Morning Must Reads: August 5

In the news: a nuclear Iran, a "second Guantanamo," Teach for America, Allen West Inc., immigration reform, taming the megabanks, and stalling State of the Union initiatives.

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Mark Wilson / Getty Images

The early morning sun rises behind the US Capitol Building in Washington, DC.

  • In his interview with the Washington Post, Egypt’s commanding Gen. Abdel Fatah al-Sissi sharply criticized the U.S. response, accusing the Obama administration of disregarding the Egyptian popular will and of providing insufficient support amid threats of a civil war.
  • Iran could begin producing weapons-grade plutonium by next summer, U.S. and European officials believe, using a different nuclear technology that would be easier for foreign countries to attack.
  • Rattled lawmakers in both parties applauded President Obama’s decision to shutter two dozen U.S. diplomatic posts across the Middle East and North Africa this weekend, calling the threat of a fresh terrorist attack credible, specific and the most alarming in years.
  • Of all the challenges the United States faces as it winds down the Afghanistan war, the most difficult might be closing the prison nicknamed “The Second Guantanamo.”
  • Critics say Teach for America has strayed from a core mission of helping needy urban schools, favoring efforts seen as anti-teacher union.
  • The making of Allen West, Inc.
  • Who’s leading immigration reform in the House?
  • Rep. Dave Camp‘s flirtation with the Senate puts tax reform on ice.
  • Nearly six months after President Obama used his State of the Union address to outline a broad, progressive agenda for his second term, many of the policy priorities that earned applause from his base appear to be gathering dust.
  • James Pethokoukis: “Taming the Megabanks
  • New York magazine: “What is Chris Christie Doing Right?
    • Christie and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are the “hottest politicians” in America, according to the Quinnipiac University Thermometer released today. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker John Boehner had the two lowest scores.