The Ghost City by George Friedman

The Ghost City
George Friedman
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/18292

Here is an illuminating article on the economic role New Orleans has played
historically (and now) as a major port in the USA. The Mississippi river is,
of course, of tremendous importance as a shipping lane for many things, I
gather (notably agricultural products); consequently, the author feels that
New Orleans will have to be rebuilt to service the port.

While you're at it, you might want to check out a rather disturbing article
on John Roberts at http://www.nybooks.com/articles/18291 .

The folks in New York should be very proud of your New York Review of
Books–as with so many other things in New York, it is genuinely important.

ja