The commentators 23-06-14...on the Middle EastNon-intervention is also a decision with consequences. In the case of Syria those consequences have been dire, and as security chiefs in the UK and Europe are warning, they pose a real threat to our security. Second, no analysis of the Middle East today makes sense unless we examine the impact of the Arab revolutions overturning the old regimes.
- Tony Blair, FT The “Levant” means Lebanon as well as Syria. And if they’re victorious in destroying Iraq and Assad of Syria, many of these young men will return “home” to Lebanon. In their thousands. Perhaps that should be our “thought for the day” as we gasp, breathless, at the news from Baghdad.
- Robert Fisk, the Independent The British state, especially under Tony Blair, pretended that militant Islam could be contained at home by fighting it abroad but that was a complete fallacy. Our interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya have only succeeded in fuelling extremism within Britain, whipping up jihadists to new heights of self-righteous fury.
- Leo McKinstry, Daily Express At every stage, the West has underestimated Iran. It is our most sophisticated strategic adversary. Currently, it is playing the West for suckers because it has understood our weakness: that we are no longer prepared to fight our attackers but we seek to appease them.
- Melanie Phillips, The Times Vote for your favourite commentatorsThe annual Editorial Intelligence comment awards were officially launched yesterday with the announcement of the seventy-strong panel of judges to be led by Stevie Spring, chair of Children in Need.
They include Lorraine Heggessey, Nihal Arthanayake, Karren Brady, Damian Barr, Lynne Franks, Nicky Gavron, Laura Kuenssberg, Adrian Monck and Kirsty Lang. Anyone is invited to nominate their favourite commentators for the awards, which are divided into 16 categories. There is no charge for entry.
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June 13
Iraq June 12 Oxfam, baby buggies June 11 British values June 10 Extremist education June 9 May v Gove June 6
American politics June 5 Queen's speech June 4 Thai coup June 3 British politics June 2 Hatred of women May 24
European elections May 23 Charles v Putin May 22 Richard Scudamore May 21 European elections May 20 European elections |
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