Today's edition of quick hits:
* Iran: "The United States and five other world powers pressed Iran on Thursday to grant U.N. inspectors access to alleged nuclear research sites inside the country, amid reports that Iranian officials are moving to clean up a key military installation outside Tehran."
* Syria: "Four more high-ranking officers have defected from the Syrian armed forces and joined the year-old uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's rule, two rebel groups said on Thursday."
* Keystone loses again: "In the wake of lobbying by President Obama and Senate Democratic leaders, the Senate defeated legislation to speed up construction of a U-S.-Canadian oil pipeline by a margin of 56 to 42 on Thursday."
* Greek officials appear set to "clinch a landmark debt restructuring deal with its private-sector lenders, clearing the way for the release of bailout funds from Europe and the International Monetary Fund that would save the country from default."
* Sign of the times: "Thursday, March 8 is International Women's Day, and Republicans in Congress are celebrating by debating a new bill that would restrict abortion rights."
* Rush Limbaugh offers online transcripts of his program, though he's apparently scrubbing the text in the wake of the Fluke controversy.
* The Reuters Photo of the Year is stunning.
* Reports suggesting the Affordable Care Act will increase the deficit are not what they appear to be.
* And for many journalists, Super Tuesday was simply exhausting.
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
