America is eager to stand tall once again

But Obama promises to escalate the Afghan war and fight terror. What sort of fresh start does he offer?

General Petraeus’s surge has failed in every respect

Copying the unsuccessful strategy in Afghanistan would be an unmitigated disaster, says Lee Jones

US Election 2008: your print-and-keep guide

An hour-by-hour breakdown of when the states will announce results in the presidential, Senate and House races

Republicans get ready for the political wilderness

The best they can hope for is that President Obama will get mired in wars against Iran and Afghanistan

Economy: a trillion reasons to be gloomy

From the US to Saudi Arabia, there are no sign of recovery reports Philip Delves Broughton

Toot: a very convenient grandmother

Grandma Dunham has played a key role for Obama. But she’s never been more valuable than now, says Charles Laurence

Cindy, the people’s First Lady

Presidential wannabe John McCain’s wife invokes comparisons with Princess Diana’s tragic life story

Prophet Obama smites king McCain

Theo Hobson sees parallels between the leaders of ancient Israel and God's modern day elect, America

Where is Ralph Nader when we need him?

Another weak debate advertises the absence of an effective third force in American politics