The effects of the euro crisis on European finances are well-documented, but now it is stirring up longstanding ethnic crises as well. In Spain, more than 600,000 Catalan protesters have taken to the streets calling for more autonomy for their region, which has long been the economic powerhouse of Spain.Catalonian separatism has a long history, but many Catalans are […]

We’ve already been pleasantly surprised by some good economic news today, but there’s more. The Wall Street Journal reports that housing prices have risen over the past year by 1.2 percent—the largest gain in seven years. This is the latest in a string of reports suggesting that the housing market may be turning around, and many […]

The brand new business publication of the Atlantic Group, Quartz, will be doing an Energy Revolution beat (or “obsession” in their parlance). In one of their first articles, they take on the energy bears—analysts who predict that we’re headed for severe energy shortages in the near term: The scarcity scenarists generally forecast only through 2020, […]

There is mounting evidence that the “Free Syrian Army” includes brigades of foreign fighters from places like Chechnya, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. These fighters have varying allegiances, religious beliefs, battle strategies, and visions of Syria’s future. Some fight for a free, democratic Syria. Some are terrorists. Some are well-armed, well-trained, and lethal; others are poor and […]

Has the recession taught the kids to pinch pennies? As the Wall Street Journal reports, millennials who have watched their parents lose their homes and blow through meager savings are beginning to take steps to ensure that the same thing doesn’t happen to them. Younger Americans are now putting money away and enrolling in retirement plans at […]

China’s first aircraft carrier, a Soviet relic bought from Ukraine, is now in service. It was launched at a triumphant ceremony with top officials in attendance, including President Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao. Problem is, the carrier is pretty much useless. Jane Perlez reports for the NYT: The mark “16” emblazoned on the carrier’s side […]

The repercussions from 9/11/12—the day the roof fell in on the Obama administration’s Middle East policy—continue to rumble across the diplomatic and political landscapes. Before that day, much of the country’s political and media establishment had been studiously ignoring signs of trouble in the Middle East or, when problems were too serious to ignore, studiously […]

The high-profile teacher fight in Chicago and other smaller union conflicts elsehwere in the country have pitted teachers’ unions against their longstanding allies in the Democratic Party. But while the rift between Democratic pols and their union backers has been a long time in the making, few expected things to go this far: The New York […]

Syria’s Kurds once waged a fruitless struggle with Damascus against discrimination and for basic rights like citizenship and official recognition of a distinct Kurdish language and culture. Now, however, the equation has changed, and large chunks of northeastern Syria are now under the sole control of the Kurds.Back in July, Butcher Assad ceded the responsibility […]

Over at City Journal, Michael Totten chronicles the recent history of intimidation and violence perpetrated against so-called blasphemers and apostates by radical Muslims who feel insulted. By forcing Americans to hold their tongues due for fear of violent repercussions, Islamic terrorists have effectively eroded the free speech rights of Americans.Via Meadia has been keeping track of […]