David Frum's Blog, page 187

David's Bookclub: Kill or Capture

The anniversary of 9/11 seems an appropriate day to finish reading my Newsweek colleague Daniel Klaidman's recent book, Kill or Capture: The War on Terror and the Soul of the Obama Presidency.

Whose Neglect Ushered in 9/11? Not Bush

Did the Bush administration neglect actionable information on the 9/11 terror plot before the attacks?

Obama No Hero in Dealing with Iran

Andrew Sullivan, Noah Millman and I have been debating whether the United States truly does face a stark alternative: either acquiesce in Iran's nuclear program -or bomb it. I've been arguing that it's way premature to give up hope that sanctions plus sabotage can work. Business Week reported yesterday more evidence that sanctions are biting:

Canadian Talks

Reposted From Saturday

Syria's Descent: Revolution To Holy War

The one reliable truth about the Middle East: things can always get worse.

Ignore Crist's Flip-Flopping, Focus On His Terrible Record

So says Eli Lehrer at the Huffington Post. Lehrer downplays (quite fairly) the accusations that former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is a political opportunist willing to say whatever will gain attention. Far more important, Lehrer argues, to take a look at his record as Florida's governor.

I Knew 1980 -- This Election Is No 1980

Greg Sargent goes to work today to debunk the 2012-1980 parallel.

Greetings From Your New Editor, Frumbeasters!

As many of you are well-aware, I have replaced Noah Kristula-Green (read his wonderful final post here) as the editor of this blog.

America's (Least) Favorite Mistress Tells All

The New Republic's Lisa De Paulo catches up with Rielle Hunter for some intimate girl talk. I know you are too high-minded to follow the click. Still ...

In The Red States, Half Of Every Democrat Is 'Kinda Republican'

Over in my wonderful state of Nebraska, former Sen. Bob Kerrey is running what will likely be a futile campaign to keep Sen. Ben Nelson's seat in the Democratic column. Kerrey's previous terms were quite liberal (among other things, he was one of 14 votes against the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996), but this year's campaign represents a sharp shift to the right.