All Opinion
Reactions to Steubenville, Ohio and India gang rapes show India isn't so 'backward'Indian reaction to the New Delhi gang rape is in many ways more promising than American reactions to US rapes. Take the Steubenville, Ohio, case, which hasn't generated the same public outrage as the case in India. Indian protesters' calls for justice are a heartening sign of progress.
Arctic oil drilling needs better federal regulationThe federal review released today that discusses the failures that plagued last year's Arctic oil-drilling operations is a welcome first step. But only by strengthening federal regulation of these operations can President Obama show a commitment to responsible Arctic Ocean development.
In Libya, Islam 鈥� and a purple hijab 鈥� help spurn domestic violence against womenIn newly liberated Libya, our women's rights group tried to address domestic violence by using proven international ways to raise awareness. But people threw away our fliers. Then we started Purple Hijab Day to spread the word that Islam condemns such violence. We're seeing results.
Obama must push 鈥� not just praise 鈥撀燡ordan's efforts at democratic reformAhead of his trip to Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan, President Obama should remember:聽The only way for the US to maintain Jordan as a stable ally in the long term is to prod King Abdullah toward more meaningful reform that meets the rising expectations of Jordan鈥檚 citizens.聽
Proposals to ban purchase of sugary drink with food stamps won't workThe same flaws that caused a New York judge to overturn Mayor Bloomberg's ban on big sugary drinks are inherent in proposals to ban the purchase of sugary drinks using food stamps.聽Such bans are unlikely to help fight obesity and can do substantial damage to the safety net.
Global ViewpointWhy the US will fare better than Europe in economic recoveryIn an interview, the former president of Chile, Ricardo Lagos, says that today鈥檚 global financial crisis is聽mainly a political failure rather than an economic one. The US will probably do much better in its financial recovery because its central bank, unlike Europe鈥檚, has the powers it needs.
Key signs that Al Qaeda's Islamic extremism is moving into southern AfricaA surge of sectarian strife and Al Qaeda-linked terrorism in Tanzania signals that Africa's jihadist wave is expanding south. The failure of the international community to assist Tanzania in tackling the roots of Islamic extremism will likely allow it to grow.聽
Why America isn't the only country that wants guns for self-defenseThe appeal of guns for personal protection is hardly unique to America. Consider gun ownership in South Africa, Britain, India, and Mexico. All these societies are dealing with inequality exacerbated by economic austerity and eroding public services, which breeds fear about insecurity.
3 questions to ask about US drone policy White House spokesman Jay Carney has defended the Obama administration's controversial drone policy, asserting: 鈥淭hese strikes are legal, they are ethical, and they are wise.鈥� But rather than closing the debate, that statement frames the three essential questions Americans should be asking about US drone policy.
Advice for Secretary Kerry on International Women's DayAs he marks his first International Women's Day as America's secretary of State, here are three areas where John Kerry can advance Hillary Rodham Clinton's work over the past four years聽on behalf of women and girls.
3 ways you can combat sex trafficking It is estimated that 27 million slaves are being held worldwide, with the most common form being sexual exploitation of women and girls. What can be done about this global and complex problem? Here are three key ways that you can make a difference.
US, Israeli threats of force against Iran are illegal and harm chances for a dealEven if we set aside the ethical and political implications of America's threatening Iran in the course of negotiations, there are two major legal issues with these threats. First,聽the 'threat of force' is illegal under international law. And second, any agreement reached by threat is invalid.
Where Rand Paul and John Brennan can agree on US drone programSen. Rand Paul's epic filibuster raised valid concerns about the US drone program, delaying the vote to confirm John Brennan as CIA director. Turns out Mr. Brennan also values transparency and accountability and may support the transfer of聽CIA drone operations to the US military.
World powers must cut a deal with Iran before it's too lateHaving hobbled Iran鈥檚 economy, the P5+1 believe they are negotiating from a position of power. But this attitude could be dangerously delusional and may backfire.聽A deal is needed to address the top concerns on both sides.
Global Viewpoint鈥楢rgo鈥� helps Iran鈥檚 dictatorship, harms democracyAbolhassan Bani-Sadr, the first president of the Islamic Republic of Iran after the 1979 revolution, says that by falsifying, misrepresenting, and taking critical facts out of context, the Academy-Award winning film 'Argo' delivers a pro-CIA message at the cost of the Iranian people and history.
Three questions to ask about US drone strikesThe US drone program raises serious ethical concerns 鈥� particularly about accountability and due process. Congress, with support from President Obama, must develop new oversight rules to ensure that US values are safeguarded.
Global ViewpointSocial progress is inevitable in China, says activist Chen GuangchengBlind Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng says China's 'Communist Party sits brazenly above the constitution and the law and makes no effort to reform.' But he says 'social progress is inevitable' and that 'the balance of power between officialdom and the people is shifting.'
How legal marijuana will affect troubled familiesNow that marijuana is legal in Colorado, the intent is to regulate the drug like alcohol.聽That's not so easy in practice.聽As attorneys practicing family law in Colorado, we know聽how consequential the new law will be for families, and how far the state must go to address unresolved issues.
A warning to John Kerry on Middle East trip: Egypt could become the next IranTake note, Secretary of State John Kerry: Under the rule of Mohammad Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt is in danger of becoming a Sunni version of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The US must demand the protection of human rights and back rhetoric with action.
4 ways Chuck Hagel can improve cyber security Newly sworn-in Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel must guide the Department of Defense through a few key challenges to better secure the nation鈥檚 cyber networks. His focus at the Pentagon should be on these four key areas.
