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An appreciation | An appreciation: Mintz on Molly Ivins COMMENTARY A spirited writer even as she was dying of breast cancer, Ivins wrote only a few weeks ago that 'Bush is just standing there like a frozen rabbit' and 'it’s up to you and me, Bubba' to end this war. 
The overseas press | The State of the Union address? Ho-hum COMMENTARY Bush’s focus on environment is termed insincere, a means of changing the subject. But he and his legacy are widely viewed as trapped in Iraq
Letter from Memphis | Once again, corruption is Topic A in West Tennessee COMMENTARY A 2-year federal investigation (including a sting with secret tapes), seven current or former elected officials involved, racism charges, and, on the reporting end, bloggers joining in as tipsters, reporters, and media critics.
'Craven obsequiousness' | Allister Sparks used to come to the U.S. for inspiration, but he won't any more COMMENTARY A personal note from one ’62-’63 Nieman fellow to another, and in it a harsh repudiation of American newspapers and TV
The overseas press | Bush's 'surge' leaves critics hopeful COMMENTARY It’s not that many writers feel more U.S. troops will curb violence in Iraq but rather that they see the step as a sign that the American occupation of Iraq is in its last throes.
An absence of inquiry | Giles urges TV reporters to ask tougher questions COMMENTARY TV has an edge over print in that it can take viewers along for the interview. But too often, writes the Nieman Foundation curator, American TV reporters accept evasive, reluctant answers without pressing for more. Why not follow the British model of tough interviewing?
The overseas press | U.S., West blamed in the handling of Hussein's execution COMMENTARY Editorial writers and columnists say the U.S. orchestrated the trial and speedy execution of Saddam Hussein to prevent him from talking about help he got for decades from American and other western governments.
Unreadable phone bills, no oversight | For low-volume users, phone costs have risen sharply COMMENTARY Despite phone company pledges to reduce charges, millions of people are paying more for long distance calls, sometimes as much as $1 a minute. Meanwhile, the FCC chairman says rates are in a free-fall.
Where's Jean Arthur when you need her? | Citizen Sloane comes to Washington COMMENTARY How an uninvited witness put on a blue shirt and a red tie, showed up at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee and got ever so close to explaining how the nation could fund 2 million new Pell grants.
The overseas press | Arabs, Israelis voice pessimism on Baker/Hamilton COMMENTARY Arabs are lukewarm to the Iraq Study Group’s report and skeptical of implementation; Israelis are critical of both the findings and the recommendations.
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