Electronic Pen

Greg Grandin William Appleman Williams and the tragedy of American diplomacy.

• Barry Schwabsky: Hubbub and Stillness
• Back Talk: Adam Phillips and Barbara Taylor

Michael Tracey Bill Clinton's revelation that he now backs same-sex marriage may have political implications for the future of the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act.

• Richard Kim: Obama's Stonewall

John Nichols During the ongoing Senate confirmation hearings, Judge Sotomayor affirms Roe v. Wade and even charms some Republicans.

• GOP Senator: Attacks on Sotomayor Just 'Politics'

John Nichols At the Senate confirmation hearings, Sotomayor is grilled on her qualifications, Obama and race. Will this mark the beginning or the end of a truly American story?

Gerald Caplan The president's trip to Ghana proves that despite his African heritage he still has a lot to learn about the continent's history.

• Emira Woods: Africa's New 'Oil Gulf'

Katrina vanden Heuvel While Gen. McChyrstal launches a plan that may require thousands of additional troops in Afghanistan, antiwar sentiment grows in Britain.

John Nichols With new revelations about the former veep ordering the CIA to lie to Congress, Democrats have finally begun talking about an investigation that could hold him to account.

Jeff Kisseloff As the civil rights organization celebrates its 100th anniversary, a look at the role The Nation's founder played in its creation.

• Oswald Garrison Villard and the NAACP