 | Syria's descent into hell Dec 31st 2012, 01:07 As 2012 draws to a close, Syria is descending into hell. At least 40,000 people, and likely many more, have been killed, while millions have been forced to flee their homes. Over the past 12 months, Bashar al-Assad has steadily unleashed ever-greater military firepower in response to what began as peaceful protests by the Syrian people. Starting with tanks and heavy artillery in February, the Syrian regime escalated over the summer to using attack helicopters and fighter jets. In recent weeks, it has begun firing Scud missiles at its own population. Read full article >>   | | Here's to a kinder, gentler year Dec 31st 2012, 01:04 ROCKAWAY BEACH, N.Y. The boardwalk where generations strolled along one of the world's great urban beaches is gone, twisted and then tossed into neighborhood streets by an unforgiving storm called Sandy. Read full article >>   | | Can globalization survive 2013? Dec 31st 2012, 01:03 One fateful question for 2013 is this: What happens to globalization? For decades, growing volumes of cross-border trade and money flows have fueled strong economic growth. But something remarkable is happening; trade and international money flows are slowing and, in some cases, declining. David Smick, the perceptive editor of the International Economy magazine, calls the retreat "deglobalization." What's unclear is whether this heralds prolonged economic stagnation and rising nationalism or, optimistically, makes the world economy more stable and politically acceptable. Read full article >>   | | The possibilities and limitations of gun legislation Dec 31st 2012, 00:12 Just because someone has a permit to carry a concealed weapon is no guarantee that the carrier will be able to stop someone intent upon committing a crime. Case in point: My 55-year-old younger brother, David Paul, carried a concealed gun in a back holster for 29 years while he was an insurance salesman in Philadelphia. On April 12, 2004, he was jumped from behind by three men who had only a rope, which they used to strangle him and steal his money, gun and car. He never had a chance to pull out his gun because he was struggling to get the rope off his neck. Read full article >>   | | A united effort to help Syria Dec 31st 2012, 00:01 Regarding the Dec. 28 news story "U.N., Russia back political solution to Syrian conflict": As the endgame of the Syrian crisis approaches, it is necessary for the United States and the international community to act to ensure that what takes the place of the Assad regime are not further killings and revenge acts between the ethnic groups. We need not only a responsible, broad-based, transitional government established but an assurance that a robust and disinterested peacemaking force will be in place. I am glad that the United Nations is trying to establish such a force. Read full article >>   | | Editorial Board: Get Maryland moving Dec 30th 2012, 23:41 MARYLAND HASN'T been quite the laggard that Virginia has been in terms of raising enough money for the state's roads, rails, bridges and tunnels, but it's close. Virginia last raised its per gallon gas tax — the major source of transportation funding — in 1986. Maryland last raised its own levy, albeit to a higher level, in 1992. In both cases the outlook is bleak. Read full article >>   | | Greg Sargent: This isn't a normal negotiation Dec 30th 2012, 20:57 So the fiscal cliff talks have hit a major snag, according to multiple reports, because Senate Republicans have now demanded that cuts to Social Security benefits -- i.e., Chained CPI -- be part of a temporary, short term solution, whereas the White House had only put them on the table as part of a long term one. Read full article >> | | Jennifer Rubin: When will Obama decide to make a deal? Dec 30th 2012, 19:53 The president never quite sounds like a man who wants a deal. He instead invariably sounds like a pol seeking advantage over opponents, which is peculiar given that he faces no future election but will face a GOP House majority for at least two more years. He wants the other side to lose more than he wants a substantial deal to improve our fiscal situation. Read full article >>   | | Jennifer Rubin: On marriage Dec 30th 2012, 17:15 Social conservatives who oppose gay marriage have suffered a series of losses as voters have embraced gay marriage in state referenda and in public polling. The argument that gay marriage "harms" heterosexual marriage is not one that has found resonance with most Americans. They just don't buy it. Read full article >>   | |
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