All Opinion
Beyond Afghanistan, a weakened NATO can still write its own futureAs the NATO summit in Chicago wraps up, it鈥檚 clear that NATO is in a tough spot, navigating a tenuous transition in Afghanistan as a prolonged euro crisis slashes its capability. NATO must look closer to home to restore its credibility in areas our citizens agree are high priorities.
Mark Zuckerberg's IPO challenge: A company that can 'friend' the 99 percentWill the new publicly traded Facebook cater singularly to its wealthy shareholders? Mark Zuckerberg must strive to include 鈥榳e the users,鈥� who made such a megabillion dollar concept possible, in his corporate model. He can start by offering a free share to each Facebook user.
Questions about Turkey as a democracy and military modelWhen NATO meets in Chicago this weekend, intervention in Syria is sure to be discussed 鈥� perhaps by Syria's neighbor, Turkey, which presents itself as a democratic model for the Middle East with a strong military. But questionable investigations of its military undermine those claims.
3 ways the US can start an economic 'reset' with Russia After Russian President Vladimir Putin canceled his trip to Camp David for the G8 Summit this weekend, tensions between Russia and the US are running high. The United States must design a new relationship with this often difficult leader and his country. Washington needs a new reset that includes these three key components:
Inconvenient truths to a ban on texting while drivingIn Ohio, heated debate accompanied the move to ban texting while driving. That surprised me. Who could oppose such a thing? Ah, but then the law of unintended consequences put a whole new light on the controversy.
Your employer may be pocketing your state income taxSixteen states now allow corporations to withhold state income taxes from employees and keep the money as an incentive for a business to locate to or remain in a state. That means that, in effect, employees pay personal income tax to their company rather than their state government.
From a ride in Ronald Reagan's limo, lessons on authenticityOn my first limousine ride alone with Ronald Reagan as a senior aide, he told me how much his mother shaped his beliefs. One thing about President Reagan, you knew what he believed in. Many voters may have a difficult time finding such rock-solid conviction in Romney or Obama.
Palestinian hunger strikes: the power of peaceful protestHunger strikes by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention ended with a deal this week for better treatment. That showed the power of peaceful protest. If Palestinians adopt nonviolence as a strategic tool, that could bridge the Israeli-Palestinian divide.
Russia should be rewarded with NATO membershipRussia should be on the agenda for NATO summit in Chicago this weekend. In spite of recent tensions, the historically fractured relationship between Russia and NATO is the most ripe for transformation. Obstacles like missile defense and Eastern Europe can be resolved.
Obama's meddling puts the brakes on the green car industryIn spite of a decade of failed government vehicle-efficiency policies, Obama has poured millions into the 'advanced vehicle' and fuel industries and wants to increase involvement. Unfortunately, the harm done by these handouts will extend far beyond simply wasting taxpayers鈥� money.
6 ways parents can cut college costs It's not too late to reduce the cost of sending your son or daughter to college. Putting aside well-known strategies like having your child apply for niche scholarships, excel at a sport, start at a community college, or get a perfect score on the SAT, here are 6 strategies parents can employ.
CommentaryWith Iran, Syria looming, can Obama save NATO from disaster at Chicago summit?The 2010 NATO Summit in Lisbon produced a bold vision for NATO鈥檚 future. With one week to the Chicago summit, not nearly enough progress has been made.聽To avoid the Chicago summit ending up as a total bust, Obama must push NATO leaders to address three key issues.
What Mitt Romney should be saying to women voters this Mother's DayPolls show Mitt Romney trailing President Obama among women voters. This Mother's Day, to close the gender gap Romney will need to do more than flag Obama's failed economic record. He needs to push policies that appeal to women, like more workplace flexibility and better child care.
Broad coalition in Israel shows Netanyahu's centrist colorsBy bringing the centrist Kadima party into his coalition, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can address some of the more fundamental problems Israel faces 鈥� including the moribund peace process with Palestinians 鈥� without a veto threat from the far right parties.
Will Netanyahu stay obsessed with Iran or use his new coalition to help Israel?Benjamin Netanyahu鈥檚 strategy has been dangerously transfixed on Iran, neglecting the myriad other issues threatening Israel and Middle East stability.聽The new coalition government sets up a rare opportunity to reshape Israel鈥檚 domestic institutions and strengthen its regional standing.
Global ViewpointHeed Balkan lessons for a fragmenting Syria and revise Kofi Annan planKofi Annan's peace plan is failing to stop violence and ensure a political dialogue in Syria. To avoid a Balkans-like tragedy, an updated plan must include negotiations between Bashar al-Assad's regime and the opposition and deploy armed UN peacekeepers.
Why Romney's choice for vice president could determine America's futureMarco Rubio? Nikki Haley? Chris Christie? Mitt Romney's VP choice is not just about聽ticket-balancing, which the evidence does not show as affecting election outcomes. Historical patterns show that with his pick for 'veep,' Romney聽will anoint a future presidential front-runner.
To help world's children reach fifth birthday, look to this Bangladesh programAn innovative development program in Bangladesh is defying child mortality rates, ensuring children grow healthier and taller, by empowering women and educating families about nutrition. Global leaders should heed its successful model.
FCC chairman: Time to let public TV raise money for charitiesWe at the FCC have proposed relaxing the ban that keeps public noncommercial TV stations from doing third-party fundraising for charities. The change won't hinder the educational mission of these stations, but help them fulfill it by raising awareness and meeting community needs.
China's deal for Chen Guangcheng: latest signal of desire for better US tiesChina鈥檚 deal to allow blind dissident lawyer Chen Guangcheng to exit the country to study in the US, the Bo Xiliai purge, successful bilateral talks with the US, and other developments indicate that Beijing may be committed to some reforms 鈥� and warming relations with Washington.
