Book Review

Title: "Making Trade Fair"
Author: Joseph Stiglits
Ranking: 9/10

This is a great book for those who are interested in international trade and development. Joseph Stiglitz, who is a Nobel Prize winning economist, is well know for his time leading the World Bank, being a top economic advisor for Clinton, and writing works such as "Globalization and it Discontents". This book begins by describing the history and current trends of trade relations and theory. He then goes on to argue that the means of agreeing upon and results of global trade rules are manifestly unfair for the poorest countries. Poor countries often do not have the money or influence to legally represent their interests. The result of this is that trade decisions get made by a club of 'elite' countries. This bulk of this book discusses what a true 'development' round of global trade talks would look like that could benefit all sides, especially the poorest countries. This book represent a clear choice between a just and unjust trading system. I highly recommend it.

Book Review

Name: "Storm from the East"
Author: Milton Viorst
Ranking: 9/10

I have just finished an relatively short but entirely engaging new book about the interaction of Western colonialism and rising Arab nationalism in the 20th century, peticularly after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. The book is called "Storm from the East" by Milton Viorst. I highly recommend it. I think it gives a very fair account of this relationship, being objectively critical of both sides, and providing a narrative that helped me better understand the Middle East today and why its animosity towards the West is so great.

Mona and Chris got married this weekend. It was a beautiful location and ceremony, I am very happy for them!! Now they are moving to Phoenix to start their life. Wonderful!