The Economically Free Fare Better: According to the 12th annual Index of Economic Freedom, nations with the “most economic freedom also have higher rates of long-term economic growth and are more prosperous that are those with less economic freedom.” The index, compiled by the Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal, reports that 99 of the 157 countries graded improved their overall scores, while 51 fell lower and five were unchanged. We are glad to note that the US regained top 10 standing. It fell out last year for the first time. As one of the two “least-free economies” in North Africa and the Middle East, Iran fell even lower this year. Will its nuke-seeking frenzy compensate
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.