A Giant Lobelia plant in Tanzania. From National Geographic.
Of Korans and Kingdoms: US Relations with the Muslim World from the Brookings Institution
"Our faltering progress in marginalizing al Qaeda and putting relations with the Muslim world on sounder footing are not for a lack of resolve or an unwillingness to sacrifice blood and treasure by two U.S. administrations. Rather, it stems from our inability as a nation to understand who our enemies are, who our friends, and the nature of the challenges we confront. "
Record Level of US Airstrikes Hit Afghan Militants from the New York Times
"Drone aircraft unleashed a missile attack in a lawless tribal region on the Afghan border Wednesday, keeping up the most intense period of American strikes in Pakistan since they began in 2004, intelligence officials said."
The Next Tiny Step (D.L.) from the Economist [of the UK]
"The process of direct negotiation, resumed just a fortnight ago after almost two years in suspension, is still frail. But the meeting at Sharm, an Egyptian resort on the Red Sea, clearly has strengthened it."
Middle East Peace Talks: Four Reasons Not to be Cynical (Editorial) from the Christian Science Monitor
"Yes, there are huge obstacles. But the advantages of talking over fighting can't be discounted. Peace talks slow the killing, promote civil society, and may shift the dynamics in the region for a more stable future."
Iran's Slide to the Bottom (Editorial) from the Asia Times [of Hong Kong in English]
"This is the first article in a two-part report. To get some perspective on the state of the Iranian economy, it may be useful to begin by providing a few benchmarks. "
Power to the (Blogging) People (Thomas Friedman) from the New York Times
"A robust blogosphere, with populist and nationalist leanings, is becoming the defacto voice of the people in China."
Paedophile Priests Remain Part of the Church from the Guardian [of the UK]
"Channel 4 News report finds many of the Catholic clergy jailed in England and Wales remain in the priesthood"
Americans Count Gays as Family (Tracy Clark-Flory) from Salon
"A survey reveals that most see same-sex couples as real families -- but some still consider them as less than pets."
Obama Can Take Care of Himself (James McWhorter) from The Root
"It's time for us to stop getting hysterical about every slur launched at the president. Nobody's vote is going to be changed by crazy theories and veiled racial comments."
First Thoughts: The Purge Inside the GOP (Chuck Todd, et al.) from MSNBC
"O’Donnell’s stunning victory last night epitomized the ideological purge and conservative insurrection within the GOP… It was the culmination of events we’ve witnessed going back to last year… Still, this purge isn’t out of the ordinary; it’s what parties do after they lose."
Understanding a Mad, Mad Primary Season (Ed Kilgore) from the New Republic
"What we have actually witnessed this year is the final victory in a Fifty Year War waged by the conservative movement for control of the Republican Party. The timing of this rightward lurch is remarkable, given that the usual practice of parties which have recently lost multiple elections is to “move to the center.”"
An Epic End to the Primaries: What It Means (Marc Ambinder) from the Atlantic
"More and more, Republicans hate their own leaders"
Christine O'Donnell, Rand Paul and the Primaries: Are They the Right Stuff? (Walter Shapiro) from Politics Daily
"Christine O'Donnell's primary win in Delaware, as well as other tea party victories across the country, may not mean what you think."
HIKING NUGGET!!
Ten Best Hiking Destinations from the Huffington Post
"At a slower pace, there is the opportunity to enjoy nature's wonders, the hidden treats the world has to offer, which become sharper and focused far away from the blur of speed tours. We asked National Geographic for their favorite places to go for a hike."
MEDICAL 'DO-WE-REALLY-WANT-TO-GO-HERE?' NUGGET!!
Artificial Human Ovaries Aid Infertility Research from Discovery News
"Now researchers have advanced the test tube, creating a human ovary able to mature human eggs. The artificial organ could provide researchers with a living laboratory in which to test fertility treatments and even preserve the fertility of woman who are undergoing radiation therapy for cancer."
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