A report makes the obvious, official. First, to confirm that the United States went to war on false premisses. Then, to observe that the war in Iraq has actually increased the terrorist threat, not decreased it. Will democratic candidates finally open a real debate on America's values, methods and goals now that they can be shielded by these findings? Their attitude in the torture debate, purposefully on the sidelines, leaves little cause for optimism.

A woman anchors a news broadcast solo in the United States, and it is major news.
Sad enough that the U.S. is only now catching up with the rest of the world, where women have anchored the nightly news for years.
Sadder: the pre-show flap was about a promotional photo of Ms. Kouric, photoshopped to make her appear slimmer.
Sadest: the post-first show babble is about the voice-over that introduced her - the legendary Walter Conkrite, the last anchor man that American considered the voice of authority, three decades ago. The news buzz is that Ms. Kouric was able to show the first pictures of Suri Cruise. The most famous yet unseen Hollywood heir was photographed by Vanity Fair, and the magazine graciously permitted CBS News to give its 22 pages spread maximum publicity.
A daddy, a baby, and a promotional tool: quite a launch!