Morning Brief, Friday, March 21

2008 U.S. Elections

David Lienemann/Getty Images

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson will reportedly endorse Barack Obama. Richardson, who says Obama is a "once-in-a-lifetime leader," is expected to appear with the Illinois senator today in Portland, Oregon. The LA Times says Richardson's is one of "a series of such endorsements" that the Obama campaign plans to roll out before the Pennsylvania primary on Apr. 22.

The U.S. State Department fired two contract employees and disciplined a third for looking at Obama's passport records. The Obama campaign is calling for an investigation.

Asia

Thousands of Chinese troops have reportedly moved into Tibetan areas.

After meeting with the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, India, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the crisis in Tibet "a challenge to the conscience of the world."

Are Chinese hackers trying to bring down SaveDarfur.org?

Japan fired its Navy chief of staff.

Middle East

Rumors of war are sweeping Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia plans to reprogram 40,000 clerics.

Iran is using "an array of deceptive practices" to hide its illicit activities, the U.S. Treasury Department warned yesterday.

Europe

Norway's plan to become carbon-neutral by 2030 is generating doubts.

Russia is accusing an employee of BP's joint venture and his brother of espionage.

Belgian voters fear their new government is "too weak to last."

Elsewhere

The credit crisis is spreading to the broader U.S. economy.

Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan defends his record.

The United Nations is calling for a 25 percent increase in expenditures and asking for an extra $1.1 billion from donor nations.

Brazil is cracking down on loggers.

Get ready for a disputed election in Zimbabwe, the International Crisis Group warns in a new report.

Today's Agenda

• Cypriot leaders are holding peace talks.
• It's the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
• For Christians, today is Good Friday.

Yesterday on Passport

• Lessig takes on corruption in Congress
• State Department accused of shilling for Iran
• Palestinian national symbol outsourced to China