I think the problem we have in these big civilisation debates is that most of us do not know or do not want to acknowledge our histories. Ages of empire are glossed over, romanticised or glorified, in both the east and west. Brutality, transgression, oppression: there is no room for these in our image of …
We may not like what you wear, but we’ll defend your right to wear it… Oh, no, sorry, that’s not it… What was it? Oh yes… We may not like what you say, but we’ll defend your right to say it… But only if we agree with you and if it’s especially insulting to people …
Religion is all too frequently abused to mobilise the masses in the service of the most unholy of causes. Outright lies, false propaganda, bogus miracles, spurious scholarship and emotional blackmail: all legitimate means in both the proselytiser’s and the politician’s toolkit. It is true that skepticism is the beginning of faith, but I also believe …
My newsfeed reveals a schizophrenic attitude to faith and conflict. Today’s conflicts and violence are condemned absolutely, while the triumphant conquests of the past enjoy great eulogies, their reality whitewashed and distorted. We pine after a glorious past, oblivious to former transgressions, to doctrines of perennial war and imperial rules of engagement as cruel and …
When you know your enemies are gathering around to attack you, maybe the best thing to do is get the cannon to go off before all the powder has been loaded.
It is fantastical that vast numbers of Muslims are happy to bang on and on about Freemasons and the Illuminate, but the moment you mention the possibility that a Muslim organisation operates a clandestine secret society, everyone responds, “That’s preposterous, impossible, an outrageous assertion, absolutely unbelievable and patently untrue.” Some claims, it seems, are a …
Is Fethullah Gülen the head of a terrorist organisation? On outward appearances, I find that somewhat implausible. Followers of the Gülen movement are actively engaged in education, social welfare projects, humanitarian aid and interfaith dialogue all around the world. To the outside observer, they could only be an altruistic social movement; the idea of a malignant conspiratorial …
Who will counter the pious legends that follow our heroes around? Not our religious leaders and scholars who help promulgate them, nor their followers who hang on their every word. How often have we heard over the past few days that Turkey has so many enemies because it is free of the burden of debt?
I’m not an AKP groupie. The president’s style of leadership and temperament is not my cup of tea. The government deserves much credit for growing the economy, developing infrastructure and bringing about positive social change in Turkey, but uncritical fanatical followings help no one: there is the good and the bad. Still, any objective person …
For too many of our social commentators, reactions to current affairs are based not on ethics or the idea of right and wrong, but on who’s side you’re on. Over the weekend I heard and read many commentators switching seamlessly from rightly condemning terrorist acts perpetuated by Muslims to celebrating the attempted violent overthrow of …
Why would the people rise up against the attempted coup? Because they have long memories, perhaps? Because they remember what it was like last time? Because they remember loved ones being taken away for days and weeks on end? Because they remember being barred from travelling from village to village? Because they remember that, far …
I pray the Turkish government responds to this crisis wisely. I pray they take it as an opportunity to reaffirm democratic, pluralist principles in service to all people of Turkey of whatever political leaning or belief, and not as an opportunity to consolidate power. This is an opportunity to carry the people with it. The …
Beware of forming or holding your own opinions, which run counter to the groundswell of euphoria generated by the disciples of the new politics. At best you will be accused of swallowing establishment propaganda whole, at worst of outright heresy. Don’t think for yourself in these times. Don’t be a traitor to the revolution. Beware!
People are constantly petitioning me to object to government proposals to introduce Ofsted inspections for out-of-school educational groups. I’m not sure what the issue is. Ofsted is tasked with regulating and safeguarding services which care for children and young people. They already inspect childcare, adoption and fostering agencies, as well as schools and colleges. As …
We’re going to wage war on Political Correctness are we? Great idea. It’s about time we tackled the dreadful scourge of fairness, decency and good manners. It has to be said that those who insist on not marginalising or insulting socially disadvantaged people are a threat to us all. Thank goodness we have politicians prepared …
