John Adams’ Klinghoffer may portray Leon Klinghoffer’s murderers in a more sympathetic light than many might prefer, but it is neither an endorsement of nor an apology for the murder. It is, however, a morally questionable production, as the composer and librettist turned a family’s private grief into a public spectacle—against their will.

As winter approaches in Ukraine, the West doesn’t even appear to have a humanitarian plan ready.

People like to blame their current statesmen when the world takes a nasty turn. But this global meltdown has its roots with the generation of leaders at the helm in the wake of the collapse of communism.

It’s so unfair! Botch the public rollout of your most important domestic political program, fail to reform the VA after campaigning on a promise to do exactly that, and then make serial misjudgments about world affairs that see Russia launch a war against Ukraine even as the U.S. goes back into Iraq—and your opponents decide to make political hay out of it!

As Washington eagerly awaits help from Iran on ISIS as a sign of good will—help that certainly won’t come cheap—it’s hard to avoid the feeling that a historic opportunity for a lasting agreement with Iran has been lost due to Obama’s unwillingness to take a stronger position in the region.

Scotland’s resounding “No” vote is a welcome demonstration of the moderation and practicality that has made Great Britain the envy of all the world. But the entire episode has sounded the death knell of centralized government. Washington and Brussels, are you listening?

The Muslim Brotherhood appears to have been kicked out of Qatar, perhaps due to pressure from the Saudis, Egypt and UAE. And reports indicate that the MB may be headed to Turkey.

President Obama’s critics seem to be getting under his skin with their criticisms. But it appears the President doesn’t fully grasp the substance of his critics’ complaints about his leadership.

The ineptitude of Britain’s politicians have them scrambling to stop Scottish independence with only a week to go. But Britain’s inability to handle Scotland should raise flags in Brussels and Washington as well.

The most disconcerting element in the speech was that even now, six years into the job, President Obama still doesn’t know how to avoid telegraphing weakness even as he seeks to project strength.