“The Great Sea” by David Abulafia
David Abulafia, Professor of Mediterranean History at Cambridge University and author of the authoritative biography of Frederick II of the Hohenstaufen, has written a masterly, entertaining and eminently readable human history of the Mediterranean.
Elections and Instability in Algeria
The May 10 elections are not a sign that the Arab Spring is coming to Algeria. Algeria’s current political system, is entirely dominated by the FLN, and allows almost no room for any type of genuine democratic practice. “Algerian rulers have missed another opportunity and are playing with fire.”
Has Austerity Gone too Far?
Giancarlo Corsetti, Professor of macroeconomics at the University of Cambridge asks “Is austerity self-defeating? Is it keeping Europeans under-employed for years and destroying the very growth needed to pay off the debt? Or is it steering nations clear of Greek-like tragedies?”
The State of Somali Union
Abdinur Mohamud, former Somalia Minister of Education argues that if Somalia is to become a politically stable, economically viable, and peaceful nation that can compete with other African countries, clan-dominated federal states must be made a thing of the past.
“Europe in the Looking Glass”
Robert Byron’s first book written at the age of 21 has just been republished. It has been out of print for over 80 years but fans of “The Road to Oxiana” may have their loyalty sorely tested!
Sex and Myth in Ancient Rome
An entertaining and informative look at the background to the myth of Romulus and Remus, with flying phalluses appearing from chimneys and sexuality in the Roman Empire; the innumerable brothels and the Roman obsession with subjugation – of all kinds.
Mali’s Tuareg Rebellion
This interview with Andy Morgan offers a detailed and fascinating look at the background to the Tuareg conflict in Mali. Tracing the unrest back over 50 years, he looks at the outside influences of Muammar Gaddafi, local Al Qaeda groups, Algeria and Mauritania.
Carbon Blood Money in Honduras
A grim reminder of how market schemes designed to “offset” carbon emissions play out when they encounter the complicated reality on the ground.
Underground Humanity
Interview with Kassem Aina, the man behind the Beit Aftal Assomoud project in the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. He talks about life in the camps and the work he does providing welfare and humanitarian assistance.
An Education in Looking
The London Royal Academy hosts David Hockney’s “A Bigger Picture” exhibition of new landscape works before it moves on to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Museum Ludwig in Cologne. Alessandra Quattrocchi was smitten by the show.