President Obama will give a speech tonight on the crisis in the Middle East. We used to speak of a “September 10th mentality” — a mentality that reigned on September 10, 2001, but that should have been abolished by events of the next day. A September 10th mentality was dangerous, we said.

Today is September 10th. Let us hope that Obama’s speech and policy do not express a September 10th mentality.

For the Australian, our David Pryce-Jones has written an essay about the Islamic State, or this emerging caliphate. The essay is the fruit of great learning, long experience, and devoted thought. (The characteristic literary style is just a bonus.) To read it, go here.