The worldwide revulsion at the anti-Islam film, The Innocence of Muslims, has been coupled, in many Western countries, with the caveat: “But in the interests of free speech we defend the right of the film to be shown.” The film is a vile attack on the fastest growing religion in the world and its 1.6…
After three months and four countries, we’re back home in the Tweed Valley in Australia – such a beautiful place to come back to. Our trip was one we’d waited a long time for, and it was memorable. Each day brought a discovery. We feel we’ve reconnected with the life of Europe, renewed some of…
The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, opened only four years ago by the municipal authorities, is a spacious modern nine-storey Guggenheim-style building. Its aims are to exhibit contemporary art, provide a meeting place for artists and hold community cultural events. When so many of Asia’s great galleries still appear to have little connection with their…
In 1956 when I was 14 years old I spent my school holidays with my widowed Aunt Ethel (Smith) and my two cousins, Peggy and Peter, at Sarina, a small sugar town just south of Mackay in North Queensland. It’s on the map these days because its association with rugby league, producing such stars as…
If confirmation were needed that this is the Asian century, a flight from crisis-ridden Athens to dynamic Bangkok would surely provide it. Thailand undoubtedly has its problems, with political conflict and natural disasters following in quick succession in recent years. But in the 20 years since I was here last it has boomed, with a…
Overnight the lawless hardline Islamic militias in Benghazi destroyed the US consulate and killed the American ambassador. Twelve months ago Libya’s second city was being hailed as the epicentre of the country’s “new democracy” and the armed gangs were “freedom fighters”. Today Libya is virtually a failed state run by a feeble and corrupt central…
When the Troika came back to Athens last week, parliament was deadlocked over the brutal austerity package, but outside sporadic protests had already begun. Angry pensioners stormed the health ministry over the loss of their pharmaceutical benefits, while industrial action was being planned by journalists, teachers, doctors, transport workers and even judges, who are expected…
When representatives of the Troika arrived in Athens last week they were greeted like visiting heads of state or royalty. They were escorted from the airport to the city in a VIP cavalcade which included bomb and bullet-proof limousines, an armed security detail and an motorcycle squad in black leather and anti-riot gear. An anti-terrorist…
As Greeks tense for the outcome of the Troika’s review later this month, spare a thought for Spain. Madrid and Barcelona are awaiting a decision on which one of them will get the development known as EuroVegas. Local governments in both cities are touting the plan as a way to alleviate both the financial crisis…
