Commentators

Bruce Anderson: Our underclass deserves better than policies that keep them poor

We acquiesced as the ideals of the Welfare State were being undermined

Inside Commentators

Daniel Howden: First the act, then claims of allegiance to al-Qa'ida

Monday, 28 December 2009

Al-Qa'ida is not a mass movement in Africa in any recognisable form

Ali Ansari: This is a crucial moment... the government is out of control

Monday, 28 December 2009

The turmoil which has gripped Iran over the last week following the death of Grand Ayatollah Montazeri should finally lay to rest the myth of a middle-class protest by idealistic democrats out of touch with the realities of their own country, and remind us that this popular revolt is about much deeper issues than a rigged election.

Joan Smith: Lost boys at war with modernity

Monday, 28 December 2009

What is striking about these Islamists is that they are educated and very middle class

Mark Ashurst: The small farmers leading a genuine Green Revolution

Monday, 28 December 2009

Already, the ideas of self-sufficiency and food security are being conflated

Benjamin Netanyahu: Only a united Israel can help Palestine bring peace to this region

Monday, 28 December 2009

Hamas turned Gaza into hell on Earth, but Judea and Samaria can be transformed. Maybe not into paradise, but into one of the world's most prosperous economies. In absolute terms, and not just relative growth rates.

Philip Hensher: Independence day for a land with no name

Monday, 28 December 2009

This month, the southern half of Sudan moved closer to independence. The ruling party in Khartoum and the former rebels in the south agreed terms for a referendum, to be held in 2011. Nobody thinks that the result is likely to result in anything but a vote for independence. But one issue hasn't been resolved, as far as I know. What will the new country be called?

John Lichfield: The First Lady and a down-and-out

Monday, 28 December 2009

In another recent TV interview, the Première Dame turned philosopher

Brown in the arena is risky but brave

Sunday, 27 December 2009

John Rentoul: The PM's decision to agree to a televised leaders' debate reveals the confidence of an experienced political bruiser.

Personal choice should tell us when to change

Sunday, 27 December 2009

Tim Lott: Jump off the merry-go-round of binge and purge and don't try so hard in 2010.

Rhiannon Harries: 'It's Christmas and I'm starting to feel a bit too comfortable in my PJs'

Sunday, 27 December 2009

Something very strange happens to me during this neither-one-thing-nor-the-other hinterland between Christmas and New Year. It usually starts on Christmas Day. Despite my resolve every year to wear something nice, the rest of my family are invariably forced to eat their turkey across the table from the unedifying sight of me in pyjamas pre-dating my O-levels or, if I'm really making an effort, some kind of M&S loungewear involving fleece and/or elastic.

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