A century ago, in July 1919, Germany began its journey to the lowest reaches of Hades. Another 26 years would pass before a previously civilized, enlightened people finally emerged, their nation in ruins, its cities bombed and its countryside occupied….
World War I resulted in two seemingly minor events which had epochal impact: a little known army operative took over a small, radical, racist political party in Germany and an exiled political agitator returned to Russia. The consequences of the…
There is much to recommend the film They Shall Not Grow Old, which allows the viewer to imagine with some specificity just what life must have been like in the trenches of the Western Front, an ordeal that still haunts…
Canberra Americans should feel at home in Australia. A large, diverse, beautiful land, its people tend to be open and friendly. Many of its political divisions mimic those of the U.S. The ruling conservatives (naturally, “Liberals” Down Under) are divided…
It was perfectly stupid of French President Emmanuel Macron to say nice things about Marshall Philippe Pétain as commemorative ceremonies were getting under way to mark Armistice Day. General Pétain, as he then was, commanded French forces during the year-long…
Last Friday, the Supreme Court said it would consider the constitutionality of the Peace Cross in Bladensburg, Maryland, which is said to constitute a violation of the First Amendment’s bar on establishing a state religion. The Court’s action came almost…
Sunday Last night, as is usual, I went out to Mr Chow for dinner. It was packed, as usual. My favorite Irish waiter, James the Flirtatious, whirled around with his magic of bringing Diet Coke just when it’s needed. And…