David P. Goldman is a senior editor of First Things.

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Fr. Samir’s 111 Questions on Islam

From First Thoughts

Samir Khalid Samir, S.J. has devoted half a century to Islamic studies, and the English translation of his 2002 interview book on Islam is a welcome reminder that the subject of Islam can elicit more than shrillness. As an introduction to the subject and as an antidote to anodyne apologies, 111 . . . . Continue Reading »

Sen. Spector Announces Gender Switch

From First Thoughts

Washington, April 29 — Sen. Arlen Spector of Pennsylvania today announced that he will change gender, in addition to changing his party affiliation from Democratic to Republican.“Our polls indicate that Democratic voters in Pennsylvania thought they were voting for an ‘Arlene . . . . Continue Reading »

How Jewish is the State of Israel?

From Web Exclusives

Israel’s Independence Day, the 5th of Iyar according to the Jewish calendar, falls on April 29th this year. This is always an occasion to reflect on Israel’s prospects, and, as always, there is good news and bad news.Earlier this week the head of the Palestinian Authority, Muhammed Abbas, . . . . Continue Reading »

Obama’s handshake with Chavez

From First Thoughts

Hugo Chavez is a murderous kleptocrat who has bankrupted his country, condemned tens of millions to malnutrition despite the country’s (stolen) oil wealth, spied on the United States in cahoots with Fidel Castro and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, given a helping hand to terrorists—and unleashed the . . . . Continue Reading »

Impassioned Dialogue

From First Thoughts

Forget the cookies and tea, the polite mutual admiration societies, the committee draftsmanship of pious theses that plague the academic industry known as Jewish-Christian dialogue. Here we pour high-proof schnaps, straight from the barrel. The Christian-Jewish engagement is nothing, if it is . . . . Continue Reading »

Tough Times for Beauty Pageant Winners

From First Thoughts

Between the gay thought police and California and the Iranian mullahs, what’s a girl to do? Freelance journalist Roxana Saberi , Miss North Dakota for 1997, was convicted of espionage and sentenced to eight years in prison just before the public savaging of today’s Miss California, . . . . Continue Reading »