* On the ground in Aleppo in the Syrian civil war.
* The handoff in Afghanistan struggles to take hold.
* Five myths about the middle class.
* Asking how much income inequality people want in their country.
* Oh, and in case (like me) you haven't been following the Olympics, Romney's horse didn't take the medal in dressage.
* "Survival lessons From an ancient failed city."
* Noted Batmanologist Chris Sims on the classic The Dark Knight Returns.