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Iraq's conflict is a civil war, according to most American academics who specialize in the subject, the New York Times reported Nov. 26. "I think at this time, and for some time now, the level of violence in Iraq meets the definition of civil war that any reasonable person would have," said JAMES FEARON, professor of political science. With at least 50,000 reportedly killed since March 2003, Fearon and political science Professor DAVID LAITIN place the conflict on par with wars in Burundi and Bosnia—in the top ranks of civil wars of the last half-century. They say it's crucial that policymakers and news media organizations recognize the Iraq conflict for what it is. "Why should we care how it is defined, if we all agree that the violence is unacceptable?" Laitin asked. "Here is my answer: There is a scientific community that studies civil wars and understands their dynamics and how they, in general, end. This research is valuable to our nation's security."
The New York Times reported Nov. 27 that new mobile devices designed to allow users to make free or low-cost phone calls over the Internet are taking advantage of the burgeoning number of wireless access points in cafes, parks, businesses and even private homes. "There's a big debate going on right now," said JENNIFER GRANICK, executive director of the Center for Internet and Society at Stanford Law School. While some people believe that using a connection without permission constitutes unauthorized access to computers, which is a crime, others disagree. Granick argues that using Wi-Fi is not the same as trespassing, since the signal travels beyond the property limits. "People say that you can't go inside somebody's house; but I say, you can sit outside and listen to the radio," she said. She adds that the situation is different when the owner of a wireless network requires a password. "If it's secured, it's marked as off limits," she said.
Social scientists at Stanford and the University of California-Berkeley have zeroed in on what an intoxicating elixir power can be, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Nov. 19. Their new studies reveal that power acts to lower inhibitions, much the same as alcohol does. "Disinhibition is the very root of power," said DEBORAH GRUENFELD, professor of organizational behavior at the Graduate School of Business. "For most people, what we think of a 'power plays' aren't calculated and Machiavellian—they happen at the subconscious level. Many of those internal regulators that hold most of us back from bold or bad behavior diminish or disappear. When people feel powerful, they stop trying to 'control themselves.'"