The capacity for self-delusion is worth understanding particularly given the multi-layered nonsense that Osama bin Laden represented.

New research about how the brain works and how that often works to blind us to verifiable proof.

Articles also on the fall out from bin Laden’s assassination particularly the questions it raises about Pakistan, China's risky economy, PIMCO's bond problem, the Wall Street Journal opines on Stephen Harper’s victory, details about the government’s likely economic agenda, the new electoral map, and welcoming the NDP to majority land.

Blinded by ourselves.

Mother Jones – The Science of Why We Don’t Believe Science
"A man with a conviction is a hard man to change.”

Quote worth quoting.

“The theory of motivated reasoning builds on a key insight of modern neuroscience (PDF): Reasoning is actually suffused with emotion”

After killing Bin Laden, the spies found a jackpot of intelligence in his liar.

Wall Street Journal – Massive Intelligence Haul
The minute U.S. troops reached Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan, they set in motion not just the takedown of the world's most-wanted terrorist, but also the largest potential intelligence coup of the post-9/11 era.

And the US finds out that Pakistan may not be the most reliable ally.

Financial Times – Pakistan: Caught Off Guard
When Osama bin Laden chose as his refuge the Pakistani garrison city of Abbottabad, he deployed one of the oldest tricks in the book of subterfuge. Indeed, the nation that was long suspected to have been hosting him has a neat Urdu proverb that describes feats of brazen deception achieved in broad daylight: “The darkness is deepest under the lamp.”

What the Bin Laden assassination tells us about the President.

Economist – The Killing of Osama bin Laden
"THERE'S an old poster out West that says: Wanted Dead or Alive."

The Bin Laden trade and market inefficiency.

New York Times – Bin Laden and Inefficient Markets
Someone else could have made a killing yesterday.

 

Robert Fisk on what’s next in the region.

Independent -- If this is a US victory, does that mean its forces should go home now?

So why are we in Afghanistan?

It is always remarkable how the closed, authoritarian, economically manipulated economies capture our imagination, countries that for a time seem unbeatable but ultimately cannot adjust to become open and flexible: Italy in 19-20, Germany in 19-30, Russia in 19-70, Japan in 19-80, and I think, China today.

George Magnus on the risks embedded in the Chinese economy.

Financial Times – China Risks Credit Fueled Minsky Moment
China is widely seen as a beacon of sustained economic expansion and financial stability, in contrast to a troubled western world.

Bill Gross writes about the Bond Ship Titanic. Thanks to Russell of Victoria for sending this in.

Pdf below – The Caine Mutiny (Part II)

The Wall Street Journal suggests the Republican Party head north to learn about how to run an economy. (ed’s note – they forget to mention how the Federal Reserve and Chinese currency manipulation have created the commodity boom that is fueling Canada’s economy).

Wall Street Journal – What Canadians Want
Canadian Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper's landslide victory in Monday's election, capturing the first center-right majority since 1988, is a tutorial in economics as much as politics. Aspiring Presidential candidates south of the 49th parallel, please take note.

TD Economics on likely Conservative economic policy.

Pdf below -- Flash Update Much Ado about Nothing for Investors

The Prime Minister’s first majority steps.

Globe and Mail – Majority Man
His majority mandate in hand, Stephen Harper is preparing to recall Parliament within weeks and keep the Commons sitting until the 2011 budget is approved – setting the stage for a whirlwind session that will cram a lot into a short time frame as summer looms.

 

Related.

Election Map

What awaits the non-Conservative members of the House. Thanks to Ross of Etobicoke for sending in the cartoon.

Chronicle Herald – Layton Should Check His Illusions at Stronoway’s Door
Jack Layton could be cooling his heels by the telephone for a while.

 

Majority Land

10 Lessons from the election.

National Post -- Ten Lessons to Learn from the 2011 Election