OPINION

James Gandolfini dies in Rome.

The tragic events of Bloody Sunday in January 1972 prompted Paul McCartney to do something extraordinary -- write an angry, protest song.

Steely Dan was unusual in that Fagen and Becker remained rather anonymous -- like studio session musicians who shunned the fame and publicity.

Many Americans view China’s emergence as the world’s second largest economy with trepidation. The United States, it seems, is in decline.

In highlighting Iran’s nuclear pursuit, U.S. policymakers and pundits have cast insufficient light on Tehran’s other activities.

Nations around the world are understandably concerned that weapons of mass destruction could be used with horrific consequences.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is the embodiment of the Japanese economic comeback story.

The old “soft patch” excuse is again being used to explain the inexplicable failure of Obama's administration to create jobs.

Major protests are largely driven by the aspirations and interests of the bourgeoisie middle-class.

“Downton Abbey” is somewhat entertaining -- but it depicts a Britain that no longer exists, or perhaps still exists in an extremely narrow slice of British society.

Zynga relied too much on Facebook.

Indians excel at spelling bees -- they won 11 of the past 15 national competitions run by Scripps.

I suspect that I’m like many of you. I want to believe Israeli-Palestinian peace is coming.

We are left as a society with a situation in which serious debates about rape are taboo.

Throughout my career as a journalist in Iran, I practiced self-censorship while also experiencing systematic censorship from authorities.

Love him or hate him, Liberace's influence extends to the present day, with a new HBO movie reviving interest in the performer.

When consulting with new clients, I give them a crash course on what to expect in China, especially if they've never been.

Senators John McCain and Carl Levin have now presided over what Senator Rand Paul rightly called a “show trial.”

At the beginning of 2013, Californians couldn’t stop singing Gov. Jerry Brown’s praises. But now he seems headed for a crash on the rocks.

In essence, Syria has become not just a gruesome civil war, but also a proxy war with significant global implications.

The verdict has arrived, and the critics have condemned yet another adaptation of “The Great Gatsby.”

Eric Schneiderman, like many New York attorneys general, is playing politics for the bleachers even though he’s hurting their case.

Joe Francis, creator of the "Girls Gone Wild" video series, is facing jail time after being convicted for assault.

Fully or partly absolving the bombers, they take aim at a harsh, cold, uncaring, and aggressive behemoth known as America.

The New York Post may face a defamation lawsuit over its infamous "Bag Men" cover. Could it just be one last hurrah for a dying brand?

Like my father, Besim was simply bewildered by the modern world and saddened by the inexorable destruction of traditional culture and mores.

At times Wonkbook is insufferable, at others, it’s hilarious -- hilarious in the “they-meant-to-do-it-even-though-they-didn’t-mean-to-do-it” way.

If you want a glimpse into the future of Obamacare, take a look at the hospital where I was born.

In terms of sports celebrity, Jason Collins is a "nobody"-- it is doubtful the average sports fan even knows who he is.