National Security
Arab Spring Provides Opportunities For Al-Qaida
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archive
Thursday, December 06, 2012
Economy
What Should The U.S. Learn From Europe's Woes?
December 6, 2012 As President Obama and lawmakers try to find a formula for spending cuts and tax increases, they might look across the Atlantic for insights from those who have been wrestling with budget problems. The first lesson from Europe's "fiscal consolidation" experiences: It will hurt.
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
The Two-Way
Architect Oscar Niemeyer, Who Designed Brazil's Capital, Dies
December 5, 2012 The Pritzker Prize-winning architect was known for some of the world's most famous modernist buildings, including Brasilia's crown-shaped cathedral. He was 104.
Middle East
Israel, Christians Negotiate The Price Of Holy Water
December 5, 2012 High-level diplomacy helped avert a disaster last month, in a dispute over the unpaid water bill of one of Christendom's holiest sites. The water company that supplies the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem said it owed $2.3 million. Eventually, the bill was waived — but the church now promises to pay going forward.
The Two-Way
Activists Tell Damascus Residents To Prepare For The 'Zero Hour'
December 5, 2012 The persistent fighting near Damascus has created a growing sense that there could soon be a major battle for the capital. Activists have made a video telling Damascus residents how to prepare.
The Two-Way
VIDEO: No Stupid Pet Trick; In New Zealand, Some Dogs Learn To Drive
December 5, 2012 Hoping to convince animal lovers that rescue dogs are as smart as any other pets, New Zealand's SPCA has been teaching three canines to do a bit of driving. See the video evidence.
The Salt
Why Drinking Tea Was Once Considered A Dangerous Habit
December 5, 2012 Reformers of the 19th century warned that taking a tea break would steer Irish peasant women to thoughts of revolution. The warnings largely went unheeded. Still, it gives us pause to think about our modern-day food obsessions and how they might look to others in the future.
The Two-Way
China's Communists Declare War ... On Boring Meetings
December 5, 2012 If the new Communist Party leadership in China has its way, the country will be saying zaijian to droning speeches and over-the-top red carpet receptions. These are the first concrete signs of change since China's new party leader, Xi Jinping, took power last month.
The Two-Way
Hundreds Dead, Hundreds Missing After Typhoon Slams Philippines
December 5, 2012 Rescuers are having trouble reaching many of those who were in the storm's path. Mud, fallen trees and downed electrical lines are in the way.
The Salt
Palestinian Olive Harvest Turns Bitter As Economy Sputters
December 5, 2012 Olive trees symbolize peace and freedom for the Palestinian people, but the economic realities of living in the West Bank are making it harder than ever to cultivate and harvest this traditional food source.
Asia
India Clears A Path To Bring In Big-Box Retailers
December 5, 2012 The plan by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's governing coalition would let foreign supermarkets operate in Asia's third-largest economy. But two days of verbal sparring leading up to the lower house vote revealed deep suspicions about bringing global chains like Wal-Mart to a land of mom-and-pop stores.
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
Afghanistan
Kabul's Roads, Paved With Good Intentions
December 4, 2012 Afghanistan's capital is notorious for rough, often unpaved streets and fetid sewage trenches. A massive construction project has snarled traffic, and frustrated residents and businesses.
