The financial crisis continues. BBC Q&A on the world market tumble, and experts talk about the causes of the credit crunch.
"The paradox of American policy in the Middle East is that almost everywhere there are free elections, the American-backed side tends to lose."
FRIDAY NEWS:
* Always a great read: LiveOnline transcript with Dan Froomkin on a lot of the hot issues from the week. (Bonus: astrology!)
* The UN looks at an expanded role in Iraq.
* Oh, and in case you missed it, Pakistan is in crisis, again.
* BAGnewsNotes on Time's excellent Katrina cover.
* "I have watched some of the most patriotic Middle Eastern immigrants I know wrongly accused of crimes - later shrugged off as intelligence 'mistakes.'"
* Coverage from the Democrats' gay-rights forum. Doesn't seem too debate-y, especially when no one disagrees.
* "A conservative Idaho lawmaker believes America's founding fathers would not have wanted a Muslim elected to Congress or a Hindu prayer delivered in the U.S. Senate."
* Southern Baptist seminary offers a new degree in homemaking - but don't worry, it's women-only.
Comedy gold: religious right group sues to be allowed to put flyers in kids' backpacks at public school, then gets bent out of shape when, you know, someone else takes advantage of it. (Courtesy
asimplelife.)