The iPINIONS Journal

The Putinization of Russia (return to Stalinism) holds nostalgic appeal for poor Russians – many of whom feel betrayed by the unfulfilled promises of democratic reforms and capitalism. But for the oligarchs, burgeoning middle-class and Westerners with vested capital and political interest in Russia, it portends recriminations (such as confiscation of property without just compensation)… Read more.

Today, cyclist Lance Armstrong makes a ceremonial ride along the Champs-Elysees to mark another victory and bid farewell to fans (and his miraculous cycling career) at the appropriately named Arc de Triomphe. Armstrong sealed his sporting legacy by winning an unprecedented 7 consecutive wins at – the world cup of cycling – Le Tour de… Read more.

President Bush: The Brits are our best friends and no people are more prepared to take a few bombs for us than they are! And, as for bombing our friends in Egypt, well, if those bastards thought we mistreated them at Abu Gharib, just wait till Hosni [Egyptian President Mubarak] gets his hands on them….… Read more.

Emergency response teams executing familiar duties after more terror bombings in London yesterday. Pay attention New York! Because random searches of bags on the subway will prove as effective in preventing similar attacks as border patrols have been in preventing illegal immigration to the U.S. from Mexico… Despite Prime Minister Blair’s call for calm, a… Read more.

Less than a month after Live8 bands played and G8 leaders pledged to Make Poverty History, international news agencies are reporting that over one third of Niger’s population of 10 million are on the brink of starvation. But these reports are particularly tragic because for months world leaders simply ignored pleas by private voluntary organizations… Read more.

To compliment his wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, self-appointed war President George W. Bush launched a political war at home (and possibly within his own family) last night by nominating conservative Judge John Roberts to replace moderate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor on the U.S. Supreme Court (instead of nominating a moderate or another woman –… Read more.

Tiger Woods admiring his trophy after wining the British Open golf championship and sealing his 10th major title – which keeps him well below par to surpass the 18 won by golf legend Jack Nicklaus… His proud grin says it all: Yesterday, Tiger bested a field of golf’s premier players to win another major championship… Read more.

Karl Marx: R.I.P? News and Politics Read more.