Newswire 2011 part one
News, Analysis and Commentary from around the internet Dealing with Politics, Economics and Secularism/ Religion Handpicked and Updated Regularly
From the first half of 2011
Week of May 22, 2011
- US adults estimate that 25% of Americans are gay or lesbian. Lymari Morales, Gallup.
- Thousands turn out for Australian “slutwalk.” AFP.
- After 4 years, Egypt reopens its border with Gaza. Ibrahim Barzak, AP.
- Unemployment: the new norm. Jeremy Greenfield, FINS.
- “The risks are enormous”: why Morgenson and Rosner are so worried. Aaron Task, Yahoo Finance.
- High court sustains Arizona employer sanctions law. Bob Christie, AP.
- Bloomberg states case, emphatically and personally, for same-sex marriage. Michael Barbaro, New York Times.
- Preacher says world will actually end in October. Garance Burke, AP.
- Is Georgia on the brink of a “day of rage”? Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor.
- Pawlenty announces candidacy a day early. Michael Shear, New York Times.
- Daniels move stirs concerns about field of Republicans. Jeff Zeleny, New York Times.
Week of May 15, 2011
- For first time, majority of Americans favor legal gay marriage. Frank Newport, Gallup.
- Divisions are clear as Obama and Netanyahu discuss peace. Steve Lee Myers, New York Times.
- Religion and sex quiz. Nicholas Kristof, New York Times.
- Obama draws the line. Roger Cohen, New York Times.
- Gingrich cannot be serious. Jurek Martin, Financial Times.
- Focus is on Obama as tensions soar across Mideast. Helene Cooper, New York Times.
- Study: homosexuality, celibacy didn’t cause abuse. Rachel Zoll, AP.
- Gay rights protestor dumps glitter on Newt Gingrich. Holly Bailey, Yahoo News.
- Questions raised about a code of silence. Elaine Sciolino, New York Times.
- The job nobody wants: GOP’s growing 2012 dropout list. Eleanor Clift, The Daily Beast.
- Shriver: it’s a “painful and heartbreaking time.” John Rogers, AP.
- Nice guys finish first. David Brooks, New York Times.
- Singapore politics: Not fade away. The Economist.
- Donors to GOP are backing gay marriage push. Nicholas Confessore, New York Times.
- Stephen Hawking says afterlife is a fairy story. Liz Goodwin, Yahoo News.
- Trump announces he will not run for president. Rachel Rose Hartman, Yahoo News.
- Egypt’s top Christian leader calls for end of sit-in after demonstrators attacked. AP.
- George Will: 2012 Presidential election down to Obama, Pawlenty and Daniels. Jeff Poor, Daily Caller.
- “Arab Spring” is a fraud. Ben Stein, CBS News.
- Singer Michel Martelly is sworn in as Haiti’s president. Allyn Gestell, LA Times.
- 87-year old Nigerian faith healer has 86 wives. Robyn Dixon, LA Times.
- Israeli border clashes kill 15 on Palestinian protest day. Edmund Sanders, LA Times.
- Presbyterian church votes to allow gay ordination. Mitchell Landsberg, LA Times.
- Huckabee says he won’t run for president. Andrew DeMillo, AP.
Week of May 8, 2011
- Predicting a Gingrich administration. Stephanie Gallman, CNN.
- Mitch the moderate? Daniels backers tout his conservative record. Peter Hambly, CNN.
- Eurozone expands, at two speeds. Brian Blackstone, Wall Street Journal.
- Inflation hits 2.5 year high, seen peaking. Lucia Mutikani, Reuters.
- Syrian forces kill 6 protestors. Khaled Oweis, Reuters.
- Libyan TV carries audio of Gaddafi taunting NATO. Joseph Logan, Reuters.
- High schooler challenges Michelle Bachmann to Constitution showdown. Liz Goodwin, Yahoo News.
- Employment rate for black men at record low. Zachary Roth, Yahoo News.
- Trump’s 2012 polling plummets. Rachel Rose Hartman, Yahoo News.
- Alan Greenspan “betrayed” Ayn Rand and ruined the economy, says Rand Institute President. Aaron Task, Yahoo Finance.
- Mothers we could save. Nicholas Kristoff, New York Times.
