Many Americans resent banks' roles in the financial crisis and in home foreclosures, and are angered at huge salaries paid by firms that received taxpayer money. These feelings are understandable, but not the entire picture.

When any economy faces challenges, the first thing it should do is determine if it has any self-inflicted wounds, as those are the easiest to correct. The evidence is clear that the benefits of skilled immigration are high. The costs of bad immigration are also high. It is past time for the nation to stop shooting itself in the foot.

Case studies of European states--Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Sweden--suggest the need for greater defense cooperation and pooling of military resources among European states.

The "Buy America" provision in the recent stimulus package constitutes dangerous protectionism.

The next step toward a more successful campaign in Iraq requires U.S. and Iraqi military action to seal the borders, especially the border with Iran.

The global financial and economic crisis that emerged in August 2007 has entered a dismaying fourth phase.

Why should regulation be extended to most of the major players in the financial system when it has been a consistent failure for banks?

Integrating microfinance with the global banking system has the potential to open doors of economic opportunity for millions and unite communities in civil society networks.