Political dysfunction. Partisanship at record levels. Attack politics run amok. And public approval of Congress scraping the single digits (Sen. John McCain is fond of saying it's down to blood rlatives and paid staff).

A central issue in U.S.-Polish relations right now is missile defense.

Though some liberals may view the supposed end of humanitarian intervention as a good thing, those in need of aid may view things differently.

Has the American way of life--the vision of an increasingly prosperous future--become a dream of the past?

Hugo Chavez is not long for governing, but he can dangerously retard democratic progress in Latin America.

Before the election, the government mobilized groups of thugs to harass voters. On the day of the election, police prevented thousands of opposition activists from voting at all. Nevertheless, when the votes were counted, it was clear that the opposition had won by a large margin. As a result, the ruling party decided to falsify the result, and declared victory. Immediately, the Russians sent their fraternal congratulations.

Would Seoul behave differently if Asia, like Europe, had a regional security organization committed to the survival of freedom and democracy?

The voters of the Palestinian Authority have just delivered Canada's incoming Harper government its first test.