The mediocrity of evil
Many of the leaders held up as representing the epitome of evil were extraordinarily and spectacularly untalented, incapable and incompetent. With this mediocrity of evil, it is almost a wonder that they managed to rise to the top at all.
Read MoreThe demographic dimension: The role of population growth in the Arab uprisings
Decades of unprecedented population growth have played a significant role in Arab regime repression, the two main waves of revolutions that swept the region, and the fierce counterrevolutions that followed.
Read MoreAnzac Day: Digging beneath the myth of the unruly Australian digger
Despite their reputation for being undisciplined and insubordinate, Australian soldiers who fought in World War I, known as ‘diggers’, were fiercely courageous and disciplined where it mattered – on the battlefield. These rebels with a cause would play a pivotal role in defining modern Australian identity.
Read MoreShamima Begum: Citizenship is a universal right, even for ISIS members
The death of the infant son of Shamima Begum underscores the injustice of depriving alleged terrorists and jihadis of their citizenship. It also sets a dangerous precedent that can come back to haunt and hurt everyone in society.
Read MoreBad blood or blood libel: When is criticism of Israel anti-Semitic?
While critics of Israel can be anti-Semitic, many who criticise Israel harbour a deep respect of and love for Jews. Similarly, supporting the Jewish state is not necessarily a manifestation of philo-Semitism and can stem from anti-Semitic motives.
Read MoreThe road less travelled – part II: Overwhelmed at Overloon
As Christian Nielsen takes the road less travelled this summer, he uncovers the volatile, violent past hidden under the tranquil, peaceful present of the Dutch village of Overloon.
Read MoreWhen Mariette met the Virgin Mary
The Virgin Mary appeared eight times to a child in Belgium and the rest is ‘alternative history’
Read MoreAlt-jihad – Part I: When white extremists are dying to kill
In the first of a series of articles exploring the disturbing parallels between radical Islamic and white/Christian extremism, Khaled Diab examines whether far-right suicide attackers could become a phenomenon.
Read MoreThe generous of the earth in the most wretched of places
If you’re feeling dejected by the troubled times we live in, remember that human generosity lives on, even in the most wretched of places.
Read MoreISIS and the mash of civilisations
Counterintuitive as it may sound, ISIS is proof that the clash of civilisations is a myth. The reality is that interests clash, while cultures mix.
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