All commentaries

Global military spending slows to lowest level in a decade, think tank report shows

Financial austerity has led to a sharp slowdown in military expenditure in many countries across the world. The US remains by far the biggest spender at $698 billion, while deep cuts in Europe underline US concerns that NATO allies are failing to pull their weight
by The Commentator - 12 April 2011
Constitutional crisis proves just how far Kosovo has to go

The West took a big gamble in pushing for an independent Kosovo. Building a stable democracy is proving far harder than many had hoped, and the country’s political scene is looking increasingly squalid
by Daniel Hamilton - 12 April 2011
Tea Party sticks to its convictions

As the government shutdown loomed large last Friday, was the Tea Party movement the driving force behind government cuts?
by Andrew Ian Dodge - 11 April 2011
Goldstone's retraction should be a watershed for the world and Israel

It is not enough for Richard Goldstone to admit key mistakes in his anti-Israeli report. He should now call on it to be rescinded, and all Western governments should do likewise.
by Ronald S. Lauder - 11 April 2011
French Burqa ban: Call me illiberal, but I cannot countenance illiberalism

So called "liberals" are up in arms about France's decision to ban the burqa. But since when did the oppression of women become a cause to celebrate?
by Raheem Kassam - 11 April 2011
Defining moment for Islam in Europe: France implements Muslim burqa ban amid protests, arrests

In what may prove to be a defining moment in Europe’s relationship with its growing Muslim population, France takes decisive action to force Muslims to conform to Western values. But Muslim activists are not taking the ban lying down.
by The Commentator - 11 April 2011
Consensus forming that Goldstone report set to continue passage through UN despite Goldstone’s retraction, diplomats, officials suggest

Evidence mounts that Goldstone Report into Israel’s Operation Cast Lead will not be withdrawn from the UN even after Goldstone publicly retracts core allegations
by The Commentator - 9 April 2011
A trim or a crew cut?

Government liabilities now total £3.6 trillion. A figure so huge that it is meaningless. To make some sense out of it, it is equivalent to £138,360 for every household in the country.
by Tim Knox - 8 April 2011
Kenyans face International Criminal Court for 2007 massacre

Leading Kenyans have appeared before the International Criminal Court to answer for 2007 bloodshed
by The Commentator - 7 April 2011
Am I hired or fired?

Donald Trump is in second place for Republican presidential nomination
by The Commentator - 7 April 2011
Planet Media

The Arab world was standing on the brink of enlightenment, declared the media with one voice - but a recent poll in Egypt suggests something frighteningly different
by Douglas Davis - 7 April 2011
Euro set to rise against dollar, default for peripheral countries comes closer as ECB hikes rates

ECB rate rise signals a stronger euro versus the dollar, while the Portugal crisis may bring default closer
by John Vax - 7 April 2011
Freedom House slams China as repression grows on fears of MidEast democratic contagion

China has intensified repression amid fears that the democratic revolutions sweeping the Middle East could inspire its own people.
by The Commentator - 7 April 2011
Sorry seems to be the easiest word

Britain was the first country in history to abolish the slave trade. But western self-hatred runs deep and David Cameron wants to say sorry for causing all the world's ills. The British Prime Minister should apologise for having apologised.
by Robin Simcox - 6 April 2011
UK students hold the key to defeating campus extremism

Exremism on the British campus has invaded the mainstream. But ordinary students can stamp it out if they make the effort. A student tells of his experiences.
by Bernard Mccabe - 6 April 2011