David Blair's Blog, page 41

Should governments pay a ransom for hostages?

Countries fall into one of four categories when considering this question, says David Blair

Why the Iraq campaign is already the new Libya

Tactics used in defeat of Islamic State at Mosul dam show a Libya-style intervention - local ground forces aided by American bombs from the sky - is already under way

Here’s how to avoid 'mission creep’ in Iraq

Afghan Sikhs: one of the most vulnerable minorities in the world

Sikhs from Afghanistan, including women and young children, risked their lives inside a shipping container to find refuge in Britain, but what were they attempting to escape from?

Immigrants: journeying to the promised land

As a stowaway is found dead in a shipping container in a failed attempt to enter Britain, David Blair and Harriet Alexander ask what makes August the season for immigrants

31 people found in shipping container in Essex

One man has died and several others have been taken to hospital after 31 people were found in a shipping container in Essex

Islamic State’s cunning leader has one chilling gap on his CV

War spreads deadly viruses of the ideological as well as disease-bearing variety. Just as the First World War created the opportunity for Bolshevism to capture Russia, so today’s turmoil in the Middle East relentlessly promotes the spread of al-Qaeda’s brand of Islamist zealotry.

Ukraine denounces Russian 'cynicism' as aid convoy nears border

Kiev vows to prevent hundreds of lorries from crossing the frontier, fearing a pretext for a Russian invasion

The Israeli laser-guided bomb strikes Gaza with the speed and menace of a dagger

Israel's trial of strength with Hamas amounts to a clash of arms like no other, writes David Blair, who has reported on the death and destruction in Gaza for 12 days

Israel-Gaza conflict: One of the heaviest nights of bombardment since start of offensive

Gaza endures five hours of thunderous bombardment by strike aircraft and artillery following the deaths of five Israeli soldiers