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September 22, 2012 | | MYSTERY The investigation into the deadly Libya attack continues, but the spotlight has fallen on al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. The Daily Beast’s Bruce Riedel on the terror cell’s North African menace. SOCIAL NETWORKS The future of the Middle East looks like a race between the mullahs and the iPad—and despite recent setbacks, social networks are rewiring our brains to topple traditional barriers, says Deepak Chopra, author of God: A Story of Revelation. 14.1 percent Now that Mitt Romney finally released his much-asked-about tax return, the question remains, why now? Prior to releasing his 2011 return Friday, Romney had refused to reveal his tax rate, and said he had never paid less than 13 percent (whereas his 2011 return shows he paid 14.1 percent). A source close to the Romney campaign told Politico that strategists simply decided there would constantly be requests for Romney’s personal financial records and wanted to put an end to speculation. Aides close to Romney also tell Politico the release was strategically timed so that discussions over Romney’s taxes would be over by the time he faces Obama in the first debate. Another GOP strategist speculated that the move was an attempt to make Romney seem more transparent and accessible amid criticism for his recent “47 percent” remarks. Fine for Now In the wee hours of Saturday morning, the Senate passed a bill approving funding that will temporarily keep the government's lights on and ensure that it keeps getting paid—ending one of the least productive legislative seasons in recent memory. Congress resumes in November. House Democrats marched on the House steps on Friday chanting “work, work, work,” urging the 112th legislative body to stay in session long enough to take care of unfinished business, claiming that Congress hasn't recessed this early for the campaign season since 1960. Shortly after midnight on Saturday, the Senate also voted down a bill proposed by Kentucky Republican Rand Paul which would have cut foreign aid to Pakistan—a bill that Paul had garnered support for by going around the Republican leadership. Revenge At least four people are dead and 34 injured after demonstrators in Libya stormed an armed group's headquarters Friday night. The group, the Ansar al-Sharia militia, is suspected in last week's U.S. consulate attack that killed the American ambassador in Benghazi. The incident seems to have been carried out by a combination of Libyan police, troops, and pro-government activists following protests against such armed groups earlier that day. The militia denies involvement in the ambassador's death. | | 
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