Category: Politics
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Why This is a Religious War, But Not a War Between Religions
In a previous post examining some of the its psychodynamic roots, I suggested that the current tragedy in Gaza is, in fact a religious conflict. But not because three faiths are somehow at war over doctrine. This is not a war between religions, but a war created by religion. I want to expand on that slightly.…
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Psychodynamics of the Middle East 101: Why America Needs Hell, and Israel Doesn’t Want Peace
With the recent flaring up of hostilities between Israel and the Palestinian territory in Gaza the question has again been raised ‘will there ever be peace?’ My view, having visited the region a number of times, is that the leadership of Israel simply do not (yet) want peace. How can this be? How could a…
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The Problem with Gove’s E-Bacc: Intelligence isn’t about being a ‘know it all’.
In what could amount to one of the most significant announcements regarding education in England (and perhaps Wales) in many years, yesterday Michael Gove set out his vision for the English Baccalaureate. I’ve got a number of concerns about this, including the huge expense that this is going to incur, much of which will fall…
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Pirates as Proto-Marxists, and Why This Shouldn’t Give You a ‘Red Alert’
As I build up to coming over the US to speak about Mutiny in about a month’s time – details to follow soon – I’m going to be blogging a bit more about the book, and the wide themes that it covers. Reading Tad Delay’s blog today though, inspired me to mention a perspective on…
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Beating the Bounds: Pussy Riot and Orthodox Pirate Practice
Been meaning to write something on Pussy Riot for a while now. I’ve been reflecting on how their protest resonates with the ancient practice of ‘beating the bounds.’ Traditionally, each year, members of a parish would march around the parish boundary, often singing hymns and songs. The ritual served two purposes. Firstly, it passed on…