The birdsong of Nazi propaganda that shook Europe
The former Nazi social engineering complex known as Vogelsang Ordensburg offers us a timely reminder of how vulnerable democracy can be in the face of extremist ideology.
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World War II
World peace is no naïve or utopian cliché. It’s the only way to save humanity from itself
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the major power tension it has created, has sparked fears of a wider conflict. While World War III is unlikely, World Annihilation War I only requires a misstep or miscalculation by one nuclear-armed man or another. That’s why we urgently need nuclear disarmament and world peace.
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“Never again or forever more?” asks veteran war reporter
I was almost certain that the Russian invasion of Ukraine would not take place. I was at an utter loss as to what the Kremlin could hope to achieve with such a clearly insane military venture. Staring at the endlessly scrolling explosions of narcissistic hatred on social media, I wonder what I, who once believed in the ‘never again’ mantra, still have to offer in this post-fact age of sabotaged attention spans.
Read MoreThe tragic consequences of Gaza’s endless catch-22s
Israel will not lift its blockade of Gaza until Hamas is removed from power, but Hamas will not fall so long as there is a blockade. This is just one of the many tragic, circular paradoxes in which Gaza is entrapped.
Read MoreWhite extinction and the mythical menace of multiculturalism
Despite the paranoid conspiracy theories and fear-mongering of the extreme right, cultural diversity is a beautiful and wondrous thing.
Read MoreThe 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 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 IV: The rich texture of the original Hamburger
Hamburg has been minded by many nations but owned by none. This is visible in the city’s openness, resourcefulness and rebelliousness.
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