The Iraq experience has shattered some dangerous neo-conservative illusions that have warped US policy in the post-9/11 era.
These illusions include the belief that preventive war is justified to combat rogue states, the belief that democracy is an export commodity, and the belief in Pax Americana.
And the collapse of these illusions is a good thing, for America and the world. More
Goldilocks economy
Like some tasty breakfast oats simmering in their milk, it's very hard to keep an economy at the perfect temperature for long. More
A preventable tragedy
The inquiry into the death of the 'little Gungaleeda girl' should help highlight the plight of Indigenous health care in Australia. More
Policy alignment
The policy issues advanced by the independents line up better with Labor's stated positions than they do with the Coalition's. More
Gillard's Parliament 'renovation' looks like it's going to be a surprise-reveal job. More
Remains discovered in Belanglo Forest bring the Ivan Milat horror to the present. More
Which has more dignity, maintain a public silence in the face of grief, or tell all to ACA? More
We have been seduced into thinking that it's all right to bet on the democratic process. More
The News of the World's no-balls sting highlights the ease with which deals are done. More
Consider this your official cut out 'n' keep guide to the new minister for Longman. More
What will happen in coming weeks and how do constitutional conventions apply? More
It's clear what the independents want is some stability over the coming years. More
Obama wasn't glued to the federal election, it would have given him heartburn anyway. More
The major parties will trade off policies they want in favour of things the independents want. More
More significant, perhaps, is that Australia's hung Parliament reflects the post-GFC divisions that are now haunting the world. More
Who's right and who's wrong on the fiscal stimulus? The first thing to know is this is not a neutral debate about the numbers. More
So why do politicians set themselves up for possible failure, by promising to meet very specific fiscal goals in a rapidly changing economic landscape? More
Proof again that Labor will do ANYTHING to stay in power! Its a shame there is not a shorter time limit after an election before a new Government must be announced, this is taking too long.
custard, on Gillard on parliamentary reform: rank opportunism (via story comment)
Looks like a sound and constructive set of concessions there. It will go a long way toward improving the nation, and may also help voters in general to understand that the Greens aren't a bunch of hippies trying to get legal pot. It will, unfortunately, make it harder for the three right-wing independents to join Labor though.
Simon Fuller, on concessions secured in the Greens' deal with Labor (via Facebook)
Jewel tells the story of the band she formed with Sarah Palin and what led to their eventual break up.
Perhaps Matthew Newton and Channel Seven have realised that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Leanne Jarchow jogs along a highway on her way from Murray Bridge in South Australia to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne on August 28, 2010. Ms Jarchow earlier paddled 2,500 kilometres down the Murray River in a kayak. She plans to arrive at the hospital on Father's Day with money she has raised from the trip. (Manfred Jarchow)
Are you losing patience with the balance of power independents?
It's not just independents; anyone prepared to barter their vote can strike gold, says Peter Costello in the National Times.
"In the current situation, every member of Parliament can become a Katter or a Windsor - and some will be sorely tempted. Such an unstable situation can only be resolved by the next election which, for these reasons, is likely to be brought on sooner rather than later."
John Dawson, in The Australian, says the term liberal has changed but now it's going back to its original meaning.
"Abbott has a long, long way to go to deserve the moniker liberal, but if he uses it to denote defence of liberty, of the freedom to think, speak, aspire, act and keep the property so produced, he uses it legitimately. Welcome home, prodigal liberal."
The exit of combat troops doesn't end the nation's disorder, writes Ryan C. Crocker in The Washington Post.
"It is not a record of failure but an illustration of the enormity of the challenges in Iraq. How successfully Iraqis deal with these challenges has a great deal to do with the level of U.S. engagement going forward, including the process of government formation."
Conspiracy theories are an issue progressives can no longer ignore, writes Carl Miller in Left Foot Forward.
"We all have a responsibility to speak out against intolerance and bigotry, and also to speak out and confront conspiracy theories when we encounter them."
Go behind the scenes with ABC news journalists as they cover the news agenda around Australia.
Share ABC psephologist Antony Green's expertise as he analyses all things electoral.
The Buzz is ABC News Online's way of casting a critical eye over entertainment news from Australia and the world.
ABC Sport Online's daily take on the world of sport.
Complex systems adapt to change. But what happens when they're pushed beyond a tipping point?
Australia is wary of a new military headquarters in East Timor that was built with help from China.
People who experience migraines may have inherited an abnormality in the nerves and blood vessels in the brain.
The Katter family has held the sprawling Queensland seat of Kennedy for 51 of the past 54 years.
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It's very sad that these animals have been afflicted by this condition, I have seen them on a trip to Tasmania and they are truly unique. I hope a cure is found soon.
Mark, on Cancer-related death for Cedric the devil (via story comment)