- Jerry Brown’s last stand. Adam Nagourney, New York Times.
Week of May 1, 2011
- America’s middle class crisis: the sobering facts. Peter Gorenstein, Yahoo Finance.
- Fanatics’ fury at Muslim playgirl. Allan Hall, The Sun.
- The promise of a post-jihad world. Philip Stephens, Financial Times.
- Europe is running a giant Ponzi scheme. Mario Blejer, Financial Times.
- Brazilian top court recognizes same-sex civil unions. Bradley Brooks, AP.
- “Slutwalks” put provocative message in the streets. Russell Contreras, AP.
- Declare victory and end the “global war on terror.” Gideo Rachman, Financial Times.
- The secret team that killed bin Laden. Marc Ambinder, National Journal.
- Islamic scholars criticize bin Laden’s sea burial. Hamza Hendawi, AP.
- Atlantic City looks to bus more homeless back home. Wayne Parry, AP.
- Rise of Canada’s NDP set to upset political landscape. Bernard Simon, Financial Times.
Week of April 24, 2011
- Trump’s donation history shows Democratic favoritism. Dan Eggen, Washington Post.
- Spain’s jobless total nears 5 million. Miles Johnson, Financial Times.
- Syrian rights group says 42 killed nationwide. Bassem Mroue, AP.
- Birtherist response highlights racial undertones of “debate.” Rachel Rose Hartman, Yahoo News.
- College teams, relying on deception, undermine gender equity. Katie Thomas, New York Times.
- US economic growth slows to 1.8% in rate in quarter. Catherine Rampell, New York Times.
- White House releases Obama birth certificate. Rachel Rose Hartman, Yahoo News.
- In a first, women surpass men in advanced degrees. Hope Yen, AP.
- Sword fight erupts at NYC Sikh temple; 7 charged. AP.
- Experts: Judge’s sexual orientation is non-issue. Lisa Leff, AP.
- IMF bombshell: age of America nears end. Brett Arends, Marketwatch.
- The beginning of history. Andrew Bast, Newsweek.
- Evangelical group sees NYC as incubator to plant churches. John Leland, New York Times.
- US counts the cost of keeping elderly in jail. Michael Stothard, FT.
- The economics of the Arab Spring. Financial Times.
- Missing in action: a Republican champ. Clive Crook, FT.
- Recovery prompts US divorce rebound. Suzanne Kapner, FT.
Week of April 17, 2011
- Birther claims force GOP leaders to take a stand. Charles Babington, AP.
- Death toll rises after Syrian crackdown. Michael Peel, FT.
- The frustrations of True Finns tap into Europe’s Tea Party. Tony Barber, FT.
- Poll finds lack of passion for Republican candidates. Jim Rutenberg, New York Times.
- Poll: to cut deficit, Americans support tax hike on rich. Zachary Roth, Yahoo News.
- Republicans attack Donald Trump as he mulls 2012 run. Steve Holland, Reuters.
- Michigan prosecutor files to stop Koran-burning pastor. Reuters.
- How US intends to end war with Taliban. Ahmed Rashid, FT.
- Malaysia sends 66 teen boys to anti-gay counseling. AP.
- GOP voters in early states embrace Trump bid. Charles Babington, AP.
- Muslim radicals plan royal wedding demonstration. Michael Holden, Reuters.
- Mass protests in Yemen over leader’s women remark. Ahmed Al-Haj, AP.
- Super rich see federal taxes drop dramatically. Stephen Ohlemacher, AP.
Week of April 10, 2011
- Philippine priest in ancient battle with “demons.” Jason Gutierrez, AFP.
- The radical right and the US state. Martin Wolf, Financial Times.
- Obama urges cuts and taxes on the rich. Michael Shear, New York Times.
- Arab spring sends chill in Israel. Tobias Buck, FT.
- Jedi-ism, Britain’s fourth-largest religion, is still going strong. Kieron Bryan, The Times.
- Religion may become extinct in nine nations, study says. Jason Palmer, BBC.
- Republicans’ philosophy ditched over abortion issue. Richard McGregor, FT.
- Hamas makes rare appeal to Israel to halt fighting. Amy Teibel, AP.
- Beijing police halt unapproved church service. Alexa Olesen, AP.
Week of April 3, 2011
- Interracial marriage should be illegal, say 46% of Mississippi Republicans in new poll. Larry McShane, NY Daily News.
- 61 arrested over banned Paris Muslim veil protest. Jamey Keaten, AP.
- Ludicrous and cruel. Paul Krugman, New York Times.
- Deadline nears: shutdown looms without agreement. David Espo, AP.
- Finland’s educational success? The anti-tiger mother approach. Joshua Levine, Time.
- “Manning up” by Kay Hymowitz: has the rise of women turned men into boys? Kate Fridkis, My Daily.
- “Virginity tests” forced on egyptian women protestors. Irin Carmon, Jezebel.
- Paul Ryan and the politics of debt. Michael Crowley, Time.
- Who could blame GE? Joe Nocera, New York Times.
- Moment of truth. David Brooks, New York Times.
- Religion does its worst. Roger Cohen, New York Times.
- US sees Yemen unrest as a possible opening for Al Qaeda. Eric Schmitt, New York Times.
- Indian “living god” in critical condition: hospital. PS Jayaram, AFP.
- Is Obama unbeatable? Gideon Rachman, FT.
- GOP 2012 budget to make $4 trillion-plus in cuts. Douglass K Daniel, AP.
Week of March 27, 2011
- An unfair tale of New York. Gillian Tett, Financial Times.
- Fighting rages in Ivory Coast with 800 dead in west. Tim Cocks, Reuters.
- Nation’s most dangerous small city rehires police. Reuters.
- Anger over Quran burning spreads in Afghanistan. Amir Shah, AP.
- Afghans angry at Quran burning kill 7 at UN office. Deb Riechmann, AP.
- Brazil to annex Portugal? Financial Times.
- Arizona enacts ban on abortions based on gender, race. David Schwartz, Reuters.
- Santorum blames “abortion culture” for Social Security woes. Holly Bailey, Yahoo News.
- Stop this race to the bottom on corporate tax. Jeffrey Sachs, FT.
- God’s hand? 44% of Americans see natural disasters as sign of end times. Stephanie Pappas, Live Science.
- 13% of HS Biology teachers advocate creationism in class. Jennifer Welsh, Live Science.
- Discovery rocks creationists’ claim that humans lived with dinosaurs. Charles Choi, Live Science.
- Belgium reaches Iraq’s record government stalemate. Raf Casert, AP.
- Analysis: Obama doesn’t mention Libyan rebels. Anne Gearan, AP.
- Syria tries to ease deep political crisis. Michael Slackman, New York Times.
- A war by any name. Ross Douthat, New York Times.
Week of March 20, 2011
- The incredible shrinking city: Detroit is becoming a ghost town. Peter Gorenstein, Daily Ticker.
- Syria cracks down as unrest spreads. Roula Khalaf, Financial Times.
- Allies are split on goal and exit strategy in Libya. Steven Lee Myers, New York Times.
- GE’s strategies let it avoid taxes altogether. David Kocieniewski, New York Times.
- 49% – Nigerians support Al Qaeda. Pew Research Center.
- Who’s in hell? Pastor’s book sparks eternal debate. Tom Breen, AP.
- New census milestone: hispanics to hit 50 million. Hope Yen, AP.
- Utah raises standard in anti-Fed campaign. Robin Harding, Financial Times.
- Who are the Libyan rebels? US tries to find out. Laura Rozen, Yahoo News.
- Planning for a post-Qaddafi Libya. Max Boot, New York Times.
- Cuba’s Castro: I quit as party chief 5 years ago. Paul Haven, AP.
- Gates: US expects to hand off Libya lead in “days.” Lolita Baldor, AP.
- Black and white and married in the deep south: a shifting image. Susan Saulny, New York Times.
- Egyptian voters approve constitutional changes. Neil MacFarquhar, New York Times.
Week of March 13, 2011
- European court ruling allows crucifixes in public classrooms. AP.
- US missiles strike Libyan air defense targets. Steven Erlanger, New York Times.
- West steps up to Gadhafi after years of feints. AP.
- The post-earthquake nuclear crisis: the Japan syndrome. The Economist.
