With legislators still deadlocked on budget plans, California faces "fiscal Armageddon." Five to Instapaper: Five economists who called the crisis on what comes next. Big Picture selections from the Gaza Strip. The longer the challenge of removing West Bank settlements is evaded, the more overwhelming it becomes. Excellent
In Gaza, neoconservatism has died--destroying the peace process is as big a mistake as the Iraq War. Op: The war isn't about rockets, it's about completely defeating a whole people. "If we want to remain alive, we will have to kill and kill and
Everybody backs Egypt's cease-fire plan; Obama calls mounting civilian deaths "a source of deep concern for me." Analysis of Gates's recent media appearances to measure his appetite for finding opportunities in Russia. By laying low now, Hezbollah can use the Gaza attacks later
It's not a peace process; it's a war. Diplomats, presidents are powerless to stop Israel; generational change will make the difference. Politicians are fond of comparing things that aren't war to war. It's both an abuse of language and a rhetorical trick.
Russia uses Gazprom to pull Europe into its tangle with Ukraine. When it comes to anticipating death, doctors would do well to trust patients' instincts. Instapaper for the commute: Incisive David Cole essay on what we should do with those who made torture American. "Alien vs. Predator"
Krugman: Banks aren't lending; businesses and consumers aren't spending. Let's not mince words: This looks an awful lot like the beginning of a second Great Depression. Björk's fund will be called, er...Björk. Björk launches a green venture-capital mission to save
Israel's rigorously planned diplomatic offensive focuses on the 20 Israelis killed in eight years, not the 1,700 Palestinians killed in three. Op: Tribal blindness makes proportionality, civilian deaths irrelevant in Israel: It's actors, not actions that matter. "I just tried to dress well and
Krauthammer: This is our once-in-a-generation chance to pass the holy gas tax. Obama may win no Nobel for wading into Gaza, but the obligation for engagement is deep. Op: Thanks to Israel's Gaza attack, the Islamic Hamas movement has been brought back from near political
Today's afternoon headlines are either long reads or fun sites to explore, dedicated to holiday travelers everywhere. Pope says saving humanity from transexual behavior is as important as saving rainforests. The top 10 humanitarian crises of 2008 according to Doctors Without Borders. Op: If Obama wants to make
Here are some of our favorite ways to give money at this time of year. TMN will resume publishing on Jan. 5, 2009. Happy holidays. Making the world safe for avant-garde art: Franklin Furnace. Clean Ocean Action: Making waves to save seas. Turning Point: Providing outreach, housing, and literacy
