Wall Street Will Reform Washington
As Obama brings his case for bank reform to New York, he’s got political momentum. But even if financial reform passes, the markets will still find ways to overpower government.
Health Care Strangles Bank Reform!
The Senate takes up financial reform this week, but after a bruising battle over Obamacare, nobody’s up for a fight. Jeffrey E. Garten on why a milquetoast bill is the best we can hope for.
Bust Up the Banks
With financial reform Obama’s next big push, Jeffrey Garten reviews Simon Johnson’s buzzy new book that calls for massive intrusion by the federal government.
Courting Trouble With China
Washington’s campaign to get Beijing to revalue its currency risks a trade war—and another recession. Jeffrey E. Garten talks to Chinese officials about America’s dangerous game.
Preventing Another Bank Disaster
It’s been two years since the Fed and JP Morgan rode to Bear Stearns’ rescue, heralding a wave of federal bailouts. Jeffrey E. Garten on why so little has been done since to prevent another collapse.
Another Toothless Wall Street Probe
The Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, meeting anew this weekend to finger culprits in the global credit bust, is well-meaning, full of smart people—and utterly useless.
The Greek Threat
The strikes in Athens are the least of it. Jeffrey E. Garten on the ripple effects of Greece’s financial woes on world markets—and why nothing less than European unity is at stake.
We're Handling China All Wrong
As Obama meets with the Dalai Lama at the White House today, Jeffrey E. Garten says it’s just a sideshow—and explains how to fix the fundamental flaw in U.S. policy toward Beijing.
Happy Birthday, Stimulus
A year ago this week, Obama signed the biggest single spending bill in U.S. history. What followed has dismayed his fans and stretched our political fabric to the breaking point.
A Greek Economic Tragedy
Athens’ money mess has already triggered one spasm in the global markets. Jeffrey E. Garten on how this week could be worse—and set off a long-overdue confrontation over the West’s public debt.