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Uprising’s guest expert Rahul Mahajan sociologist and news analyst and author of Full Spectrum Dominance: US Power in Iraq and Beyond, analyzes today’s news headlines:

Unnamed US officials have leaked that the US will cut hundreds of millions of dollars of military aid to Egypt. The US gives billions of dollars in aid to Egypt each year, but in light of the recent military-led ouster of President Mohammad Morsi and the subsequent crackdown on Muslim Brotherhood protesters which have killed hundreds, the Obama Administration had been under growing pressure to cut off aid. Click here for a Guardian article about the story.

After weeks of speculation President Obama will nominate Janet Yellen to lead the Federal Reserve. Yellen has served as Vice Chairwoman of the agency since 2010 and if confirmed would become the first woman in as Fed Chair. The decision comes after much controversy ensued over Obama’s earlier favorite for the post, Larry Summers, who stepped aside. Despite Yellen’s popularity Republicans may raise concerns over her nomination. Click here for a New York Times article about the story.

The government shut down, now in its second week, still seems to have no end in sight as both houses of Congress walk down separate legislative paths daring each other to vote down popular programs. Not only are hundreds of thousands of government workers furloughed, and many crucial programs halted, even Congressional staffers are off the job, bringing Congressional committee hearings to a standstill. The Democrat dominated Senate has refused to consider piecemeal legislation passed by House Republicans, saying they want a “clean” continuing resolution before sitting down for negotiations. Click here for a Washington Post article about the story.

And finally, the battle over immigration reform continues to rage – but in the streets rather than in Congress. A major demonstration at the Capitol yesterday was organized by immigrant and labor organizations, with the participation of several Democratic lawmakers, sympathetic to immigrant rights. Their actions included civil disobedience which resulted in the arrest of 6 Democratic representatives including Charles Rangel, Raul Grijalva, and Jan Schakowsky. A rally by the demonstrators was also addressed by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. Click here for an LA Times article about the story.