As tension mounts in the standoff over Iran's nuclear program - and fresh speculation brews about strikes to nip that program - learn more about the Islamic Republic.

American Enterprise Institute economist Peter Wallison explains why the recent JP Morgan losses are proof that the Volcker Rule is unworkable and should be abandoned.

The $2 billion loss at JPMorgan Chase (JPM) has reopened debate on the Volcker rule. The proponents of the rule have seized on the story as proof that the Volcker rule is necessary and should be quickly put into effect by regulation. In reality, however, if the facts are as thus far reported, what happened at JPMorgan is proof that the Volcker rule is unworkable and should be repealed. 

Warhawks are not the only people saying that a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities would be preferable to a nuclear Iran, and President Obama might start backing down on his stance against military intervention.

After the congressional testimony of Michael Masters and George Soros, Senator Joe Lieberman is proposing a speculation investment ban.

The leadership of the ISI is changing hands at a critical time for both the U.S. and Pakistan.

The Washington Post’s David Ignatius is regurgitating—er, reporting—that Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is fretting Israel is going to attack Iran in “April, May or June.” There’s some speculation that’s why Israel canceled the 12th joint Austere Challenge military exercise with the United States. That might coincide with the Israeli attack.

Microsoft is a classic example of a good monopoly: a firm that has gained monopoly power not through merger or collusion, but business skill and acumen in creating a superior product.