Wednesday 24 August 2011

It may be goodbye to Gaddafi, but it’s far from Mission Accomplished

The situation in Libya is full of uncertainties and ambiguities, and the ultimate outcome is very problematical.

The rebels are replete with former employees of the dictator. Have they really changed?

Apart from that there is no agreement about anything among the opposition with the exception of getting rid of Gaddafi.

The NATO action has been expensive and destructive. It is based upon sophistry, and a bizarre interpretation of a Security Council Resolution.

Oil interests are already making plans for exploitation of the country.

So what does the future really hold?


It may be goodbye to Gaddafi, but it’s far from Mission Accomplished:

Those who suggest Libya could be a template for intervention are deluded. War should be a last resort, not the first or only option.


Wednesday 17 August 2011

Cameron Defends Tough Jail Terms for Rioters

Cameron Defends Tough Jail Terms for Rioters: "Prime Minister David Cameron on Wednesday praised magistrates for meting out punishment to rioters one day after two young men were given jail terms for inciting others via Facebook".

No doubt most people will accept that the context of rioting justifies harsher sentences than usual; but the inconsistencies will undoubtedly lead to the Court of Appeal which will undoubted make some revisions.

The social media can be used for good or ill; so I have little sympathy with those who think that inciting riots on Facebook was merely a game.

Our electronic activities are not really virtual!




Sunday 7 August 2011

Michelangelo's San Lorenzo Basilica exterior could be revived

Michelangelo's San Lorenzo Basilica exterior could be revived:

"Nearly 500 years after Florence ditched Michelangelo's grand design for the exterior of San Lorenzo Basilica, the city's mayor wants to finally realise the artist's vision."

It would be a cultural triumph if this incomplete facade were completed.

It is not unique in Italy, but incomplete building of this quality are rare elsewhere.

Modernists may suggest a contemporary facade, but they would be wrong!