All Opinion
8 steps to US energy security If Americans are serious about making energy security a moon shot for this generation, the president and Congress must create an integrated rather than piecemeal approach for meeting this goal.Here's a plan to consider.鈥� Steve Yetiv, August 15, 2012
America's young 2012 Olympians are its futureGymnast Gabby Douglas, runner Galen Rupp, the women's 400-meter relay team: America got a clear glimpse of its bright future at the 2012 Olympics as 'Millennial Generation' Olympians exhibited their unique take on the country鈥檚 traditional pride, diversity, and can-do spirit.
Pakistan Independence Day 鈥� not reallyThe founder of Pakistan, which today celebrates Independence Day, believed in the separation of mosque and state. He would not recognize his country now. Blasphemy laws silence religious expression. On a visit, I was often reminded to lower my voice 'lest the servants hear you.'
Paul Ryan 鈥� the anti-PalinPaul Ryan is almost as bold a choice as Sarah Palin for the Republican vice presidential pick. With Palin, the question was whether she read books. With Ryan, the question is which (he's a fan of 眉ber capitalist author Ayn Rand). Ryan's political philosophy merits debate.
This Shark Week, let's love an animal that scares usAs Shark Week appears on the Discovery Channel for the 25th year, I have to wonder whether in another 25 years, it will air on The History Channel instead. After more than 400 million years on planet Earth, sharks are being decimated by overfishing and the lucrative trade in shark fins.
Romney's pick of Paul Ryan: Let the debate over substance beginThe presidential race has so far been shamefully dismissive of substance. With his pick of聽 House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan as his vice presidential running mate, Republican Mitt Romney presents voters with a clear choice over the role of government and how to pay for it.
Hillary Clinton must insist on a united Syrian oppositionWhen Hillary Clinton meets with Syrian opposition figures in Turkey this weekend, she must impress on them the need to unite their ranks and tolerate different views. Disunity in the opposition is perhaps the biggest reason why Bashar al-Assad remains in power.
Shootings in Sikh temple and Arizona: Which crime is worse?Which is worse? The Sikh temple shooting in Wisconsin by Wade Michael Page, or the shopping mall shooting in Arizona by Jared Lee Loughner? They both killed the same number of people. Yet one would be classified as a hate crime, with tougher penalties. Why distinguish?
Global ViewpointGermany must shift from crisis mode to steady leadership in EuropeGermany must lead the way from the euro crisis to political union in Europe, writes former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi. Berlin should convince all European partners of its determination to follow the federal path and propose a clear road map toward a federal Europe.
Olympian Gabby Douglas 鈥� the gymnast is golden, but her family is obscuredOlympian Gabby Douglas has broken through a racial barrier in sports only to be boxed in by old canards about who she is and where she comes from. The more complex story of her family鈥檚 influence on her rise on the way to gold deserves to be told.
Help wanted: Geek squads for US cybersecurityThe now-dead Cybersecurity Act of 2012 included provisions to beef up a federal workforce of experts to defend against cyberattacks. But it's not too late. Wisely, federal agencies are not waiting for legislation to build their cyber geek squads. Still, more steps must be taken.
Next steps in Syria after Kofi Annan's exitLast week鈥檚 resignation of Kofi Annan as joint special envoy for the UN and the Arab League for Syria was long overdue. The first steps now must be to coordinate an exit for Assad and increase urgently needed humanitarian aid.
Vladimir Putin's karate chop to Russian libertiesIn less than 100 days since he returned to the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin has further curbed Russian civil liberties and dissenters. But this is risky. As political dialogue no longer becomes an option, radicals on both sides are emboldened and the threshold for violence is lowered.
Wisconsin shooting and its violent echo around the worldIt is feeling pretty rough out there: the Wisconsin and Colorado massacres, a civil war in Syria, killings in the Sinai. These violent events call leaders and individuals to acts of moral courage, and to remember what we have in common with each other.
How to transform African farming: Return to 'orphan crops'If sub-Saharan Africa is to benefit from advances in agricultural productivity, investments in the so-called 'orphan crops' 鈥� sweet potato, cassava, and millet 鈥� will be crucial for strengthening the poorest farmers鈥� livelihoods and improving nutrition.
Vast humanitarian crisis in Sudan 鈥� againHillary Rodham Clinton's brief visit to South Sudan provided an opportunity for the United States to show leadership in countering a vast humanitarian crisis in the border region between Sudan and South Sudan. Once again, the world is looking away.
'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter' denies origin and legacy of slaveryThe film wishes away responsibility for America鈥檚 most horrific events, because no one is to blame for these tragedies but vampires. America should examine its appetite for this fantasy, when聽Hollywood transforms the most eloquent statesmen into an axe-wielding action hero.
Global ViewpointTony Blair: Europe needs a grand bargain to save the euroWe are used to periodic crises that somehow resolve themselves. This crisis is different. All the choices are ugly, but the least ugly for Europe, and for Germany in particular, is to save the euro.
Washington, get ready for more Iranian influence after Bashar al-Assad falls in SyriaAfter the fall of Bashar-al Assad in Syria, Iran will compensate for its lost ally by strengthening its influence in Lebanon alongside its affiliate Hezbollah 鈥� the Shiite militant group that now dominates the country.聽To prevent this, Washington must take a leadership role in the Lebanon.
The best pick for Romney vice president? The one no one's talking about.Speculation over Mitt Romney's pick for vice president repeats the same few names. But there鈥檚 another VP Mr. Romney should consider, someone who could help him with the Jewish vote and gain him support in a crucial swing state: House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia.
