What We're Reading

Posted By Blake Hounshell Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 7:17 PM Share

Editor's note: Because of the federal holiday yesterday, this week's edition of What We're Reading didn't go up on Monday. Here it is at last. Enjoy.

Preeti Aroon

The Burden of Crime in the EU (pdf), a report produced by Gallup Europe and others. Crime has been decreasing across the EU for the past decade. How much of this trend is due to the graying of the continent and a corresponding decrease in the proportion of crime-prone young men, I wonder?

Henry Bowles

"Camille's Back!" by Camille Paglia. The overcaffeinated observer of all things culture returns as a Salon columnist. Look for Paglia's remarks on everything from the "Bette Davis/ Joan Crawford B*tchfest"—that is, Barack vs. Hillary—to Anna Nicole Smith.

Blake Hounshell

The China Fantasy: How Our Leaders Explain Away Chinese Repression, by James Mann.

Prerna Mankad

Inside Japan's Aging Population, by Akiko Kashiwagi in Newsweek. An interesting look at how Japan's elderly is fast becoming one of the country’s most important demographic sectors, and how the "silver generation" is adjusting to life in the mainstream. Kashiwagi also speculates whether Japan's experience will offer insights into the upcoming demographic changes in other rich countries.

Carolyn O'Hara

I miss Iraq. I miss my gun. I miss my war. By Brian Mockenhaupt, Esquire, March 2007. As much as we may not like to admit it, men are drawn to war. A former soldier reflects on the power, the fear, the revulsion, and the excitement that come with being a U.S. soldier in Iraq.

EXPLORE:WHAT WE'RE READING

Passport, FP’s flagship blog, brings you news and hidden angles on the biggest stories of the day, as well as insights and under-the-radar gems from around the world.