Writing Worth Reading
Writing Worth Reading
"Bahrain has become a symbol of the failure of the Arab Spring to deliver real democracy and freedom. What is hardly ever mentioned is that this very system of oppression in Bahrain was largely created by the British"
First up: European nations used to be homogenous but have become plural because of mass immigration. Er, no. To believe this requires "historical amnesia and a highly selective standard for defining what it is to be plural"
New documents confirm early history of euro project. Numerous shortcomings were apparent right from start. Politicians realised Italy was an economic basket case. But chose to ignore the facts. After all this was a political project
"The LA Riots are often considered the first 'multiethnic' riots. As a pivot point of race and urban relations, they constitute a resonant moment for immigrant America." What's happened there since then?
A mere slip of a piece, and yet its commentary on war, and war reporting, is worth more than many longer ones. "May I ask you, I said, are you a Muslim or a Croat? And the answer he gave me still shames me as it echoes in my head"
A typically weird and wonderful Curtis blogpost, lavishly illustrated with video and all but uncategorisable. Here is your chance to discover the links between yoga, Barbara Cartland, and the modern history of Iraq
Fabric of Greek democracy is unravelling. Savage cuts imposed by Europe. Politicians impotent, dismissed, loathed. Bailout or not, the political system is finished. Country stands on verge of radical social change
Former BBC correspondent considers recent Russian history. Like many, he got the 1991 coup and Yeltsin years wrong. "I’d forgotten the lesson of history, that in Russia, attempts at reform are followed by a return to autocracy"
"It is hard to think of a better provisional epitaph than that supplied by Martin Palouš: 'Havel was the man who was able to stage this miracle play. The sacrifice was to cast himself in the main role'"
The former president of the Czech Republic was the epitome of a dissident because he persisted in his struggle, patiently, non-violently, with dignity and wit
Another terrifically enjoyable piece by documentary maker, illustrated with video clips. Tells story of "geezer capitalism" through rise and fall of gangster-turned-businessman, George Walker. Sardonic humour much in evidence
"How did the mean streets once paced by Irish and Italian dockworkers, and later scarred by muggings and shootings, become so cool? The answer involves economic, class, and cultural changes that have transformed American urban life"
