The One Thing That Could’ve Changed the War in Afghanistan
Had Osama bin Laden been killed or captured in December 2001, justice would have been served in the way Americans like: fast, hard, and cheap.
Biden’s Betrayal of Afghans Will Live in Infamy
Our abandonment of the Afghans who helped us, counted on us, and staked their lives on us is a final, gratuitous shame that we could have avoided.
The Deep Strangeness of the Catholic Church’s Latest Scandal
The outing of a top administrator of the nation’s conference of Catholic bishops as a regular Grindr user was clearly a story. But what kind?
The Fifth Narrative
Can the Biden administration build a more equal America?
Will the U.S. Pass a Point of No Return?
Don’t Be a Schmuck. Put on a Mask.
Generations of Americans made incredible sacrifices, and we’re going to throw fits about putting a mask over our mouth and nose?
#MeToo Has Changed the World—Except in Court
Judges continue to enforce a standard that makes proving claims of sexual harassment incredibly difficult.
Fear of COVID-19 in Kids Is Getting Ahead of the Data
Shielding children from danger is a fundamental instinct. Tolerating risk for them is hard—but necessary—emotional work.
What We Got Wrong in Afghanistan
Military officers like me thought we were building a capable Afghan security force. What did we get wrong? Plenty.
What Is Penn State Thinking?
One of the largest universities in the nation has a patchwork response to the coronavirus pandemic.
When They Fantasize About Killing You, Believe Them
The hyperbolic posturing of Trumpist extremists, repeated often enough, will have deadly consequences.
Greg Abbott Surrenders to the Coronavirus
The Texas governor’s warped priorities are allowing an extremist minority to worsen the pandemic.
It’s Not Just Andrew Cuomo
Albany is rife with affairs, harassment, and abuses of power.
Invasion of the Baby-Haters
Conservatives like J. D. Vance have invented a bogeyman of childlessness, and are using actual kids as political pawns.
Vaccine Refusers Risk Compassion Fatigue
After the horrors that health-care workers have endured during the pandemic, many are struggling to sympathize with people who won’t protect themselves.
Pay People to Vote
And other democracy reforms Congress could pass right now—even with the filibuster still in place
9/11 Was a Warning of What Was to Come
It was the first sign that the 21st century would be a period of shock and disaster.
I’ve Hit My Climate Tipping Point
Understanding global warming intellectually is not the same as feeling its presence in your daily life—or seeing photos of a 50-foot wall of fire.
History Was Never Subject to Democratic Control
Elite merchants put up a statue of a British slave trader. A band of protesters toppled it. Who decides what happens now?
Criminal-Justice Reformers Chose the Wrong Slogan
“Defund the Police” is a disaster. Under-policing is a form of oppression too.