The real danger

DAVID CAMERON quickly announced that the Norwegian massacre was a “stark reminder of the threat we all face from terrorism.” Obama warned that international community had a stake in preventing “this type of terror.”

But what terrorised a peaceful nation turned out to be white supremacy and Christian fundamentalism, towards both of which the West routinely react with lethargy. Cameron was right, nevertheless: the world is threatened although the true danger is intolerance  –not the fanaticism of one faction alone.

Photo credit: Number 10  

The EU’s Catch 22

WHATEVER Europe does to put its house in order, American ratings agencies put the boot in anyway.  Moody’s immediately pronounced that the EU rescue programme for Greece “implied the probability of a distressed exchange, and hence a default” and set “a negative precedent for investors.”  What is required for a pat on the head from Moody’s et al? Being outside Europe, perchance?

History lesson

CHINA claims historic rights to ownership of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea although these are nearer to the Philippines and other neighbouring states.  This brings to mind the Falklands or the Canaries where inhabitants’ feelings and allegiances outweigh geography, although regarding the Spratlys – which have important gas and oil reserves – sentiment is doubtless the least of China’s priorities.