- Libya’s youth revolt veers toward chaos. Anthony Shadid, New York Times.
- Israel: New settlement housing after bloody attack. Josef Federman, AP
- 10,000 dead in Japan amid fears of nuclear meltdowns. Jay Alabaster, AP.
Week of March 6, 2011
- Middle east: Gas leak in the house. Abeer Allam, FT.
- Wisconsin governor makes it official, ends union rights. Scott Bauer, AP.
- Hundreds killed in tsunami after 8.9 Japan quake. Malcolm Foster, AP.
- Court rejects challenge to “In God we trust.” Adelle Banks, Religion News Service.
- Eliminating $1 bills could save billions. Seth Fiegerman, Main Street.
- How to read the second Arab awakening. Richard Haass, Financial Times.
- US “heartland” near historic shift from Midwest. Hope Yen, AP.
Week of February 27, 2011
- Why GenY might be too frugal. Kimberly Palmer, US News and World Report.
- Gadhafi forces battle rebels as 37 killed in Libya. Maggie Michael, AP.
- Cops tackle lawmaker amid layoff threats, detention order: tensions still running high in Wisconsin. Zachary Roth, Yahoo News.
- Why the world needs virtuous autocrats. Robert Kaplan, Financial Times.
Week of February 20, 2011
- Why didn’t the US foresee the Arab revolts? New York Times.
- How Chris Christie did his homework. Matt Bai, New York Times.
- Likely presidential hopefuls air their skeletons. Rachel Rose Hartman, Yahoo News.
- US pulling back in Afghan valley it called vital to war. CJ Chivers, New York Times.
- Psst. No shutdown during a “government shutdown.” Andrew Taylor, AP.
- All 2000 Providence teachers told they could be fired. Liz Goodwin, Yahoo News.
- What could bring down China’s rulers? David Pilling, Financial Times.
- It’s the inequality, stupid. Dave Gilson, Mother Jones.
- Special report: In Africa, can Brazil by the anti-China? David Lewis, Reuters.
- Clampdown in Libyan capital as protests close in. Paul Schemm, AP.
- Man has 39 wives, nearly 100 children. Reuters.
- Eastern Libya in opposition hands. Andrew England, FT.
- Israel: Iranian naval vessels major provocation. Mark Lavie, AP.
- Census: near-record level of US counties dying. Hope Yen, AP.
- Gadhafi’s hold on Libya weakens in protest wave. Maggie Michael, AP.
Week of February 13, 2011
- How the middle class became the underclass. Annalyn Censky, CNN.
- Why the Wisconsin labor bill is a big deal. Zachary Roth, Yahoo News.
- Bahrain crushes protest camp, locks down capital. Hadeel al-Shalchi, AP.
- Riot breaks out in Libyan city of Benghazi. Reuters.
- Egyptians air grievances, ignoring army warning. Maggie Michael, AP.
- Five myths about Ronald Reagan. Edmund Morris, Washington Post.
- GOP holds up NJ governor’s record as model. Liz Sidoti, AP.
- Hawaii legislature approves same-sex civil unions. Mark Niesse, AP.
- Iran uses force against protests as region erupts. Neil MacFarquhar, New York Times.
- A nationwide day for honoring Charles Darwin, but handled with caution. Amy Harmon, New York Times.
- The experience economy. David Brooks, New York Times.
- South Carolina lawmaker wants separate currency for state. Liz Goodwin, Yahoo News.
- Egypt’s impact: unrest sweeps the Middle East. Zachary Roth, Yahoo News.
- A look inside America’s poorest county. Nomaan Merchant, AP.
- Egypt and Iran; different looks at people power. Robert Reid, AP.
Week of February 6, 2011
- Egypt’s military rulers dissolve parliament. Sarah el Deeb, AP.
- Malaysian Muslims warned against Valentine’s Day. AFP.
- How Hosni Mubarak got so rich. Rick Newman, US News and World Report.
- The decline of Pakistan. The Economist.
- A marriage of inconvenience: What an Arab democratic spring will mean for America’s relations with the Jewish state. The Economist.
- Grass-roots revolt in Japan. The Economist.
- Arab unrest index: The shoe thrower’s index. The Economist.
- Israel watches Mubarak ouster with trepidation. Ian Deitch, AP.
- Mubarak steps down, ceding power to military. David Kirkpatrick, New York Times.
- Queen Rania criticized by Jordan tribes. Jack Phillips, Epoch Times.
- The revolutionaries’ fervour is also their weakness. Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Financial Times.
- 2012 Republican presidential candidates all have flaws. Chris Cillizza, Washington Post.
- Egyptian protests: The Muslim Brotherhood faces internal tension and a generational divide. Sarah A Topol, Slate.
- James Altucher’s 8 alternatives to college. Aaron Task, Yahoo Finance.
- What is the US government’s credit score? Stephen Simpson, Investopedia.
- Gulf leaders hear rumblings of dissent. Brian Murphy, AP.
- By one measure, federal taxes lowest since 1950. Stephen Ohlemacher, AP.
- Egypt VP meets opposition, offers new concessions. Sarah el Deeb, AP.
- Higher food prices here to stay: analysts. Paul Handley, AFP.
Week of January 30, 2011
- At hand, an Arab awakening. Roula Khalaf, Financial Times.
- Israel watches with fearful deja vu. Tobias Buck, Financial Times.
- Hundreds march against government in Jordan. Dale Gavlak, AP.
- Blood in Cairo square: Mubarak backers, foes clash. Hadeel al-Shalchi, AP.
- Jordan’s king dismisses cabinet after protests. AP.
- Massive crowds across Egypt demand Mubarak ouster. Sarah el Deeb, AP.
- Why not regulate guns as seriously as toys? Nicholas Kristoff, New York Times.
- The Muslim Brotherhood: the future of Egypt? Caitlin Dickson, Atlantic Wire.
- Federal judge rules health law violates constitution. Kevin Sack, New York Times.
- All eyes on Egypt’s military: how will it respond? Zachary Roth, Yahoo News.
- Black? White? Asian? More young Americans choose all of the above. Susan Saulny, New York Times.
- Over 99% in Southern Sudan vote for secession. Maggie Fick, AP.
Week of January 23, 2011
- Reactions expose gulf between leaders and the people. Abeer Allam, FT.
- Iraq water shortages raising ethnic tensions. Marwan Ibrahim, AFP.
- Mubarak names deputy as protestors defy curfew. Edmund Blair, Reuters.
- The state of the union: the union’s troubled state. The Economist.
- Egyptian military deploys in Cairo under curfew. Maggie Michael, AP.
- Egypt: Internet down, police counter terror unit up. Hamza Hendawi, AP.
- Thousands of Yemenis demand change in government. Ahmed Al-Haj, AP.
- George Friedman: The China “miracle” is a mirage. Stacy Curtin, Yahoo Finance.
- Unprecedented antigovernment protests rock Egypt. Sherine El Madany, Reuters.
- Financial meltdown was “avoidable,” inquiry concludes. Sewell Chan, New York Times.
- Rep. Kucinich sues over olive pit in sandwich. Andrew Miga, AP.
- Will I be able to get a job? Gaye Tuchman, New York Times.
- A different type of student. C Kent McGuire, New York Times.
- No work, all play, no job. George Leef, New York Times.
- The student as profit center. Mark Taylor, New York Times.
- An F for effort. Philip Babcock, New York Times.
- The winner: a liberal education. Sean Decatur, New York Times.
- Products of rote learning. Leon Botstein, New York Times.
- Less than half of students proficient in science. Christine Armario, AP.
- 2 protestors, 1 policeman killed in Egypt protests. Maggie Michael, AP.
- Moscow airport terror attack kills 35, wounds 180. Nataliya Vasilyeva, AP.
Week of January 16, 2011
- The church in South Sudan. The Economist.
- Group: Third of Zimbabwe registered voters dead. Angus Shaw, AP.
- The world’s happiest countries. Christopher Helman, Yahoo Travel.
- Headscarf forces Maryland girl basketball player to miss first half. CBS.
- Mine fields circle Jesus’ traditional baptism site. Aron Heller, AP.
- Public education in Texas faces massive cuts. April Castro, AP.
- New Alabama governor: Just Christians are his family. Jay Reeves, AP.
