As we sail into the year ahead --

Check out "Why the Arab Spring Is Here to Stay"

Newsweek Issues 2012: Why the Arab Spring Is Here to Stay, 17 December 2011

No matter how desperately the remnants of the old regimes may try, the Arab awakening cannot be reversed. Here's why.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2011/12/17/why-the-arab-spring-is-here-to-stay.html

Check out an Arab Spring 'Animal Farm,' and the latest chapter in a true crime saga

Newsweek: An Arab Spring Update of Orwell's "Animal Farm," 12 Dec 2011
It's a shame George Orwell didn't live to see the Arab Spring. We can only imagine the tale he would have written.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2011/12/11/an-arab-spring-update-of-orwell-s-animal-farm.html

Newsweek: Is a Doctor From Florida Joran van der Sloot's New Conquest?,12 Dec 2011
The Dutch sociopath accused of murder sits in a dirty Peruvian prison awaiting trial. Has he just charmed another victim?
http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2011/12/11/is-a-doctor-from-florida-joran-van-der-sloot-s-new-conquest.html

Check out "The O Word," an elaboration on the themes in last week's video

The Daily Beast: The O Word: Christopher Dickey on What Occupation Means Today, 6 Dec 2011
Terrorists and freedom fighters the world over claim they are up against foreign occupation. But Americans find that idea hard to fathom—especially when we are the occupiers, says Christopher Dickey.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/12/06/the-o-word-christopher-dickey-on-what-occupation-means-today.html

Check out "The Meaning of Occupation," an "op-vid" on The Daily Beast

The Daily Beast Video: The Real Meaning of Occupation, 1 Dec 2011
Occupation. It is a word spoken—and unspoken—that's at the center of the issues in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and, yes, Wall Street. But what does it really mean? And what is its significance? Christopher Dickey explains.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/11/30/christopher-dickey-the-real-meaning-of-occupation-video.html