Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- February 27, 2015

Virginia Postrel, Bloomberg: How Spock Became a Sex Symbol

When "Star Trek" debuted in 1966, showing a beautiful black woman and a dashing Asian man as bridge officers was an idealistic political statement. Turning someone who looked like Leonard Nimoy into a sex symbol, however, was entirely unintentional.

Before he played Spock, Nimoy, who died today at 83, played a surprising number of parts as Indians and Mexicans in the Old West. With his long, thin face, prominent nose and deep smile lines, he looked like The Other.

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- February 27, 2015

Why Did Israel Decide to Support Syrian Rebels? -- Jacky Hugi, US News and World Report/Al-Monitor

The Guardian view on Libya: more diplomacy, not bombs, required -- The Guardian editorial

America is the ally that Egypt needs -- David Ignatius, Washington Post

China's Fertile Ground for Islamic State -- Adam Minter, Bloomberg

As Abe pushes for more robust military, Japanese push back -- Peter Ford, CSM

Somalia's 'pirate capital' is its best kept secret -- Hamza Mohamed, Al Jazeera

After year of conflict, Ukrainians believe they’re fighting for survival -- Matthew Schofield, Stars and Stripes/McClatchy Foreign Staff

Did This Russian Oligarch Come Up With Putin’s Ukraine Strategy? -- Joshua Keating, Slate

The horror of ‘Jihadi John’ and the ‘Jihadi Janes’ coming to join him -- John Lloyd, Reuters

Transformation of 'Jihadi John' — from quiet Briton to suspected killer -- Alexandra Zavis, Stars and Stripes/Los Angeles Times

MI5 and Mohammed Emwazi: agency must answer serious questions -- Ewen MacAskill, The Guardian

Mecca debate challenges Obama narrative: ‘The terror we face … is religiously motivated’ -- Douglas Ernst, The Washington Times

In Cuba, home of future U.S. Embassy has stories to tell -- Tracy Wilkinson, Stars and Stripes/Los Angeles Times

Saudis’ Oil Price War Is Paying Off -- Grant Smith and Anthony Dipaola, Bloomberg