March-0307
Up one levelEconomic Agreement Is a Buy Sign in Iraq
With most of American politics focused on the troop surge and partisan maneuverings over its implementation, another story has gotten lost: The Iraqis themselves have made important progress in a basic economic issue that has fueled the sectarian divide.
Will Mayoral Control Make the Grade?
D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty plans to wrest control of the city’s public schools away from the elected school board, mimicking a national trend. But results will depend on concrete actions to fix the schools—not on which bureaucracy has control.
Some Recipes Are Best Kept Secret
Hedge funds should determine for themselves how transparent to be, without the government stepping in.
The Case of the Missing SEC Studies
Were key reports on mutual fund governance suppressed? The SEC’s own studies weakened the arguments of former Chairman William Donaldson.
Currency Foibles
Congress’s yen for a positive balance of trade threatens relations with both Japan and China.
Warning: This Column Might Give You Something to Think About
A new book of real-life product labels reveals that the possibility of satire is, alas, vanishing.
What is Ghana’s Secret?
The West African nation, which turns fifty today, has managed to pull democracy and growth out of the most challenging circumstances.
Billions and Billions
The seemingly astronomical sums we spend on politics look much smaller in context.
An Audio Offering
Today, The American introduces its podcast, American Conversations. In the podcast, authors from our print and online editions, along with other keen observers of American life, share their thoughts with The American's editorial team.
Fact Checking ‘Card Check’
If the “Employee Free Choice Act,” recently passed by the House of Representatives, were ever to take effect, the economic consequences could be severe. It would make union formation easier, and business success more difficult, by decreasing employees’ autonomy.
Sarkozy le Capitaliste?
French Presidential candidate Nicolas Sarkozy is not a Thatcherite. The real question: Can he get the modest reforms he wants, over the objections of French labor leaders?
Subprime Time
Recent trouble in the riskiest part of the mortgage market fits a surprisingly consistent historical pattern.
Should the Government Make Sex Safer for Women?
Mandating the new HPV vaccine would be overkill—we just need to make sure everyone is free to choose it.
Saving Dentistry From the Jaws of Defeat
The best way to get more teeth clean would be to end restrictions on dental hygienists.
Taking Illegals to the Bank
Bank of America’s new credit card program encourages responsibility—isn’t that a good thing?
Friendly Fire
Michael Tanner’s new critique of big-government conservatism is trenchant, but conspicuously incomplete.
A Little-Known Map of Tax Policy
Geography and the literal political landscape are helping shape the response to the Alternative Minimum Tax.
How to Survive a Sea Level Uprising
The problems climate change may worsen are mostly caused by other factors, a new study has found. We should focus on adapting to a hotter world.
Property Rites
A new law makes China seem safer for business—but it’s more about image than substance.
Is Wal-Mart Leaving the Money Business? Don’t Bank on It
The company’s capitulation to federal regulators is less significant than you think.
Real Virtuality
As they construct a truly three-dimensional cyberspace, people are starting to make real money.
Today's Bipartisan Issue: Sneaky Spending
A bill pending in the House shows that neither party can resist.
What’s Done with This Fund?
The Global Fund will only be as effective as its procurement process allows.
The End of Fatalism
Policymakers used to think nothing could keep ex-convicts from returning to prison. Welfare reform changed that.
Will Western Europe Surge Again?
As the EU celebrates its fiftieth birthday, a trenchant new study of the continent’s economic history shows that reforms are needed.
A Reply: Firing Back on the Louvre Abu Dhabi
The real reasons to oppose the new museum are artistic, not political.