Obama’s Invisible Achievement

E.J. Dionne Jr. / Truthdig Aug 24, 2009 If governments had not acted aggressively, the economic situation would have become a cataclysm. But because the cataclysm was avoided, this is an invisible achievement. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Change You Can Translate

E.J. Dionne Jr. / Truthdig Mar 30, 2009 If there is a trend in democratic nations now, it is toward younger politicians who express disenchantment with the status quo, more by questioning past approaches than by offering fully worked-out alternative systems. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Australia PM Calls Fires ‘Mass Murder’

Staff / Truthdig Feb 9, 2009 Wildfires sweeping across southern Australia have killed more than 170 people, a number that is expected to rise. With news that arson could be to blame for some of the fires, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said, "There are no words to describe it other than mass murder." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Liberals’ Lesson Down Under

E.J. Dionne Jr. / Truthdig Nov 27, 2007 Kevin Rudd, Australia's new prime minister, combines iron discipline with a puckish sense of humor, political toughness with a reflective spiritual side, and a youthful disposition with an old pro's skill at divining where a majority lies. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Shakeup Down Under

Staff / Truthdig Nov 26, 2007 While we Americans were gorging ourselves on turkey and dressing, Australians were busy voting out their Prime Minister John Howard, who has been one of President Bush's closest allies. His successor, Kevin Rudd, has pledged to sign the Kyoto climate treaty, withdraw from Iraq and apologize to aborigines for Australia's past abuses. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Politics Down Under

E.J. Dionne Jr. / Truthdig Aug 22, 2007 One of George Bush's staunchest allies in the war is facing stiff competition at home. Australian Prime Minister John Howard is currently losing in the polls to a dynamic opponent in a political battle that could foreshadow the American election. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )