Ralph Peters believes the latest fighting in Iraq is indicative of the Iraqi government stepping up to the plate, which is something critics here in the U.S. have wanted for some time. The most significant thing to come out of the recent fighting in Basra and elsewhere is that the leaders of the Iraqi government have decided that the time has come to rid themselves of these unlawful, private militias, especially the Mahdi Army of Moqtada al Sadr. If they are able to disarm that militia (or destroy it), they will have gone a long way toward establishing the rule of law in Iraq.

Bill Kristol has these thoughts on the shape of the upcoming general election battle for President. I share the pessimism he finds in Conservative ranks, but also the glimmer of hope that Obama might be found wanting when he faces the pressure of a campaign against McCain.

Another story on how hard it is to save money in the Medicare program.

The Olympic flame is snuffed in Paris.

Henry Kissinger believes we need a real debate on a foreign policy that recognizes the changes going on in the international order. Of course, such a debate won't happen.

Jackson Diehl believes the only road map in the Middle East right now is the one leading to a war in Gaza. I think he is quite right.