Last refreshed at 1700GMT SaturdayThe World in a Window | March 20, 2010
Best of the Moment national-politics
In Dubai, The Party's Far From Over
Syed Ali | Guardian | 20 March 2010
Dubai succeeded for reasons it's now mocked. Consumer culture unique in Arabian Gulf. Foreigners swapped political rights for good life. Economy will recover, foreigners will return
Thailand's Succession
Anonymous | Economist | 18 March 2010
King Bhumibol 82, ailing. Discussing what happens next is taboo. Might be nasty. Thailand's democracy already paralysed by post-Thaksin power struggle. Army may be tempted
Political Ideas Need Proper Testing
Tim Harford | FT | 18 March 2010
Many public policies could and should be tested with properly controlled randomised trials. But very few are, perhaps because truthful results are rarely convenient politically
Triumph Of American Outrage
Joshua Greenam | NY Daily News | 12 March 2010
Since Clinton impeachment, "we are left with ever-present outrage in search of something to be outraged about. We have a tone in search of a target"
Ten Things About Burkina Faso
Mark Weston | Global Dashboard | 14 March 2010
Excellent short guide. Notable features of country include locusts, droughts, high fertility rate, reputation for honesty, world's best place names
Cautionary Tale From Chechnya
Anna Badkhen | Boston.com | 11 March 2010
Grozny reborn. Here a bistro, there a sushi bar. No trace of long war with Russia. But price of public peace is tyrannous local government that abducts, kills, tortures in private
At The Tea Party
Jonathan Raban | NYRB | 10 March 2010
Sympathetic, funny account of Tea Party convention in Nashville. Sprinkling of truthers, birthers, racists, religious fundamentalists. But mostly decent old people. Great unifier: love of Palin
Health Reform Passes the Cost Test
David Cutler | WSJ | 9 March 2010
Public seems to worry that proposed health care reform will increase entitlements without cutting costs. Wrong. President's plan attacks costs in six ways, could do more with Republican help
Limits Of Rahmism
Peter Baker | NYT Magazine | 8 March 2010
Latest of many features on divisive White House chief of staff. Still well worth reading as a fine profile of Rahm—he wants to be mayor of Chicago—and a take on why presidency is struggling
Iraq’s Elections Give Sliver Of hope
David Gardner | FT | 4 March 2010
Sunday’s election a milestone for Iraq, and for Mid-East democracy. Likely to produce Shia-led coalition. Main thing is to keep institutions working until newer, better leaders emerge