Marking Period 3: Columnist Article 3

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-bleak-look-at-americas-future/2011/12/09/gIQAAYmDjO_story.html

This week, Ignatius discovers a study predicting what America's role in the world and internal situation will look in 2030. The unclassified study, titled “Global Trends 2030,” is is being conducted by the National Intelligence Council. They predict an economic collapse in Europe that will affect America, who will only begin to recover very slowly. Ignatius believes in a slightly more optimistic view of the world. He trusts in America's ability to adapt and respond to a crisis because of their diverse population and military.

Marking Period 3: Columnist Article 2

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/post/pakistans-pique-and-the-afghan-war/2011/03/04/gIQAzMB1GO_blog.html

This week Ignatius writes about U.S relations with Pakistan. He summarizes that due to the accidental killing of defenseless Pakistani soldiers by the U.S, Pakistanis are boycotting an international conference. He shows his slight disapproval of this action when he states "That conference is one in which the Pakistanis might have played a crucial role (and made some new friends), but they’re staying away" (paragraph 3). The portion in parenthesis has a matter of fact tone that suggest Pakistan should have gone to the conference. Pakistan has also closed its border with Afghanistan to stop U.S military supplies from reaching their troops. Ignatius has a skeptical attitude about this move when he asks "do these actions... really suit Pakistan’s strategic interests?" (paragraph 7).