An amusing take on the "Clinton Restoration".

A not-so-amusing take on the possibility of a bankrupt Great Britain.

Another political strategist will have an office in the White House. More evidence that the "change" mantra was all about political posturing.

A Russian analyst predicts the breakup of the United States.

Caroline Glick calls for President Bush to do two things before he leaves office. I don't agree with her on either count.

A near-riot and a besieged parliament building...in Iceland.

A theory about the collapse of Citi.

Robert Samuelson explains why we may be seeing the "reverse wealth" effect, as people cut back on spending because they perceive, correctly, that their personal wealth is shrinking due to the collapse of their investments and the value of their real estate. I think this "reverse wealth" effect is very real, as the "wealth effect" which happened during the last 15 or 20 years was probably the major driving force behind our enormous consumer economy. Now, afraid that they no longer have the money they thought they had, people are drawing back, even if they still have as much (or more) annual income than they did in years past. This will keep us on a downward economic spiral for some time to come.

Christopher Hitchens says the last thing we need is a Clinton in charge of foreign policy. I suspect the selection of Hillary as Secretary of State is more about a crafty Obama taking out a political rival. We may be entering a very tough four-year period. The last think Obama needs is a potentially powerful rival to take him on for the nomination in 2012 (as Ted Kennedy took on Carter in 1980), leaving him, even in victory, weaker as he takes on the GOP nominee.