Can a Speech Change the World?
In his Cairo address, Barack Obama sought to transform the way the United States engages with the Muslim world.
Keeping Secrets
Lawyers and shrinks have privilege; journalists should, too. But it’s not that simple.
A Violent Regeneration
A search for American identity after the Civil War led to a surge of machismo and bloodlust.
The Pakistan Puzzle
Recent tomes on Pakistan overlook ordinary citizens’ conflicting motivations, says our man on the ground.
The Peak Shrink
Freaked out about the end of oil? There’s a therapist for that.
A Family-Leave Safety Net
Right now paid time off is a perk available to only privileged families. Here’s how we can make it an option for all workers.
The Invisible Workers
For nannies and housekeepers, the home is a workplace, and they’re fighting for basic rights.
Outside the 9-to-5
Some of the fastest-growing professions with nonstandard work hours are dominated by women.
Pink-Collar Blues
Many male-dominated professions are suffering an epidemic of job loss. But women aren’t faring so well in the recession, either.
When Opting Out Isn’t an Option
For too long, “working women” has meant professionals with children. It’s time we focus on the majority of female workers.
Noted
From the Executive Editor This political moment is defined by a paradox: On the one hand, disciplined and ideologically coherent political parties helped first the Republicans and now Democrats gain power. On the other hand, voters value independence, and politicians are obligated to represent the unique interests of their districts. In this issue, Tim Fernholz…
John McCain’s Best Idea
Employer-provided health insurance is our single biggest tax break. It’s time to give it up.
The Next Tax Revolt
It’s time for progressives to stop pretending that raising taxes on only the very rich will be sufficient to fund an ambitious agenda.
Green Peacemaker
Can Lisa Jackson, head of the EPA, meet businesses’ needs without alienating the environmental-justice movement?
Wealth-Care Reform
Fixing our health-care system will make us more economically secure. It won’t make us much healthier.
Betting the Fed
The Federal Reserve is a hugely powerful yet unaccountable institution. Will its activism bring a backlash?
Settling for Radicalism
Israel has looked the other way as its military and government have gradually become more radical, and it may be too late to go back.
New Kids on the Hill
To see where the parties are headed, look to the youngest members of Congress.
Blacks in Space
In the future, we will be able to travel faster than light. And black women will still be secretaries.
The Mystery of the Right
The right’s abrupt decline is one of the most puzzling questions in political history.
Tough Love for Obama
Can Obama’s supporters save him from his economic advisers?
I.F. Stone, Journalist — and Spy?
Was “Pancake” working with the KGB? The evidence is inconclusive.
Across District Lines
“School choice” does not have to be code speak for privatizing public education.
