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The extensive destruction by fire of Notre Dame Cathedral marks a turning-point after close to a millennium of spiritual affirmation and cultural pride — beckoning revival and a new beginning.
As the Cathedral burned on Tuesday morning Australian time Lee Duffield wrote this reflection on some of the meanings of an event that will touch the life of millions. … Read More »
The shooting outrage in New Zealand on Friday put a focus on anti-immigration, anti-Moslem ethno-nationalist movements in many Western countries – but it’s a question whether it will break their support.
Lee Duffield joins in the drive to find explanations for a surge of barbarism this century reaching even into the peaceful streets of Christchurch. … Read More »
A standard bearer for multiculturalism and civilised values Dr Maximilian Brandle died from a heart condition at the end of February in Brisbane, Australia.
A Swiss-born linguist who migrated to Australia to teach languages, he was described this week by the Swiss Consulate General as “respected throughout his life at both ends of the Earth”. He was “forward-looking with a great capacity to reflect on the human condition”. … Read More »
The new count-down for Greece to make a major debt repayment — €7.2-billion (A$8.5-billion, xe.com, 11.6.15) by the end of the month – looks more serious and final than any before; yet, so did a series of earlier approaches to a deadline … see also, Ambassador comments. … Read More »
Swedish singer Mans Zelmerlow triumphed on Saturday night at the Eurovision Song Contest, his song ‘Heroes’ at the end of voting, delivering a clear win over the other great favourite, Russia’s Polina Gagarina singing ‘A Million Voices’ — 365 votes against 303. … Read More »
Huge crowds have attended Anzac Day commemorations around the World, on the centenary of the ill-fated landings on the Gallipoli Peninsula, 25.4.15.
Ahead of the event at Anzac Cove, these began in New Zealand, then at the National War Memorial in Canberra, where an Aboriginal man, Able Seaman Alan Paterson from the Australian Navy, played the didgeridoo to open the Dawn Service. … Read More »
Faced with an overseas crisis like the conflict in Ukraine, governments, notably inexperienced ones that might hope to settle every dogfight and desert war, think about a military solution.
The armed forces will comply, but may not be given a clear or realistic task.
This post carries a letter held to be the view of a seasoned soldier, talking among colleagues and friends. … Read More »