Politics & Current Affairs

With its embrace of Western cultural norms and willingness to work with Israel, some say the tiny, predominantly Shiite nation is doing its best to make its big southern neighbor “crazy.”

As the candidates gear up for Tuesday night’s second presidential debate, it occurs to me how strange a ritual this is. President Obama, according to Helene Cooper of the New […]

Stepped-up security measures at airports have decreased the number of terrorist-related deaths during air travel, but there’s a gap in similar security for people traveling on the ground that should be taken more seriously.

Mitt Romney, the candidate who has made a career out of shifting his positions to suit the political climate and maximize his electoral prospects, may have gone too far with […]

A new software system enables cities to pinpoint emissions at a much greater level of detail than ever before, allowing for better, more targeted solutions.

Writer Victoria Bassetti discusses how a 2008 study measuring testosterone levels in voters may provide a means towards making the process simpler and easier.

In case other social media platforms aren’t providing the conflict you want, Deeyoon gives you the ability to participate in live, real-time, structured video debates.

Currently being considered: A law that, if passed, would punish anyone who “insults” religious believers or holy sites. The Russian Orthodox Church and other religions are on board, but artists say it will only increase self-censorship.

At Sunday’s elections, Venezuelans will use one of the most sophisticated and highest-ranked electronic voting systems in the Western Hemisphere. However, suspicions abound.

After a certain level of income, money is not very effective in creating happiness. British economist Adair Turner argues that economic growth is not priority-number one.

The California legislature has passed a bill that will allow for autonomous vehicles, or cars that are driven by the machines themselves, to potentially hit the roads by 2015.

After Youtube refused to take down the incendiary film “Innocence of Muslims” the Iranian government has taken down Youtube. And Gmail. And all of Google. 

Scientists combating the effects of climate change, such as rising water levels and eroding coastlines, have found natural ally in the mangrove.

Public health experts generally agree that policies which encourage positive lifestyle changes will improve the economy by increasing worker productivity and reducing health care costs.

Arguments on both sides of this question were aired at a thought-provoking colloquium sponsored by the Hannah Arendt Center at Bard College on September 21-22: “Does the President Matter? A […]

In an attempt to improve its credibility and reduce corruption, the Indian government has introducing huge reforms making it easier for foreign big-box stores and other companies to invest in and help grow the economy.

A Republican-backed bill will replace the diversity visa lottery, which offers visas to people from countries with low immigration rates to the US, with a program that focuses exclusively on people with advanced STEM degrees.

Now that the gray wolf is no longer considered an endangered species, Minnesota has no shortage of hunters eager to purchase a permit.

“The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.”  

The Bibb County school system has instituted a program designed to make Chinese-language instruction mandatory for all its students.

With their approaches to discipline, sacrifice and technique, Chinese coaches have helped Mexican athletes overcome self-limitations, leading to important wins in various international sports competitions.

A informal network of civilians, some of them former military, are helping to fight terrorism by hacking into extremist Web sites and sending their findings to US intelligence agencies.

The Democrats have a lot to cheer about after a terrific convention in Charlotte. God, however, is shaking her head. On Wednesday, Mitt Romney lambasted the Democrats for removing a […]

As I begin to come back to earth after Michelle Obama’s spectacular speech at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night, what strikes me most about Day One in Charlotte […]

Thanks to cross-border educational programs and standards, more Europeans are dating and marrying across country lines, helping to create a future “European” identity.

Solitary confinement is a form of emotional torture which robs people of their very identities, and keeping inmates from human interaction will only worsen their reentry into society. 

Mitt, we just met you  Clint was crazy! So here’s a blog post, “Gall me Maybe” (with apologies to Carly Rae Jepsen)    

The FAA is forming a panel to investigate the possible future use of tablets and smart phones throughout flights.

Following on the heels of the Pussy Riot verdicts in Moscow, about a dozen women from the feminist group Code Pink dressed up in vagina costumes outside the Republican National […]

While U.S. and European officials try to gain leverage with China to uphold U.N. weapon sanctions, Chinese weapons continue to fuel African conflicts.