Good morning.

Our early headlines:

-- In Video, Man Said To Be Syrian Oil Ministry Official Says He's Defecting .

-- House Expected To OK Jobs Bill In 'Rare Agreement' With Obama .

-- Jobless Claims Rise By 8,000 .

Other stories in the news:

-- "Solar Flares Speeding Toward Earth." ( Bill's post from Wednesday .)

-- "U.S. Warns Apple, Publishers" About Alleged "Collusion Over E-Book Pricing." ( The Wall Street Journal )

-- "Intractable Afghan Graft Hampering U.S. Strategy." ( The New York Times )

-- "World Powers Back 'Sustained Dialogue' On Iran Nuclear Program." ( CNN )

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