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As we finally exit Iraq, we are leaving some soldiers behind, but what we are leaving behind that is really important is the internet, because studies have shown that there can be no modern democracies without it.

As the last combat troops withdraw from Iraq, the country’s citizens are left to sort out their future. New research shows that digital media, such as mobile phones and the Internet, have become all but essential in building democracies. We saw for ourselves every night on the TV news how close cell phone videos came to bringing down the current government in Iran. We’ve also seen how countries like China censor the internet, because they fear its power.
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And fat because you’re depressed! – It turns out that if you’re depressed because you’re fat (no surprise there), you’re likely to get even FATTER, especially in the place you dread being fat the most: our stomach. But there ARE some surprises to be found out there. For instance, if you’re worried about your memory, a fat tummy HELPS that!

Sociologist Sociology Belinda Needham says, “We found that in a sample of young adults during a 15-year period, those who started out reporting high levels of depression gained weight at a faster rate than others in the study, but starting out overweight did not lead to changes in depression.
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Fundamentalist Christians and some Islamic extremists believe that the Battle of Armageddon will be triggered by an attack on Israel. Here, William Henry asks author Michael Baigent a crucial and frightening question: are extremist fundamentalists actually trying to cause such a war in the Middle East in hope of triggering the end of the world and their own supposed ascension into heaven?

Listen as William Henry questions expert Michael Baigent about this provocative and crucially important topic.

NOTE: This show summary, previously published on our old site, may contain broken links.read more

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Before it explodes – Would international travel or internet sites and documentary films about foreign places help stop jihadist attacks? Could student foreign exchanges help as well? All these things could help end terrorism if they cause terrorists to be less identified with their own ethnic group.

New research shows that people with extremely strong ties to their countries or groups are not only willing, but eager, to sacrifice themselves to save their compatriots. the majority of what psychologists call “fused” people, those who view themselves as completely immersed in a group (be it ethnic, national or other), are willing to commit extreme acts for what they consider to be the “good” of their compatriots.
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