David Blair's Blog, page 45

Israel reaches moment of decision over ground offensive

Analysis: Benjamin Netanyahu may no longer be able to resist pressure to send Israeli troops and tanks into Gaza

Gaza conflict: 100,000 Gazans warned to leave homes as Israel steps up bombing

Israeli military drops leaflets on neighbourhoods of Zeitoun, Shejaiyi'a and Beit Lahiya urging residents to evacuate, as houses of senior Hamas leaders bombed

John Kerry joins last ditch effort to save Iran nuclear talks

Israel carries out first ground operation of Gaza crisis

Commandos strike rocket launch sites as Palestinian death toll rises to 165

Israel and Hamas wrestle with the dilemmas of their confrontation

Commentary: international pressure and the determination of Hamas to carry on firing rockets will decide how long Israel's offensive lasts. But Benjamin Netanyahu's objective is more limited than it might seem.

John Kerry describes Gaza conflict as a 'dangerous moment'

US secretary of state breaks his silence on the crisis - but does not offer to visit the Middle East.

Gaza crisis: Benjamin Netanyahu's dilemma is how to punish Hamas, but not bring it down

Commentary: If an Israeli assault on Gaza destroyed Hamas would its successors in the Palestinian territory be any more palatable?

British intelligence may rediscover its founding purpose

Any German espionage against Britain would summon memories of old battles - which London won hands down

Good Morning, Mr Mandela by Zelda la Grange, review: 'compelling and ultimately heartbreaking'

South Africa's saviour was helped in his final, ailing years by a loyal Afrikaner aide, finds David Blair

Beaten and threatened: the 'Donetsk People's Republic' turns on city's priests

Pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine have declared their loyalty to Orthodoxy - and all other faiths are suspect