A Debate in the Open on the Fed

RICHMOND, Va. — Federal Reserveofficials regularly air their views in public speeches, but they rarely engage in public debates. On Tuesday night, two of the officials who disagree most sharply about the Fed’s current policy did just that. The exchange between Charles L. Evans, an outspoken advocate for the Fed’s […]

Australia opens national child abuse inquiry

Source: BBC A national inquiry into child sex abuse has opened in the Australian city of Melbourne, with more than 5,000 people expected to provide evidence of “abuse and consequential trauma”. PM Julia Gillard has warned that the commission will unearth “some very uncomfortable truths”. She said that its opening […]

What Makes Rain Smell So Good?

Source: Smithsonian.com. Step outside after the first storm after a dry spell and it invariably hits you: the sweet, fresh, powerfully evocative smell of fresh rain. If you’ve ever noticed this mysterious scent and wondered what’s responsible for it, you’re not alone. Back in 1964, a pair of Australian scientists […]

The Great Afghan corruption scam

Source: Asia Times: By Dilip Hiro Washington has vociferously denounced Afghan corruption as a major obstacle to the United States’ mission in Afghanistan. This has been widely reported. Only one crucial element is missing from this routine censure: a credible explanation of why American nation-building failed there. No wonder. To […]

Pakistan should apologize to Bangladesh

Monday, 25 March 2013 Author / Source: ANISUR RAHMAN KHAN and HARUN UR RASHID E-mail Print PDF Salima Hashmi DHAKA, MAR 24: The Pakistan government should formally apologise to the people of Bangladesh for the atrocities committed by Pakistan occupation army during the War of Independence in 1971, Salima Hashmi, […]