Topic: Briefing
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Briefing
Libor scandal: What is it and why you should careOne bank caught trying to rig an interest rate may be tip of an iceberg. With an estimated $300 trillion in loans or derivative contracts around the world pegged to the interest rate, the scandal is again shaking faith in major international banking centers like Wall Street and London City.
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Briefing
Defense cuts: three things Americans should know
The US House approved a bill in July that’s likely to spark a showdown on military spending.
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Briefing
New trouble in Congo
Instability in Congo affects human rights there, and the cost of cellphones in the US.
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Briefing
'Fiscal cliff'? 'Sequester'? Your guide to Congress's code language.
Congress knows what it means by terms such as 'fiscal cliff' or 'Simpson-Bowles,' but to many outside the Beltway they may as well be speaking Greek. Here's a translation of Washington's shorthand for budgetary issues now before the country – with each entry explained in 50 words or less.
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Briefing
Mexico's high-stakes presidential vote: 4 questions answered
The next Mexican president will inherit a country torn by drug violence. Tackling deep-seated democratic and economic challenges is key to progress.
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Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker finds lessons in recall fight
Wisconsin Republican Scott Walker reflects on surviving a historic recall election and warns that Mitt Romney shouldn't assume that he'll automatically get Republican voters' support in the Badger State.
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Briefing
D.C. Decoder 101: How Washington spends your moneyThere's a lot of talk about cutting the US deficit but very little actual cutting of deficit. One reason? There's not much easy to cut. Decoder explains the six ways Washington spends money.
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Briefing
Syria conflict: 5 warring factions
Syria is at the nexus of some of the Middle East's most central problems, meaning that fallout from its uprising is likely to ripple, in unpredictable ways, through the region. Here's a brief guide to the actors in the conflict.
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Briefing
Decriminalize marijuana? Four ways America's views of pot are changing
As polls show national opinion toward marijuana use steadily changing toward greater acceptance, laws are changing and ballot initiatives are coming before voters.
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Briefing
What would happen if Greece exited the eurozone?
Rumors are rife of a Greek exit from the eurozone. While no country has yet dropped the common currency, there are some indications of what will transpire if Greece does.
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Briefing
Five things Ron Paul wants from the Republican National Convention
It looks as if Ron Paul is going to be an active participant in the Republican National Convention in Tampa this August. Here’s our take on the five things Paul hopes to gain from staying within his party’s tent in 2012.
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Briefing
What would a Greek exit from the eurozone look like?Rumors are rife of a Greek exit from the eurozone. While no country has yet dropped the common currency, there are some indications of what will transpire if Greece does.
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Briefing
Facebook IPO: five things to know before buying the stock
About 1 out of every 8 people on the planet have a Facebook account. Now, with the arrival of a public stock offering, all those people have a chance to be part owners of this social hub. Should you buy? Here are five things to consider.
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Briefing
Top 9 reasons Congress is broken
Congress's approval rating is barely at 10 percent, and the venerable institution is filled with such rancor that moderates such as Sen. Olympia Snowe (R) of Maine are fleeing the place. From people who've previously served on the Hill comes this assessment of the top nine problems Congress faces today.
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Briefing
Gay marriage laws around the globe
There is no national gay marriage legislation in the pipeline in the US, however, numerous countries around the globe already recognize same-sex marriage or the right to civil unions. Here’s the breakdown by region.
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Briefing
Five things to know about Freedom House's latest global rankings
A look at the 2012 Freedom House ranking of 197 countries according to their relative freedom.
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Briefing
Top 3 reasons why Al Qaeda is more dangerous than ever
On the one-year anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s death, defense analysts say that there are plenty of reasons to think that a resurgence of the perniciously resourceful Al Qaeda is not out of the question.
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Briefing
Five reasons to care about the Sudan - South Sudan conflict
Fighting between South Sudan and its rival, Sudan, could restart a 20-year civil war that claimed the lives of millions. It could also affect the price Americans pay for car fuel, China’s ability to keep its economy growing, and the stability of the region. Here’s a few reasons to pay attention to the fighting in Sudan.
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Briefing
Six 2012 races where the tea party counts
After playing kingmaker in the 2010 election cycle, the tea party movement is having a less prominent role in 2012. But its support or opposition could swing some key races and even determine whether Republicans win control of the Senate. Here are six US Senate contests where the tea party could make a difference.
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Briefing
Buffett rule: Five questions about Obama's plan answered
President Obama wants a proposed "Buffett rule" to make sure that millionaires pay at least a 30 percent federal tax rate. Here are five facts that shed light on the Buffett rule and the debate surrounding it.
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