Category Archives: Politics

News: Zelensky Visits UK, South Africa ‘State Of The Nation’, Swiss Skepticism

Ukraine and the UK: a new special relationship? Plus: what to expect from Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation address, Switzerland’s school for coronavirus sceptics and the latest aviation news.

Previews: The Guardian Weekly – February 10, 2023

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The Guardian Weekly (February 10, 2023) – Three years have passed since Britain officially left the European Union, but the country feels a long way from the “sunlit uplands” once memorably envisioned by Boris Johnson. Indeed, according to several polls released last week, more of the British population than ever are unhappy with the outcomes of Brexit – including, crucially, those who voted for it in the first place.

The Observer’s Michael Savage and Toby Helm consider what’s behind the upsurge in “Bregret” and ask what realistic hopes exist of Britain ever returning to the bloc. Then, opinion writer Nesrine Malik warns that, while many on the left may see validation in the current trends, it’s important to understand many of the UK’s structural problems stem from before the time of the Brexit referendum in 2016.

News: Biden ‘State Of The Union’, Earthquake Relief In Turkey, Russia-Ukraine

February 8, 2023 – Jenny Mathers on the directions in which Ukraine and Russia are moving as Moscow prepares its spring assault. Plus: The latest on relief efforts in Turkey from the epicentres of the earthquakes, the day’s papers and the welcome return of the beaver.

News: Hong Kong Begins National Security Trials, EU-US Green Trade Dispute

February 7, 2023 Hong Kong’s biggest national-security trial yet begins. Plus: a trade dispute between the EU and Washington, the latest TV news and how the war is changing Ukraine’s historically patriarchal society.

Opinion: Biden’s Plan To Remake America, Ukraine’s Eastern Army, AI Lab Race

A selection of three essential articles read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. This week, President Joe Biden’s plan to remake America’s economy, Ukraine’s troops in the east are quietly confident (11:20) and the race of the AI labs heats up (18:10).

Joe Biden’s effort to remake the economy is ambitious, risky—and selfish

But America’s plan to spend $2trn could help save the planet

Previews: The New Yorker Magazine- Feb 13 & 20, 2023

A gif depicting a dog transition to Eustace Tilley and back again.

Art by John W. Tomac

The New Yorker – February 13 & 20, 2023:

Oldest Living Aristocratic Widow Tells All

Lady Glenconner, photographed by Sam Gregg.

Now ninety, Lady Glenconner—a trusted friend of Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret—has become a cheeky chronicler of the British élite.

The Dubious Rise of Impostor Syndrome

Everyone seems to feel like they’re faking it. But, as the concept has spread, so has the criticism.

The Defiance of Salman Rushdie

Salman Rushdie, photographed by Richard Burbridge.

After a near-fatal stabbing—and decades of threats—the novelist speaks about writing as a death-defying act.

News: Chinese Spy Balloon Fallout, ‘Adani Scandal’ In India, Grammy Awards ’23

February 6, 2023: The political fallout of the sighting of a Chinese spy balloon above Montana. Plus: protests in India over the Adani scandal, the latest trade and economy news, and the 2023 Grammy Awards.

Preview: New York Times Magazine- February 5, 2023

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The New York Times Magazine – February 5, 2023:

Women Have Been Misled About Menopause

Hot flashes, sleeplessness, pain during sex: For some of menopause’s worst symptoms, there’s an established treatment. Why aren’t more women offered it?

She Took On Atlanta’s Gangs. Now She May Be Coming for Trump

Fani Willis’s aggressive tactics have sparked criticism — and won over voters. What do they tell us about how she might prosecute the former president?

They Outlasted the Dinosaurs. Can They Survive Us?

Sturgeon are disappearing from North American rivers where they thrived for millions of years. And the quest to save them is exposing the limits of the Endangered Species Act.

News: EU-Ukraine Summit, ‘Hello Hong Kong’, Chad Opens Embassy In Israel

February 3, 2023: The presidents of the European Commission and European Council, Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel, meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.

Plus: the new “Hello Hong Kong” campaign, Chad’s new embassy in Israel and Andrew Mueller’s irreverent round-up of the week’s news.