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The dangers of decentralization
My interests in the past 50 years as imam of the Ismaili community have been primarily focused on Africa, South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East – and on improving the quality of life for the people who live there. The more I think about this matter, the more I am convinced that one [...]
He’s no poser: Meet Ron Paul, the GOP’s ‘Mr. Authentic’
He is Mr. Authentic in the Republican leadership race. Texas Congressman Ron Paul is a super-long shot to win the GOP nomination to take on Barack Obama, but every time he takes the stage during TV debates he expresses a candour and authenticity that endears him to audiences. During the CNN debate in Jacksonville, Florida [...]
Police rescue Australian PM from security scare
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard stumbled and was caught by a security guard as riot police forced a path for her through a crowd of rowdy protesters following a ceremony to mark Australia’s national day Thursday. Some 200 supporters of indigenous rights surrounded a Canberra restaurant and banged its windows while Ms. Gillard and opposition [...]
Gingrich vows to build a permanent U.S. base on the moon
Republican presidential contender Newt Gingrich called on Wednesday for a base on the moon and an expanded federal purse for prize money to stimulate private-sector space projects. “We want Americans to think boldly about the future,” Mr. Gingrich said during a campaign rally in Florida, where he outlined a space policy initiative that would cut [...]
Somalia rescue aside, expensive ransoms are route to freedom for most hostages
U.S. President Barack Obama added to the growing narrative around a commander-in-chief who has authorized gutsy military strikes to secure the freedom of captive Americans and eliminate the country’s enemies. On the day Mr. Obama delivered his televised State of the Union address, U.S. special forces carried out a successful rescue operation to free an [...]
As thousands gather to mark anniversary of Egypt uprising, political divides remain
Tens of thousands of Egyptians rallied Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of the country’s 2011 uprising, with liberals and Islamists gathering on different sides of Cairo’s Tahrir Square in a reflection of the deep political divides that emerged in the year since the downfall of longtime leader Hosni Mubarak. Groups like the Muslim Brotherhood [...]
Tribal violence runs amok in South Sudan
The attacks were horrific. Hundreds of women and children were hunted down and brutally shot, stabbed or beaten to death. Towns and villages were burned to the ground, leaving 120,000 people homeless and thousands hiding in the bush. The shocking reports from witnesses and aid workers are still trickling out of remote districts of South [...]