- Female genital mutilation banned by Islamic leaders in Mauritania. Wendy Rose Gould, Yahoo.
- Vatican warned Irish bishops not to report abuse. Shawn Pogatchnik, AP.
- Student tracking finds limited learning in college. Eric Gorski, AP.
- Tunisia heralds a long battle for Arab reform. Rami Khouri, Financial Times.
- Violence-scarred Tunisia announces new government. AP.
Week of January 9, 2011
- Comparing US states with countries: US equivalents. The Economist.
- Tunisians drive leader from power in mass uprising. Elaine Ganley, AP.
- More guns, less crime? New York Times.
- Hezbollah forces collapse of Lebanese government. Nada Bakri, New York Times.
- Iran rounds up Christians in crackdown. Brian Murphy, AP.
- Paranoia disfigures the Tea Party. Gideon Rachman, Financial Times.
- Pakistan faces a divide of age on Muslim law. Carlotta Gall, New York Times.
- Amid rioting, Tunisia closes universities. David Kirkpatrick, New York Times.
- Swimming in debt, Illinois considers massive tax boost. Christopher Wills, AP.
- A right to bear glocks? Gail Collins, New York Times.
- Record stock dip triggers violent protests in Bangladesh. Farid Ahmed, CNN.
- Should we blame Sarah Palin for Gabrielle Giffords’ shooting? Howard Kurtz, Daily Beast.
- For jubilant voters in South Sudan, new country nears. Jason Straziuso, AP.
- Bangladesh students suspended for trimming beards. AFP.
- Jerusalem hotel demolished for Israeli apartments. Matti Friedman, AP.
Week of January 2, 2011
- Somali Islamists ban men, women from shaking hands. AP.
- Arizona Representative Giffords shot, several wounded. Terry Tang, AP.
- Iraqi cleric embraces state in comeback speech. Anthony Shadid, New York Times.
- Pakistan: a critical mass. Amy Kazmin, Financial Times.
- Mexico’s drug wars: A pax narcotica? The Economist.
- Sudan is a warning to all of Africa. Mo Ibrahim, Financial Times.
- Can India outpace China? Chetan Ahya, Financial Times.
- Thousands flee tribal violence in northeast India. Harmeet Shah Singh, CNN.
- Census: Number of poor may be millions higher. Hope Yen, AP.
- Japan finds there is more to life than growth. David Pilling, Financial Times.
- Promises, promises: GOP drops some out of the gate. Andrew Taylor, AP.
- Abortion and birth control: crazy sexy stupid. The Economist.
- Pakistan: death of a liberal. The Economist.
- Curses! Romania’s witches forced to pay income tax. Alison Mutler, AP.
- Justice Scalia: Women not constitutionally protected from discrimination. Liz Goodwin, Yahoo News.
- Guard kills governor of Pakistan’s Punjab province. Augustine Anthony, Reuters.
- Most Americans say tax rich to balance budget: poll. Kristina Cooke, Reuters.
- 14 states may target birthright citizenship. Liz Goodwin, Yahoo News.
- The unborn paradox. Ross Douthat, New York Times.
- Cretan tools point to 130,000-year-old sea travel. AP.
- Sri Lanka considers banning miniskirts. AFP.
- End of days in May? Christian group spreads word. Tom Breen, AP.
- Violence shows Christian, Muslim split in Nigeria. Jon Gambrell, AP.
- Public workers facing outrage as budget crises grow. Michael Powell, New York Times.
- Europe’s young grow agitated over future prospects. Rachel Donadio, New York Times.
- Equality, a true soul food. Nicholas Kristoff, New York Times.
Week of December 26, 2010
- Japan population shrinks by record in 2010. AP.
- North Korea vows better ties with South Korea. Kim Kwang-Tae, AP.
- No longer central but still special. Financial Times.
- Scientists demonstrate synthetic DNA. Clive Cookson, Financial Times.
- China preparing for armed conflict “in every direction.” Peter Foster, Telegraph.
- Christine O’Donnell “subject of federal criminal investigation.” The Telegraph.
- Countless Juarez residents flee “dying city.” Will Weissert, AP.
- Researchers: Ancient human remains found in Israel. Daniel Estrin, AP.