International
North Korea is set to launch a long-range missile despite international protest. The Obama administration is trying to offset North Korea’s propaganda value by readying a message in response to the coming launch. The U.S. will include in its response a suspension of a food-aid agreement that was promised six weeks ago. The city of Pyongyang insisted that its launch is intended to put a satellite into orbit but Washington rejects this claim, calling it a “breach of international obligations.” The U.S. is planning to incite a worldwide rally in opposition to the planned launch. The U.S. has limited options in its response to North Korea.

Election
Rick Santorum suspended his presidential campaign Tuesday, ending his crusade to emerge as the Republican party’s selectee to challenge Obama this fall. Santorum came up from behind fighting off opponents proving himself to be a fierce challenger to Romney’s supposed claim to the nomination. Santorum did not give a specific reason for dropping out but brought up the recent hospitalization of his daughter, Bella, who is dealing with a rare genetic condition. Santorum’s suspension leaves Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and Ron Paul to battle it out for the presidential nomination. Mitt Romney looks like the likely candidate for the party’s nomination.

Election
Mitt Romney is trying to broaden his appeal by trying to narrow the gender gap that he faces against President Obama. Romney’s campaign found itself “squeezed” between its appeal to conservatives and trying to appeal to women. A recent Washington Post/ABC News poll this week showed that women preferred President Obama to Romney by 19 percentage points. Romney’s campaign faces challenges to debunk claims that Romney’s policies have hurt women and turn back criticism on Obama on how women have suffered under his administration. The campaign was confronted with difficulties Wednesday as top aides seemed uncertain how to respond to questions on the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, signed by Obama, which makes it easier for women to sue in equal pay cases.