We all might ask ourselves why we tune in to these more trivial matters and tune out when it comes to Darfur

Our national leaders tend to try to protect the national interest as they see it. They may screw up in that, but they at least see that as their role. In contrast, where issues of our national values are involved, which covers pretty much any humanitarian issue, they pretty much drop the ball.

I think when hundreds of thousands of lives are on the line, you might have to set aside some principles.

So Kim Kardashian is getting a divorce, 72 days after a wedding that is variously reported to have cost $10 million or more. Just to put that in perspective, that sum could have built 200 schools in poor countries around the world for kids who desperately want an education. Then Kardashian could have helped transform the world, not just entertain it. And the schools would have lasted incomparably longer than her marriage.

The greatest threat to extremism isn't drones firing missiles, but girls reading books.

Isn't it time to talk not only about weather, but also about climate?

In much of the world, the most dangerous thing a woman can do is become pregnant.