From Foreign Affairs, the Latter-Day Sultan: An article on power and politics in Iran. Five presidents have treated Iran as a threat — the next needs to think of it as an opportunity. Robert Kaplan on what war with Iran in the Gulf could be like. A look at why Israel wouldn't dare attack Iran. From Salon, the Army says no, but a graphic video and eyewitness testimony indicate that a tank killed two American soldiers. Moises Naim on what the lessons of 9/11 could teach the world about the financial crisis. Foggy Bottom may get the personnel it desperately needs, but if the government’s fancy new test is any indication, the American people may not quite want what they get (and take the Foreign Service Challenge). Republic of Vermont II: Can Green Mountain secessionists pull the plug on statehood? Start-Up Town: The quiet little hippie city of Boulder, Colorado has become a serious technology hub. Lee Siegel on how the idea that great literature can improve our lives is a con as old as literature itself. Enough of "art for art's sake": Let's have some art for the sake of humanity, truth and goodness. An interview with Susan Quilliam on revising the 20th century's most famous sex manual. Porn Maze: Porn has many critics; their days, however, are numbered. More on Men to Boys: The Making of Modern Immaturity by Gary Cross. A review of Long Distance Love: A Passion for Football by Grant Farred.
