Greek default now a foregone conclusion
Greek debt now yields over 23 percent. Default is all but certain
- 27 April 2011
The price of neutrality: Half of Swedish soldiers have back pain over weight of equipment packs, scandal flares after mass groping of cadets by female officer
Sweden claims the most "progressive" army in the world. But it's not always easy to stay on message.
- 26 April 2011
I’ll gladly trade America’s IRS agents for Pakistan’s transgender tax collectors
Pakistan is going to extraordinary lengths to raise tax revenue. But they and the rest of us would do much better just to cut taxes.
- 26 April 2011
Saudi Arabia and the Arab Spring: The Forgotten Uprising
The West has a damaging tendency to ignore events inside Saudi Arabia. But we can ill afford to overlook current upheavals in the Kingdom.
- 23 April 2011
Europe must not cave in to pressure for recognition of a Palestinian state
Attempts to impose a peace plan from the outside are the height of folly and would risk renewed violence
- 22 April 2011
Internet freedom faces increasing threats from authoritarian governments, study shows
Repressive regimes are increasingly nervous about the internet. They are doing everything they can to stamp out new forms of dissent.
- 20 April 2011
Humbug Watch: Polly Toynbee in the Guardian on the UK’s “progressive majority”
Polly Toynbee pleases her readers with personal attacks on her opponents and a worrying approach to factual accuracy. It’s a shameful statement on the mindset she represents
- 20 April 2011
The Politicisation of "Islamophobia"
Islamic extremists and their supporters are abusing the term "Islamophobia". The real victims of anti-Muslim hate are paying the price.
- 20 April 2011
Goldstone vs Goldstone: The ugly truth about an anti-Israeli report at the UN
Trevor Norwitz is a lawyer who has corresponded with Richard Goldstone over several months. Here he explains how Goldstone's anti-Israeli report descended into farce.
- 19 April 2011
Nick Clegg is on the right side of history...mostly
The leader of the Liberal Democrats is taking a lot of stick. But he has truly put country before party and deserves more respect.
- 18 April 2011
Why are our civil liberties still being eroded?
Some schools are now putting CCTV in children's toilets. When will we stand up and fight for our liberties?
- 18 April 2011
Iran’s Ahmadinejad calls for destruction of US and Israel, says America fomented turmoil in Arab world
The Iranian leader rarely misses an opportunity to threaten Israel. Today he also said the United States “had no place among the nations”.
- 18 April 2011
Welcome to The Commentator
If you're interested in new ideas, fresh perspectives and the defence and promotion of the open society, we're hoping this is the place for you.
- 17 April 2011
Cameron plays down threat of rift in his coalition over voting reform amid dirty tricks charges
David Cameron attempts to calm talk of rifts in his coalition government over voting reform as the "no" vote ups its lead in the polls
- 17 April 2011
Does the British Prime Minister love the West or loathe it: Will the real David Cameron please stand up?
At times, David Cameron has spoken like the greatest defender of Western values since Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. At others, he has sounded like a multi-culturalist, desperate to gain approval from the liberal-establishment.
- 17 April 2011
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