Great Weekend Reads

The internet sends its first lobbyist to Washington, the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell celebrates its first anniversary and President Obama brandishes his secret campaign weapon...Mitt Romney.

No matter how you cut it, it's been a big week for the world. Here's a sampling of the most important stories from GlobalPost and a look at some of the news you may have missed.

 

Anti-US protests: Was it all politics?
The anti-American furor that gripped Cairo last week may say more about local political rivalries than anyone's views about the United States or Islam.

 

 

 

 

Obama unleashes secret campaign weapon
His name is Mitt Romney, and he seems intent on doing everything he can to help the president get re-elected.

 

 

 

 

The internet sends its first official lobbyist to Washington
Several of the web's most prolific corporations are sending their own lobbyists to Washington to advance a platform of a free and open internet.

 

 

 

 

UK royals: Topless anger, bottomless support?
Britons are happy with their monarchs… until they step out of line.

 

 

 

 

 

The Drone Age: Are Iran's drones coordinating attacks in Syria?
A growing body of evidence suggests Iran has been supplying the Syrian regime with drones that are used to target attacks on rebels and civilians.

 

 

 

 

DADT: A year of serving openly (PHOTOS)
Here's a selection of some of the best shots that have surfaced on Instagram since the US military's Dont Ask, Don't Tell policy was repealed on September 20, 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Somalia gears up for final offensive against Al Shabaab
Although the military is expected to defeat Africa's most-sophisticated Al Qaeda affiliate, it's unlikely to fully destroy it.

 

 

 

 

The Earth Project: Solar Flare
Video: Australian scientists develop a paint that turns the sun's rays into electricity.

 

 

 

 

 

Planet Pic: How do US missions protect themselves?
Photos: With attacks on US embassies igniting across the Middle East, it is worth looking at the fortifications that US missions contain — and what happens when those defenses fail. 

 

 

 

 

Arctic resource race heats up as new record melt announced
Countries and corporations commit resources to carving out a piece of the melting Arctic.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/offbeat/120921/great-weekend-reads