- $1 billion Empire State Building IPO: why it won't be like Facebook IPO
- In surprise move, GOP leaders admit defeat in payroll tax battle
- More than 30,000 Germans turn out against anti-piracy treaty ACTA
- Does Obama blueprint reduce budget deficit fast enough? (+video)
- Pentagon budget: Does it pit active-duty forces against retirees? (+video)
- Murdoch media crisis deepens with five new arrests
- How Pinterest combines the best parts of Facebook, Tumblr, and Etsy
- US, China face 'trust deficit' as China's heir apparent visits
John Hughes
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Barack Obama: Hope, change, and contradiction
Barack Obama is proving to be one of the most puzzling presidents. He bravely took out Osama bin Laden but hasn’t had the courage to tackle the deficit. And now he's picked a fight with Catholics – the majority of whom voted for him in 2008.
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The great wait of China: How long until freedom?
How long can China's communist regime hold in thrall people who have prospered in an economic system that has many of the hallmarks of free enterprise? Despite attempts to censor the Internet, China's huge, new urban population is aware of the outside world and changes in it.
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After US withdrawal from Iraq, a tallying of the balance sheet
The cost of the Iraq war was high, in lives and treasure. Families who lost loved ones can take heart that Saddam Hussein, one of the worst dictators since Hitler, is gone. But the final answer to whether this US effort was worth it still awaits history.
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Don't let Voice of America broadcasts go static
Voice of America (VOA), the jewel in America's public diplomacy effort abroad, is set to be streamlined. Some programs can be downsized. But VOA is in the national interest, especially as Russia, China, and Iran expand state-supported media. Cuts should be handled with care.
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Fear of China pushes Burma (Myanmar) out of isolation
Cynics say that military leaders in Burma (Myanmar) are considering reforms urged by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton after observing the global downfall of dictatorships. The more likely reason is Burma's increasing concern about China's dominance.
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The Iran pot bubbles. Will it cook Obama?
A new IAEA report claims Iran has worked on a nuclear weapon, a program only temporarily set back by 'Stuxnet.' Now, Israel ponders a military strike. What's next – more sanctions, a call for regime change, even war? These questions bear down on Obama in an election year.
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Freedom may be messy, but it beats despotism
The Arab Spring toppled dictators in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. Yemen and Syria may be next. Though trials remain, we are witnessing an extraordinary fight for freedom. What emerges may not be the kind of democracy Westerners want, but it beats tyranny.
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Finally, tough love for US ally Pakistan
With nuclear missiles and a hotbed of terrorists, Pakistan is one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Washington's aggressive new approach toward insurgent groups in Pakistan, particularly the Haqqani network, is crucial.
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Turkey’s potential as Middle East leader marred by Israel dispute
In its relatively new role in the Middle East, Turkey holds great potential as an influence for democratic, economic, and diplomatic good. But its dispute with Israel over the Gaza flotilla incident is holding it back.
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An Israel in trouble makes a peace deal more urgent
Israel faces trouble on all sides – in Egypt, Syria, from Iran, and in the Palestinian push for statehood at the United Nations. These challenges make a peace agreement on a two-state solution more urgent than ever.
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If Obama looks as if he'll lose in 2012, what about Hillary Clinton?
Approval ratings for Obama are at a historic low. Unemployment is not budging. Clinton would have to step down as secretary of State. Would it be unseemly to campaign against a president, in whose cabinet she once served? Just ask Jon Huntsman Jr.
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Obama's worst nightmare: an election-year nuclear ploy by Iran
Obama should send a message to Iran that he would react strongly in the event of an election-eve Iranian nuclear surprise. That way, he keeps his options open and Iran on notice.
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World to US: ‘You’re No. 2’ – but can China be No. 1?
An international poll shows that the world thinks the No. 1 superpower is losing its cape to China. Debt politics only reinforce this view. But all is not lost. Remember de Tocqueville.
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News of the World: Murdoch’s media mess is a wake-up call for journalism
Rupert Murdoch's News of the World is mercifully defunct. Journalists and readers (or viewers, or listeners) should now reassess the very function of journalism itself.
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America, you're not in Kansas anymore: New threats define new security landscape
US pullout from Afghanistan must be seen in light of threats from Iran, Pakistan, North Korea. Going forward, there will be fewer troops, more drones, and a massive contest of wits.
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In Cuba, Castro's communist hard-liners dash hopes of reform
Raúl Castro has freed some political prisoners, talked of term limits, and announced plans to lay off half a million government workers. But he's chosen for his inner circle senior hard-liners who resist change. Until they leave, change will be limited.
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Bachmann and Romney dominate, but don't discount Palin and other no-shows
Last night's CNN-hosted debate among GOP presidential hopefuls showed Republicans are gaining confidence that they can unseat President Obama. Michelle Bachmann stole the show, but some of the major players – like Huntsman, Palin, Giuliani, and Perry – have yet to formally announce.
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Don't dump Pakistan
After the Osama bin Laden raid, the mood in Washington over Pakistan is sour. The US is right to challenge Pakistani actions and policies contrary to US interests. But giving Pakistan the cold shoulder and throwing it into the arms of China would be dangerously foolish.
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William and Kate polish a tarnished crown
Monarchs may be an endangered species worldwide, but Britain’s royals are – for now – here to stay. And William and Kate have won British hearts.
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Forget the birth certificate. The real question is: Where is Obama's leadership?
Obama has proven to be aloof and withdrawn on issues both at home and abroad, leaving us so far with a fuzzy picture of his leadership.
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