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According to news reports, personnel moving cars around CSX’s Benning Yard complex failed to properly set a brake, causing a freight train loaded with coal to wander across an aging and inactive bridge that spans the Anacostia River. The bridge gave way and several rail cars plunged into the water. The rail yard sits within a couple of miles of the U.S. Capitol, a new baseball stadium, and other critical infrastructure.

In his first news conference since taking over as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Michael Mullen claimed that despite the active Army's massive involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, the United States still has the resources to undertake contingency operations like an attack on Iran, should that become necessary. "There is more than enough reserve to respond [militarily] if that, in fact, is what the national leadership wanted to do," Mullen noted.

The transition from the Department of Defense health system into the Veterans Administration system can be difficult. There is a long backlog of claims in the VA, and it can take months for veterans to receive needed treatment and compensation. The problems discovered earlier this year at Walter Reed Medical Center indicate a need to fix a system whose infrastructure is outdated and ill-equipped for the veterans of modern warfare.

Associated Press - Lawrence Korb discusses the costs of a possible military strike against Iran and cautions against such an action.  "The cost (of a military strike) would far outweigh the benefits. We learned during the Cold War that sometimes patience is the best way to go."

Outside the Beltway - Brian Katulis analyzes recent "successes" in Iraq.  “When you consider that Iraqi leaders are discussing the same issues today that they were fighting about in 2004, it’s hard to see that the surge led to any forward political movement. While the numbers do seem to have come down on the violence, unfortunately the wheels have come off on the Iraqi political transition."

Washington Post - P.J. Crowley talks about the prospect of President Bush brokering a peace deal in the Middle East. Both Olmert and Abbas are weak at home and the unpopular Bush has invested much of his presidency in Iraq. He is viewed with deep mistrust in the Middle East. "Can three weak leaders produce an enduring peace agreement? The odds are that they will not be able to do it," said Crowley.

Washington Journal (C-SPAN) - Caroline Wadhams assesses U.S. strategy and progress in Afghanistan. "The situation is somewhat grim.  The security has deteriorated dramatically in Afghanistan since about 2005.  2007 is the deadliest year in record since the U.S. led invasion in 2001."

Hardball (MSNBC) - P.J. Crowley looks at the next steps the United States should take in Pakistan. "I think Musharaff has crossed a line here. I think quietly, we should be talking with the Pakistani military about engineering a soft landing and having Musharaff stepping aside entirely and clear the way for new leadership in Pakistan."