John K. Glenn and Jonathan Tepperman, 11/29/11

Next year will see elections in the U.S. and France, a leadership handoff in China and the return of Putin to the Russian presidency. Candidates will be tempted to pander by telling their constituents they can ignore their global responsibilities. But the publics know better.

Antonio Lucio, 11/30/11

Global Expert in Marketing and Leadership

"When a friend leaves, a very empty place is left behind, that can never be filled with the arrival of another friend". The words are from Argentinean composer Alberto Cortes. The feelings are profoundly mine.

Raymond J. Learsy, 11/30/11

Author, 'Oil and Finance: The Epic Corruption'

Much has been written about commercial sanctions, but rarely about the truly overarching policy initiative that could take down the Iranian renegade regime, removing the risk of the world confronting nuclear armed fanatics. This, without firing a shot.

Harlan Green, 11/29/11

Editor-Publisher, PopularEconomics.com

Dr. Ferguson's theme isn't new. Root causes of the rise and fall of western civilizations were earlier explored by UCLA Professor Jared Diamond in his books Guns, Germs, and Steel, and Collapse in far more convincing fashion.

Carina Kamel, 11/29/11

Senior London Correspondent and Presenter, Al Arabiya TV

As I stand in line at my polling station at El Kamal school in the suburb of Heliopolis, bright and early on a sunny election day, I think about how tricky it is to ever really hedge your bets in Egypt.

Shereen El Feki, 11/29/11

Writer, broadcaster and academic

A woman appeared at the gate of a local school, her inked-dipped pinkie proof positive that she had succeeded in what the rest of us stuck in a three-hour long line still aspired to: voting.

Allison Hill, 11/29/11

President & COO, Vroman's Bookstore and Book Soup

I once slept with a man because he gave me a copy of Murakami's The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. Before you judge me, read the book. It's lyrical and seductive and changes the way you think about reality, about life.

Manal Omar, 11/29/11

Director of Iraq, Iran, and North Africa Programs, Center for Conflict Management, U.S. Institute of Peace

There is an open recognition that the movement for change would not have not progressed if it were not for the enthusiasm, energy, dedication, and personal sacrifice that came from the youth

Eunice Roque, 11/29/11

Blogger, Amador Square

For Egyptians, Tunisians, and anyone who has ever experienced life under a dictatorship, the sight of people lining up to vote is cause for jubilation and the most reassuring sign that the revolution is working.

Azeem Ibrahim, 11/29/11

Research Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School’s International Security Program

The work of young entrepreneurs in Azerbaijan is off to a promising start and offers a fine example for young Muslims to emulate all over the developing world.

Betwa Sharma, 11/29/11

Journalist covering human rights.

As government delegates attended the first meetings of the 17th climate change negotiations being held in Durban, civil society members kicked off the "Occupy Durban" movement.

Mohamed El Dahshan, 11/29/11

Development Policy Consultant, Writer

A heavy imbalance of financial and mobilization means between parties and candidates means wider room for manipulation, that voters and observers alike must be aware of.

Wayne Besen, 11/29/11

Founder, Truth Wins Out

Homophobia is a mark of failing nations. Even in America, it is the emblem of poor, second-tier states. It is the signpost of inferior cities that perpetually fail to reach their potential and can't figure out why.

Howard Steven Friedman, 11/29/11

Statistician/Economist for International Organization, Columbia University

The United States spends more on its military than the total spent by the second largest (China), third largest (United Kingdom), fourth largest (France), fifth largest (Russia)... and fifteenth largest (Turkey) combined.

Peter Worthington, 11/29/11

Co-founder of the Toronto Sun

To Nigel Farage, the "obsession" of EU members to create a European state means they are "happy to destroy democracy... who the hell do you think you people are? You are very, very dangerous people." Agree with Farage or not (I'm inclined to), he's refreshingly fearless and articulate.

Barry Lando, 11/29/11

Author, 'Web of Deceit'

The killing of 24 Pakistan troops by NATO forces is just the latest disastrous chapter in U.S.-Pakistan relations. As affairs go from bad to catastrophic, it's not just the Taliban who will benefit, but also China.

Majid Sharifi, 11/29/11

Professor, Department of Government and International Affairs Program, Eastern Washington University

What connects the many social movements in the world today? It appears that the occupy movement is part of a larger wave of global resistance against the status quo manifested in specific local forms.