I tried, but I failed. Twenty years on from 9/11, I thought I could write a nuanced retrospective on the worst terrorist attack in history, without focusing on the contradictions and inconsistencies that plague the story. I couldn’t do it. I’m not alone. Just last month, Spike Lee was forced to re-edit his new documentary series on New York and 9/11. HBO didn’t like the final episode, which featured interviews with scientists who have publicly voiced doubts that the twin […]

Some time around 1998, Richard Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld decided to pursue an idea they had discussed for a long time, that of using a domestic American crisis to reshape the world and the Middle East in particular, in a way they felt would be in America’s best interests. Cheney and Rumsfeld resolved to take control of the crisis as well as the response, ensuring that their goals were precisely met. As such, a plan was developed to mount a […]

As America winds down its longest and most successful war, it’s worth taking a moment to celebrate just how much of a triumph virtually every aspect of the Afghan conflict has been. Many long wars experience ups and downs, and a thousand years of history suggested America might fail in its mission, but only Joe Biden’s misguided decision to end hostilities blots this otherwise faultless copybook. First, naturally, let’s look at the profits. Pretty much everyone has made an unparalleled […]

This time there’s no doubt as to the protagonists. Donald Trump and senior members of his family and administration fomented a violent attack on the US Capitol, on the day the 2020 election results were due to be certified by Congress. The aim was clearly to disrupt or stop the vote count that confirmed Joe Biden as President. Rioters had come prepared, wearing gas masks and combat fatigues, and carrying plastic cuffs and pepper spray. Extremist groups had planned their […]

As Donald Trump rapidly fades from public life, it would be easy to imagine that the threat to America’s democracy has passed. Joe Biden’s first few months of administration have been competent, stable and popular. A degree of normalcy appears to be returning. Yet, rather than reflect on a brand that has lost the popular vote in seven of the last eight elections, Republicans have chosen instead to double-down on their commitment to minority rule. Driven in part by the […]