A REOPENING, for now, of government, a postponement for a few months of a possible default on federal debts, a promise to negotiate again over fiscal disagreements — in a rational, functional world, these meager accomplishments would not be cause for celebration. In today’s Washington, they would count as achievements.

The partial government shutdown has extended two weeks, at great loss to many federal workers, contractors and people who depend on their service. By week’s end the Treasury may be unable to pay all its bills if Congress does not vote to lift the debt ceiling. That would be immensely damaging to the United States’ reputation and, potentially, to its economy.