angela Merkel. Italy's new prime minister took control today, and Greece approved its new coalition, but at the same time markets are beginning to punish the Netherlands, and a downgrade of France's debt looks inevitable. With the crisis spreading to core countries, Merkel must decide whether to allow the European Central Bank to print money, or to let the euro zone disintegrate, writes Andrew Sullivan. "The longer the wait, the higher the cost," he writes, comparing the looming threat to a black hole and the point at which escape becomes impossible. "I can see why Merkel doesn't want to choose. But if she doesn't soon, the markets will choose for her." ALLY U.S. Marines are headed Down Under as part of a new military agreement with Australia, announced by President Obama at the beginning of his Asia visit. The move is seen as a response to China’s growing aggressiveness. Obama said the U.S. is "stepping up its commitment to the entire Asia-Pacific,” and that 250 Marines will be stationed in northern Australia starting next year, with 2,500 personnel eventually staffing the region. Obama said the military shift will send the message to China that “with their rise comes increased responsibility. It is important for them to play by the rules of the road." China is wary of the decision, saying it may not be appropriate and requires further review. DEMONSTRATIONS | It’s going to be a long, cold winter for Occupy Wall Street. Protesters began returning to New York's Zuccotti Park on Tuesday, but without tents, after a court upheld the Bloomberg administration’s Monday-night eviction. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he OKd the eviction after hearing from an EMT who injured his ankle while trying to assist a mentally disturbed man last week; but, in fact, the raid had been in the works for more than two weeks, according to The New York Times. Its planning was top secret, with all but a few of the highest-ranking police officers in the loop. And it was sprung without warning in order to avoid a repeat of the city’s last attempt to clear Zuccotti Park, which was canceled after a public outcry. | | | Euro Zone Technocrats to the rescue. Mario Monti, who was sworn in as Italy’s new prime minister today, formed a government without a single politician. Instead, it is composed of bankers, diplomats, business executives, and economic experts. Monti, a former European Union commissioner, says he will serve both as Italy’s premier and as its economic minister as he tries to avert an impending financial disaster that threatens the entire euro zone. Monti’s ascension to the new post officially ends Silvio Berlusconi’s three-and-a-half-year government and 17-year political reign. REPLACEMENT | David Joyner, a member of Penn State’s board of trustees, will take over the school’s athletic program as acting director. Joyner, who has served on the board for more than a decade, takes over for Mark Sherburne, who in turn took over for Tim Curley, who stepped down after being charged with perjury for failing to report a child rape accusation against Jerry Sandusky. As a student at Penn State, Joyner wrestled and played football for the Nittany Lions. Meanwhile, former Penn State assistant football coach Mike McQueary, who has come under fire for failing to stop Sandusky’s alleged rape of a 10-year-old boy, seemingly contradicted his grand-jury testimony when he told a friend in an email that he did in fact tell the police about the incident. | | | | | 
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