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In case we forget, or, in the interest of informing ourselves. Europe's current refugee and migrant crisis is the result of Europe's and America's failed foreign policies.  In places like Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Libya.  The refugee and migrant crisis is really largely the undesirable, at least, from Europe's position, fruits of its foreign polices.  Which have destabilised, instead of stabilising the countries which have been subjected to it.  We see this from the continuing conflict in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Mali and the other Sahel Region countries, and in Nigeria. However, it is the tragedy of Libya, more than that of any of the other  conflicted countries, which embodies how Europe and America have shot themselves in the foot.  Some might even say, in the head.  Although, if it was an head wound, it might not have had any, or the same impact.  As, arguably, America and Europe have not been using their heads much, as far as foreign p

During the service, which, as usual, was conducted with a sense of humility and reverence. Much was made of the professed satisfaction which is to be had from following the 'Christian doctrine.' I say 'humility', but I am not sure that Christian, Muslims, Jews, or the followers of any other faith, really display much humility. In how they go about asserting their beliefs about 'god and his purpose for humans.' After all, should humility not be about humbling oneself before the great unknowns.  As some people might define the question of whether or not god or gods exist, and in what form/s, if they do, and what, if any message they might have for humans? Should it not include the preamble that; ' we believe these things to be true, but we do not know for sure and have no tangible prove that they are, or of the existence of god? That, 'we cannot guarantee the authenticity and purported 'divine inspiration' of their religious doctrines?

Just as how the West is willing to appear to 'turn a blind eye' to the irony of Saudi Arabia being a powerful bastion in the propagation of conservative Islam.  In order to 'legitimise' it as a partner in helping to realise American and European geo-political and economic goals in the Middle East and 'Islamic world.'  So has it found it convenient and expedient to not, so far, give a full rebuttal to the criminal act against Qatar, by Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE. When it comes to Qatar, it seems, the key players in the West are prepared to stand on the sidelines and give advise on how 'the crisis', could be resolved.  Too bad we did not see that in Iraq, pre-March 2003, or in Libya in 2011, or Syria 2017. If we had, Qatar's 2017 crisis might not be now taking place. And, as for Saudi Arabia's motive for wanting Qatar to surrender its sovereignty, it might not just be about political considerations.  It is likely to have an e

'Living should not be about 'edging our bets', in case their is a god and life after death.  It is more prudent for a person to live his/her life as if there is no other life after they have done their time upon the earth.  Endeavouring to be your own master and being aware that, when all is said and done, only fear we really have to fear. Fear of losing others and of others losing us to destiny. Oblivion.' I, like probably most humans, have a fascination with religion and theism. They are in me but not of me.  They are in us humans, because, from childhood we are indoctrinated into them.  They are woven into and have become part of the fabric of our societies, both physically and socially.  Societies respond to religion and theism as it they 'are real' and not incongruent to logical thinking and sound mental health.  People can be sectioned for displaying psychotic mental states, such as having delusions and hallucinations.   But still, mill

'When a government deprives its citizens of the right to freely but responsibly express their views,then such a government is risking setting itself against its own people.  However, when a country or group of countries insist on bullying and forcing another country to forego its sovereign rights and chosen path of development, and become their vassal.  Then, that is not a demand that any civilised and self-respecting nation can submit itself to do, and still remain master of their own fate. and it become a cause celebre which has to be opposed by any means necessary.' And yet, such is the fate that Saudi  Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates are trying to mete out to courageous Qatar.  Which, it seems, irrespective of its own weaknesses, is probably the most enlightened of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and the other predominantly Muslim countries.  Whose governments' loyalty and/or silence the Saudis have bought. Qatar and its people

'When people perceive themselves to be, or have been told that they are in danger, they might respond rashly, by acting in ways which do not provide them with appropriate protection.  And later find that they have opted for  options which leave them more exposed to further or continuing danger.  In such situations, the role and responsibility of prudent leadership is at a premium.' Europe has a big refugee and migrant problem, which needs to solve in a reasonable manner.  This requires carefully thought out planning and organisation. Something which it can be very difficult to achieve, when there is such great pressure on the involved governments.   To act now and take action which immediately or will quickly show significant changes in the situation. On the whole, it seems accurate to say that, Europe, especially the poorer and less endowed countries, such as Greece and Italy.  Has responded admirably in receiving the refugees and migrants from the Middle

For a society to be strong, prosperous and comparably contented, it is necessary for its people to generate and evolve a collective sense of having a 'common and shared national identity.'  The constituent sections of their society, ethnic, linguistic, religious, et al, must be transformed into a common national culture.   In such a way that it does not have the appearance of incongruity. But the substance of something with which all the citizens can ordinarily identify with, and feel a strong sense of pride.  But this is not something, a destination which can be reached by chance.  It has to be cultured, promoted and deliberately built. It is what 'nation building' is all about.  And it does not happen by wishful thinking and uninformed criticism of which sections the society are 'integrating' and which are not.  A more prudent question would be to ask, 'why are people not integrating, or integrating at the pace that some people would want;