The season of peace and goodwill has produced little of either in the Middle East. But as a negotiated peace between Israelis and Palestinians looks ever more remote, no-one seems willing to spell out the alternatives.
Author: Charles Richardson
The republic and the Republicans
A republic threatened by the tensions of empire and the rise of authoritarian demagogues. Now, where have we seen that before?
World election news, part II
More world electoral news (an occasional feature). Today Macedonia, Bulgaria, Italy and Gambia.
World election news, part I
There's a lot happening in the electoral world. Today Romania, France, Iceland and Ghana; part II to follow tomorrow.
Election previews: Macedonia and Romania
Two almost-neighboring countries in south-eastern Europe go to the polls tonight, in the last major elections of 2016.
America keeps counting
Hillary Clinton's victory keeps getting bigger in terms of votes. But America seems stuck with a system where votes don't matter.
Italy, Austria and the authoritarian dilemma
A referendum in Italy and a runoff election are both tests of Europe's political future.
So, farewell then, François Hollande
France's president decides to bow out of a contest that seemed hopeless. But it's not clear that his party will do any better in his absence.
Fillon’s triumph sets up a centre-left dilemma
No surprises in the second round of France's Republican primary, but it foreshadows a fascinating presidential election in five months' time.
Death of a dictator
The death of Fidel Castro would be a good opportunity for reflection on some serious issues. Instead, many on both sides have embarrassed themselves.
