What We’ve Learned About Terror Trials From the Underwear Bomber

It was supposed to be the second full day in federal court for Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. The so-called “Christmas Day bomber” aka “The Underwear Bomber” faced eight charges, including attempted murder on an aircraft. But, acting as his own attorney, Abdulmutallab surprised many Wednesday by pleading guilty. He faces a maximum possible sentence of life without […]

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Poor Sales or Economic Uncertainty Preventing Stronger Recovery?

Various organizations and media outlets have attempted to refute the notion that government policy is creating uncertainty and hindering economic growth. However, when properly analyzed, the uncertainty argument is a legitimate one. Critics of the uncertainty narrative say that businesses cite poor sales – or lack of demand – not taxes or regulations, as the […]

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Egypt: The Military’s Chaotic Approach to Democratic Transition

Nine months ago, Egyptians were protesting in Tahrir Square, calling for former president Hosni Mubarak to step down from office. Today, Egyptians are demanding that the country’s military, a once revered entity, return the country to civilian rule in next month’s parliamentary elections. Thousands of Egyptian Coptic Christians march in Cairo during a protest against […]

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Court Hears Case of Student Expelled for Unwillingness to Affirm Homosexual Relationships

Last week a federal appeals court heard arguments in an important religious freedom case known as Ward v. Wilbanks. The case illustrates how sexual orientation nondiscrimination policies can impose government burdens on religious and moral conscience and create serious civil society conflicts. Julea Ward was a student in the graduate counseling program at Eastern Michigan […]

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United States Thwarts Iranian Terrorist Plot

U.S. authorities announced today that they disrupted an Iranian plan to commit a “significant terrorist act in the United States,” making it the forty-second thwarted terrorist attack against the homeland. The federal government has filed criminal charges against two Iranians with conspiracy to murder the Saudi ambassador to Washington and conspiracy to commit an act […]

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The Future of School Choice

For decades now, spending on public education has been increasing significantly, while academic achievement has remained stagnant. What if, instead of pouring money into failing schools, we give the money to parents and allow them to spend it any way they see fit on their children’s education? Well, in states like Arizona, education savings accounts […]

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Charities, Businesses Lead Recovery Efforts After Pennsylvania Flooding

Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee may have ravaged northeastern Pennsylvania with floodwaters, but displaced people have found aid and comfort in the relief provided by private charities and businesses. A recent New York Times story described affected people’s disillusionment with the federal government’s ability to dispense disaster relief aid through FEMA. “Uprooted and desolate, […]

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Free Trade Agreements Are A Win for Prosperity

Free trade agreements (FTAs) have economically benefited nations the world over since their inception. Poverty rates in countries with low trade barriers are significantly lower, and data in The Heritage Foundation’s Index of Economic Freedom demonstrate that free trade also leads to higher incomes, more jobs, and greater equality. That’s why it’s vitally important to […]

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