As great forces of history converge to human scale, this modern-day boom town feels like the Wild West but without the confident self-reliance: the articulate residents are painfully aware of the close link between their sustenance and their misery, and international bureaucrats reveal a terrible disconnection from the reality on the ground as they encourage the unchecked development.

NEWYORKER: Darwin's Nightmare

Some property owners, however, said they fear the easements could encourage development in front of their homes, including commercial businesses and boardwalks.

WSJ: Homeowners Draw a Line in the Sand Over Dunes

And we will continue to weigh in and encourage Iraqi leaders to make smart decisions as they continue to move forward with the development of their democracy.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing