The Economist: America’s economy – Austerity bites?

UNTIL RECENTLY America’s squabbling politicians have mostly resolved their fiscal differences by delaying them. That tactic came to a head at the end of last year, at which time a host of tax rises and spending cuts were scheduled to drop. Despite wide fears that such budget changes would derail a shaky recovery, Congress mostly opted to let the hits fall. Marginal income tax rates on top earners went up at the first of this year, and—more importantly—a reduction in the payroll tax rate adopted for stimulative purposes was allowed to expire. Other automatic cuts were delayed by a few months, but they too were allowed to take effect in March.

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The Economist: Entanglement at home and abroad

EARLIER this year things had been going rather well, militarily and politically, for Syria’s eternally fractious opposition and its rebel allies. Western governments had promised to channel more aid to the new Syrian National Coalition, an umbrella group in exile, for passing on to fighters battling Bashar Assad’s regime on the ground. Moaz al-Khatib, the coalition’s head, had emerged as a cannier and more popular politician than his predecessors seeking to unite Syria’s opposition. Yet on March 24th it was thrown into disarray when Mr Khatib resigned.

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The Economist: Can India become a great power?

Nobody doubts that China has joined the ranks of the great powers: the idea of a G2 with America is mooted, albeit prematurely. India is often spoken of in the same breath as China because of its billion-plus population, economic promise, value as a trading partner and growing military capabilities. All five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council support—however grudgingly—India’s claim to join them. But whereas China’s rise is a given, India is still widely seen as a nearly-power that cannot quite get its act together

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