Electronic Pen

William Greider After a brilliant beginning, President Obama appears to be abandoning his principles on healthcare by hedging on a public option. What should disappointed Democrats do?

• Ari Berman: Grassley & Baucus Hijack Healthcare

John Nichols A new poll shows most Americans oppose the war in Afghanistan. Isn't it time for Congress to check and balance President Obama's wrongheaded escalation of this fundamentally-flawed occupation?

Ann JonesThe upcoming election promises to be a farce, marred by backroom deals and voter fraud. Meanwhile, the US continues to militarize Afghanistan at an alarming rate.

John Nichols Infuriating, crude and often dead wrong--the late journalist also could leap across ideological, partisan and personal boundaries.

• Victor Navasky: The Rights of Journalists

Robert Dreyfuss The prospects for Afghanistan's election on Thursday are murky, at best. Not unlike Iraq, the country appears trapped in ethnic and sectarian politics.

Jeremy Scahill The private security company doesn't have a license to operate in Iraq, but the State Department continues to employ Erik Prince's armed mercenaries.

John Nichols If the public option is abandoned, what's left of reform? A healthcare "cure" that does not take on the insurance industry could be worse than the disease.

• Chris Hayes @ Netroots Nation: What Is the Public Option?