Topic: The Century Foundation

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Political faultlines abound as Egypt returns to Tahrir Square

Protests in Cairo today were ostensibly focused on Egypt's military rulers. But the division between protesters, as the country heads towards presidential elections, was the real tale.
Egypt's liberals walk out, leaving Islamists to write a constitution

Of the 100-member assembly elected this weekend to craft Egypt's new constitution, about a fifth resigned before the group met today to begin writing.
Why Egypt may not care about losing US aid

Some say that Egypt's military rulers may be willing to forgo $1.3 billion in aid if it means a boost in popularity.
Egypt elections: Illiterate voters just one hurdle in path toward democracy (+Video)

In one Nile Delta town participating in Egypt elections today, a judge said he had to help fill in ballots for as many as 90 percent of voters, who couldn't read and write.
US response to Tahrir Square crackdown angers Egyptians (VIDEO)

Security forces have killed at least 29 as Tahrir Square protests entered their fourth day. Many Egyptians have criticized the US for its cautious response to the military junta's heavy hand.
Terrorism & Security
Critical mass: Assad losing his iron grip after eight months of Syria protests

Today's Arab League vote to suspend Syria's membership – coupled with military assaults by defected soldiers – signal that President Assad may now be facing a critical mass of opposition.
Why Egypt is angry over $65 million in US democracy grants

Amid a US campaign to support democratic transition in Egypt, a state-run magazine derided the US 'ambassador from hell' and officials are investigating groups who accepted funding.
Libya: Why the West finally got it right

The firm stand of Britain's David Cameron and France's Nicolas Sarkozy is a major reason for the success of yesterday's Security Council resolution on Libya – a resolution that puts the West on the right side of history and morality.
Take it slow, Egypt: Rushing the transition may actually kill real reforms

Progress based solely on a hasty transition would be an illusion – which might undercut the efforts of millions of Egyptian who took to the streets for change. Instead, Egypt’s opposition groups must take steps to ensure meaningful reforms within a reasonable timetable.
An Iran-style outcome for Egypt? Why there are key differences.

The timing of Egyptian President Mubarak's exit could be crucial to bolstering moderate voices, analysts say. The Army has told protesters to return to 'normal life,' but the protests show little sign of abating.
Drive for education reform has teachers unions on the defensive

Even supporters of teachers unions have been critical of them in recent months, forcing unions to collaborate with school districts on education reform as never before.
American Renaissance: Was Jared Lee Loughner tied to anti-immigrant group?

A Department of Homeland Security memo suggests a 'possible link' between Jared Lee Loughner, the suspect in the attack on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, and American Renaissance, an 'anti-government' journal.
Cut America's debt, but spare Social Security

Congress can cut the budget without hurting Social Security, Medicare, and other social insurance programs.
Economist Mom
Remember the deficit-shrinking plans?

Three budget proposals all found ways to shrink the deficit. Where did they find common ground?
Tax VOX
In the tea-party-free zone: a serious debate on the budget deficit

Disagreements over the deficit go deeper than rhetoric, let alone angry slogans. Important points have been made on both sides - and you deserve to hear them.
Economic segregation rising in US public schools

The share of public schools with high concentrations of poor students jumped from 12 to 17 percent in eight years, a federal report shows. Economic segregation is tied to the persistent achievement gap.
Tax VOX
Should we stop using the IRS to run social programs?

Don Alexander, IRS Commissioner during the Nixon and Ford Administrations, argued passionately that the IRS’s job is to collect tax revenues, and not administer social programs. That conflict is at the root of the controversy that 47 percent of Americans owed no income tax in 2009.
Kansas City to close 26 schools. Unprecedented move in US?

Education experts say they can’t recall when so many of a district's schools have been closed. The Kansas City school district has struggled for years with declining enrollment and integration issues.
Israel expects negotiations with Iran to fail

Meanwhile, Tehran believes it needs nuclear power to protect itself from a hostile neighborhood.
Iran's protests do not a revolution make

Ahmadinejad's reelection signals an end to an internal power struggle that has been under way for 20 years.
Undaunted by the economy, Obama presses ahead on healthcare reform

His introduction of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D) for secretary of health and human services marks an attempt to press for reforms even amid the economic crisis.
Obama faces larger problems than Social Security shortfalls

Despite troubled economy, its trust fund should still be able to meet pension payments for another 30 years.
In Uganda, justice, or just a publicity stunt?

Uganda's recent attacks on the LRA are misguided.
Financial crisis: the latest blow to free-market 'dogma'

Economic woes give plenty of ammunition to economists and lawmakers calling for new regulations and taxes.
Social Security: a controversial call to raise age of eligibility

Change would amount to a 14 percent reduction in benefits, on average.