Chicago Sun Times (February 3)
Chicago came to a standstill. A massive blizzard struck closing streets, schools and businesses. All told, 20.2 inches of snow fell, making it “the third worst snowstorm on record, behind only blizzards in 1967 — when 23 inches blanketed the city — and 1999 — when 21.6 inches fell.”
Foreign Policy (January/February Issue)
America often fears it’s on the decline, yet America has never really fallen behind. The Soviets didn’t capture the world militarily and the Japanese didn’t buy it. This time, however, America really is in decline. “The Chinese challenge to the United States is more serious for both economic and demographic reasons.” China will be No.1 and probably much earlier than forecast date of 2027.
America often fears it’s on the decline, yet America has never really fallen behind. The Soviets didn’t capture the world militarily and the Japanese didn’t buy it all. This time, however, America really is in decline. “The Chinese challenge to the United States is more serious for both economic and demographic reasons.” China will be No.1 and probably much earlier than forecast date of 2027.
Washington Post (January 31)
The Post aims to correct three misconceptions about the Egyptian uprising. First, the protest is not spontaneous. The movement has been organizing since April 6. Second, radical Islamists are unlikely to assume power. Third, U.S. ability to influence the outcome is limited. That said, the Post believes the U.S., which provides $1.5 billion in annual funding to Egypt, should make future funding clearly contingent upon a democratic transition.
The Post aims to correct three misconceptions about the Egyptian uprising. First, the protest is not spontaneous. The movement has been organizing since April 6. Second, radical Islamists are unlikely to assume power. Third, U.S. ability to influence the outcome is limited. That said, the Post believes the U.S., which provides $1.5 billion in annual funding to Egypt, should make future funding clearly contingent upon a democratic transition.
Tags: Egypt, Funding, Misconceptions, U.S.
Chicago Tribune (January 31)
“Geek Squad 1; Rogue State 0.” The Stuxnet computer virus has “set back Tehran’s nuclear arms race by as much as four years.” The virus caused centrifuges at the Natanz uranium enrichment facility to spin too rapidly, destroying about 20% of the sensitive machines. While the damage was being done, the clever virus ensured the gauges continued to deliver normal readings.
Tags: Cyber-attack, Iran, Nuclear arms
