Evidence for why lowering the global fertility rate is improving the world. Iraqi government relies on useless divining rods to detect bombs. Romania makes up for lost culinary time with dishes like "pork bone + beans + pickles." Bush visits Japan to dispense baseball advice; chances are he regrets the
"I think it's changed a little too much and needs to change back the other way a bit." Republicans chalk up wins in Virginia, New Jersey. Two big points about yesterday's returns: Voters are responding to the economy, Sarah Palin. American car sales are
Notes on reconciling Merkel's admiration of Catherine the Great with her nickname "Mutti" ("Mom"). Rare video of British soldiers "shell shocked" by World War One now available online. Mexico mayor in trouble for heralding death of a drug dealer before the body
Barack Obama said he would rather be a one-term president than give up on his goals. Why the president must pull out of Afghanistan. Must read: Jon Stewart has an uncanny ability to catch public figures in their inconsistencies--without pushing his own agenda. A profile of the 27-
Gorbachev: We brought the Berlin Wall down peacefully, now stop treating Russia like a fuel-supplying servant. Tour in photographs of inflatable Russian weaponry. Czech court clears way for Lisbon Treaty to pass and wily Klaus to save face. Creating myths from complicated events--e.g., Reagan demolishing the Cold
More than 90 years later, the descendants of the Leo Frank lynching struggle with unanswered questions. For the first time in 27 years, an American has won the New York Marathon. From the 2004 race, "Faces of the Marathon," by Rion Nakaya. "I was the first person
Karzai gets new term after second round of voting is scrapped, and dubious congratulations flitter down. News events to anticipate for the week ahead. Taliban assessment: can't be flipped against al Qaeda, and fully aware the U.S. will soon depart. Profile of Perimeter, the not-exactly-autonomous
Without support from Merkel and Sarkozy, Blair sees chances slip of becoming Europe's super-president. Digging into the dealings of Blair, Inc. France wants to fist-bump across the Rhine to seal a European power-play, but Germany's not yet persuaded. Among rich countries, the more
Summary of the Army's shock-and-awe campaign in Afghanistan--against the C.I.A. Reading Gorbachev's fears of humiliation in Afghanistan in light of U.S. policy. Examples of Chinese graffiti discouraging whistle-blowing. New take on grief says it's not work, you
Ahmadinejad appears set to sign an I.A.E.A. proposal to ship its enriched uranium abroad. China faces its own health care woes; the nation's reformed care still leaves citizens depleted. U.N. torture expert turned away at Zimbabwe border, despite an invitation from its prime minister.
