A nation whose citizens have been largely turned off to politics held Barack Obama in a fervent embrace, viewing America once again as a place of new possibilities.

The media was enthused, but ordinary Israelis, cynical about their own political leaders, gave Obama a muted reception. The refrain here is "No, they can't," not "Yes, he can."

Barack Obama is betraying his promise of change and is in danger of becoming just another political hack. Please prove me wrong.

An Iraqi government desperate for credibility could receive no better gift than Obama's exit plan.

He says Afghanistan is the war America should be fighting. But on this much-ballyhooed listening tour, will he be hearing anything he doesn't already know?

Jesse Jackson's gaffe demonstrates that the days of being able to think out loud are over.

If Obama is lucky, he will continue to benefit from these energized, sophisticated activists who support his candidacy while they press his hand.

Barack Obama could put his entire candidacy at risk if his audacity on the war in Iraq continues to shrivel.

With little to lose and everything to gain, Obama has lifted high the cross. But are there invisible strings attached?

Barack Obama may yet become the reform President who rearranges power on behalf of the people. But he'll need to resist the brotherhood of cozy insiders.