In Essence

It's wrong—and dangerous—to compare the Iraq War to Vietnam.

Is medical research targeting the wrong diseases?

Nepalese democracy has foundered and its political tempests have become increasingly turbulent.

There's growing distrust of political parties in many advanced democracies, not just the United States.

Opinion polls seem to influence the media as much as the politicians.

One simple, time-honored solution to convince aging justices to leave the high court: offer them more money to step down.

There were reasons why 17th-century Venice was the birthplace of modern opera.

Looking busy has become a badge of honor for the moneyed class.

Could an increase in gasoline taxes help curb America's dependence on foreign oil?

A one-time neocon oracle contemplates the end of an era.

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