Rashomon in the desert  —  Dubai or not Dubai — that is the question.  Dubai's sorta-kinda default (a state-owned enterprise seeking a rescheduling of its debts) is, by itself, not that big of a deal.  But who else looks like Dubai?  What kind of omen is this for the next stage in the financial crisis?

Taxing the Speculators  —  Should we use taxes to deter financial speculation?  Yes, say top British officials, who oversee the City of London, one of the world's two great banking centers.  Other European governments agree — and they're right.  —  Unfortunately, United States officials …

Lobbyists pushed off advisory panels  —  White House initiative to limit influence could affect thousands  —  Hundreds, if not thousands, of lobbyists are likely to be ejected from federal advisory panels as part of a little-noticed initiative by the Obama administration to curb K Street's influence …

New group tries to convince Cheney to run in 2012  —  Washington (CNN) - A new group wants former Vice President Dick Cheney back in the White House.  —  The organization - “Draft Dick Cheney 2012” - launched on Friday, and unveiled their new Web site.  Their aim: To convince …

Kill the Bills.  Do Health Reform Right.  —  The United States has the best health care in the world — but because of its inefficiencies, also the most expensive.  The fundamental problem with the 2,074-page Senate health-care bill (as with its 2,014-page House counterpart) …

Obama Made the Right Call on KSM  —  A civilian court is the best venue for justice.  —  Printer  —  Friendly  —  The Obama administration's decision to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other 9/11 conspirators in federal court marks a fundamental shift in the way we fight terrorism.

How to Forge a Consensus  —  The impression left by the Climategate emails is that the global warming game has been rigged from the start.  —  Printer  —  Friendly  —  The climatologists at the center of last week's leaked-email and document scandal have taken the line that it is all much ado about nothing.

Activists seek green Black Friday  —  The day after Thanksgiving is known for shopping sprees, but “Black Friday” is getting blacklisted by environmentalists - and they're hoping President Obama will back them up.  —  “In the climate change sense, it's not that every other retail day isn't bad.

Soviets' Afghan War Informs Surge Debate  —  KABUL — The future of the war in Afghanistan was on the line as Gen. Stanley McChrystal met with Defense Secretary Robert Gates in a secret rendezvous at a Belgian airbase in August.  —  Gen. McChrystal, the top Western commander in Afghanistan …

Mental State Cited in 9/11 Case  —  WASHINGTON — When five defendants are brought before a New York federal judge to face charges for the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the first question may be whether some of them are competent to stand trial at all.  —  Military lawyers for Ramzi Binalshibh …

Those Who Rate U.S. Health Care System Good or Excellent Up To 49%  —  Forty-nine percent (49%) of voters nationwide now rate the U.S. health care system as good or excellent.  That marks a steady increase from 44% at the beginning of October, 35% in May and 29% a year-and-a-half ago.

Americans at Odds With Recent Terror Trial Decisions  —  Majorities would prefer trying 9/11 kingpin in a military court, away from New York  —  PRINCETON, NJ — By 59% to 36%, more Americans believe accused Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed should be tried in a military court, rather than in a civilian criminal court.

Report Says Irish Bishops and Police Hid Abuse  —  LONDON — The Roman Catholic Church and the police in Ireland systematically colluded in covering up decades of child sex abuse by priests in Dublin, according to a scathing report released Thursday.  —  The cover-ups spanned the tenures …

Why Obama Isn't Changing Washington  —  There is no way he can grow the government without attracting more lobbyists and more political acrimony.  —  Printer  —  Friendly  —  One insight distinguished Barack Obama from the other presidential candidates last year.

The quiet American  —  Is Barack Obama's diplomacy subtle and strategic, or weak and naive?  The world is about to find out  —  AT LAST Barack Obama seems to be starting to make up his mind.  After months of agonising, he is apparently close to announcing that he will after all send …