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Irrespective of the fact that, although the enslavers and colonisers belonged to the European and Arab 'races.' And would have had some benefit from the system, as it cascaded down legally, socially and economically.  It was not a straightforward process of Europeans and Arabs, en mass, enslaving Africans.  As tends to be the case, it is the elites and those nearest to them on the hierarchical ladder who set the pace and benefited most. Just as it continues to be today, and, probably, will always be, in human societies. The fact is that, 'good' is the sibling of 'bad', and 'bad' will, given the opportune circumstances, indulges in a 'bit of goodness.' Just as how 'good', when the right conditions arise, will not omit to indulge in some 'badness.' Which of us will refuse to have 'a bad person' save us from drowning, being consumed by fire, or being killed by some other means? It is terrible when us hum

Which could suggest that, either she is, indeed, more pain-free, or that she has reached the point of increased acceptance and resignation to her current state.  Something which, if it is indeed the case, would be a welcome development.  Since prudence and courage require us to come to terms with and learn to live as friction-free as we can.   With the things we are confronted with in our life's journey, which, although capable of and even doing us harm. We do not possess the means to overcome. But, enough of my ruminations about the sad, the sorrowful, the disappointing, the painful, the regretful and the poignant things and feelings, on which my dear mother's life is now predicated upon.  At times, seemingly like a once young and proud, industrious ship which has set sail upon the ocean.  Only to now, many decades later, find itself floundering in low tide, with its engine defective and it not having enough fuel to return to its port of

And so it is, that, my dear mother is not, it seems, one of those people who, in the evening tide of her life.   Is blessed with the joys of being able to sit with the children, and/or grandchildren and great grandchildren.   And regale them with the memorable stories, tales and fables of their youth and later life.  Of how they had had to confront monsters, dragons and demons, and slay them.  Of the great and terrible experiences they, she has had in her life, and been able to move on from.  Because, although my dear mother does have many grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Such is the hand that fate has dealt her, that she is her contact and relationship with many of them, is not readily provided with the opportunities for that kind of interaction. Yet, credit where it is due, especially where it is not often manifested.  So, let me not hesitate to inform you, the reader, that, recently, there has been a sofar noticeable and consistent ten

And, by appropriately drafted, I mean a referendum which sets and spells out the required proportion of the eligible electorate that need to vote.  And the margin by which the 'motion' must be carried or defeated.  It should also include more than a yes or no motion, not restricting the nation to a 'leave' or 'remain' choice. I am aware that there are those who argue that, the British 'democracy system' is one which requires a  simple majority,  to determine the outcome of an election, or, for that matter, a referendum.  While this is currently the case, it is also clear that this system is too simplistic and outdated to meet the more nuances and divergent and mature demands of the contemporary political thinking of the electorate.  The First Past the Post electoral system which Britain indulges in, is the equivalent of an illiterate person signing his/her name by marking the spot with an X.  The only problem is that the British ele

Before forming any conclusion and deciding what, if any action you should take.  Will be met with either an open reprimand, or a partially opaque one, which, in no uncertain terms.  Let me know that I am suggesting that she has taken leave of her senses and does not know what she is talking about. Because, according to the modus opernadi of my dear mother, to question her is to doubt her.  To impugn her and insinuate that she is not telling the truth. That she is 'a lier', or that she is 'an idiot.' And that will not do, because her mind is usually made up about what is the truth and what is not.   Some, if not most of this tendency of my dear mother, seems to be a result of her frustration with her not getting any enduring relief from her aches and pains.  And with the deteriorating state of her cognitive/intellectual functioning. As well as her underlying belief and feeling that her family should be doing more for her. We could

It will negate the moral and political authority to argue against the more virulent nationalism which is daring to make itself more visible on mainland Europe.  It risk becoming a willing or convenient ally of those forces. The United Kingdom risk doing something which will make Europe and the world more fractious, volatile and unstable.  In no way can that be better for Britain and the world.  The 'democratic will of the people', which the British government is using to fuel and legitimises its precipitous rush to dissemble itself from the European Union.  Is likely to place it in great danger of 'losing or being destroyed or severely weakened by it.  It is, as it were, like a person or people resorting to fighting a battle, their final battle, in this case, by committing collective suicide.  Nobody, no nation or people can win a battle by committing collective suicide. It is a self-defeatist act of great stupidity and moral, if not legal dilemmas. 

Now is the time to bury the hatchet and pursue the challenge of national reconciliation and the rebuilding of so much of what has been lost during the war.  The peace, the harmony and trust between neighbours, communities, religious sects, and the sense of identity as Syrians. And, of course, the secularism within civil society, without which religion, of whatever kind, risk poisoning the nation. The year 2019, offers the people of Syria the opportunity of beginning the rebuilding of their/your country and nation.  Both in physically and spiritually, in the non-religious sense of the word.  I know that there are still rebel and mercenary forces in parts of Syria, who are yet to be defeated and/or to negotiate their surrender. That Syria will not have regained her full sovereignty, while their are American, Turkish and other foreign-backed forces occupying parts of the country.  But, for now, enough progress has been achieved to enable the Syr

It has always been present in the soils of these susceptible and accommodating countries.   But is sometimes dormant, and, at other times, when the conditions are propitious, rises, and then falls again, when the conditions become unfavourable.  Like the tide on the oceans, interacting with the gravitational pull of the relevant planetary bodies, Nationalism interacts with the fortunes of the political left and the political right. Are the conditions now ripe for the people of the United Kingdom, both the formerly 52 of the electorate who were, in 2016, - very long 2 years ago - willing to leave, and the 48 per cent who did not want to leave.  To part company with the European Union; lured and guided by the elusive call of nationalism and 'separatism'? Well, considering the obvious resurgence of the 'nationalism plague', it would be understandable if those who are attracted to such a call, were to be thinking that 'their time has or is coming,

Having now, it appears, been reduced to 'just another human-induced national tragedy.'  And one which is no longer as susceptible to being blamed on the Syrian government and its leader, as it once was.  As has tended to be the case when the guns fall silent or are fired with less regularity.  The people of Syria are on their own; having largely been able to retain their sovereignty and independence.  Although we do not yet quite know what will be the final cost of the support they have received from their allies and/or friends; the Russians, Iranians, Hezbollah and others. How tragic it has been, that the opposition forces that have fought against the Syrian government, did not learn the lesson of the tragedy of Libya?  Namely that, if you seek the assistance of foreign governments to fight your battles. Then you are more than likely to end up a broken and destroyed country.   With even less capacity to to form your own gov