Nicholas Noe argues that an internationally led reconciliation effort and subsequent peace-keeping presence in Syria would bypass the resulting destruction of a military intervention or civil war, while still keeping the diplomatic upper hand.

Adam Liptak of the New York Times writes that the U.S. Constitution no longer acts as the model for modern states. He cites the consitution's conservative interpretation and relatively few secured rights in making it a poor model in light of newer constitutions that reflect modern values and contexts.

This Congressional Research Service report describes the potential pitfalls of improperly managed defense budget cuts by recalling the notion of the "hollow force" in U.S. military history--a superficially battle-ready military force that, upon closer inspection, reveals itself to be inadequately prepared.

This Congressional Research Service report focuses on the legal issues of wartime detention, with special emphasis on how it applies to U.S. citizens and residents after September 11, 2001.

Gordon Orr, a director in McKinsey Quarterly's Shanghai office, offers a forecast for growth in China this year: Despite food price inflation and a stagnant housing market, he writes, China should maintain a rapid rate of growth.

The National Priorities Project presents an accessible guide to both the history and economics of America's federal budget and explains the impacts the budget has on the general public.

TIME's Michael Scherer comments on the class-based sense of injustice that is now roiling all sides of the ideological spectrum.

Obama's potential voters might not judge him only by his success on catching the al-Qaeda mastermind, but also by the way he has been handling the American economy, writes Scott Clement.

This Pew Research Center profile provides Florida voter registration data as reported by the Florida Division of Elections through January 3, 2012. It also provides key demographic information on eligible Latino voters and other major groups of eligible voters in Florida.

Jerome P. Bjelopera of the Congessional Research Service sets forth possible considerations for Congress as it executes its oversight role for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which has reformed itself since 2001 to be more proactive and intelligence-driven concerning domestic terrorism.

The U.S. Defense Strategic Guidance (DSG) reflects the reality that offshore balancing has jumped from the cloistered walls of academe to the real world of Washington policymaking, says Christopher Layne.

The ECB and EFSF could do what the ECB alone cannot, writes George Soros.

This brief by Anthony H. Cordesman analyzes the pattern of cuts in recent, ongoing, and possible future defense and national security spending that affects the U.S. and its ability to project power and aid its friends and allies.

Charles Duhigg and Keith Bradsher point out that America does not train enough people in the mid-level skills that factories need, a reason for companies like Apple to rely on outsourcing that helps them generate enough profits and keep investing for innovation rather than solving America's problem of unemployment.

After exploring Israel's ability, legitimacy, and necessity to attack Iran, Ronen Bergman believes that the country would certainly do so in 2012.

Gingrich, Romney and Santorum pushed for the Iraq War. Now the media should make them explain what they've learned from being wrong and why we should trust their eagerness to bomb Iran, writes Peter Beinart.

Uri Dadush writes that the United States still has three major assets that keep it ahead of other countries, but needs to actively respond to current economic and political trends to keep its advantages.

A Pew Research Center polling report shows that the public focus is predominantly domestic and economic, while still keeping a wary eye on Iran and related security issues.

The New York Times' Bill Keller discusses why a hawkish position concerning Iran is the most abused foreign policy issue in this presidential campaign year, and why a military option may be the best way to guarantee exactly what we are trying to prevent.

Ryan Lizza writes about the making of Obama's post-post-partisan presidency, referencing hundreds of pages of internal White House memos showing Obama grappling with the unpleasant choices of government.