It’s a privilege to work for the readers of Guardian Weekly. Though we are global in scope, with many thousands of subscribers spread over 173 countries, here in London we find we get to know many of you through various means.
I realised this week, while editing our Letters page, that I actually recognise some of your writing styles! The same thing has happened in editing our Notes & Queries section. Names, places, perspectives and a certain flair with words – we know some of you well indeed. How’s that for global reach, but personal touch?
This edition showcases what has been the dominant theme in Europe this summer, the plight of those seeking sanctuary from strife-torn nations, and their impact on communities grappling to cope with the influx. After the deaths of more than 70 people in a truck in Austria, we look at the migrants turning to Balkan trails in their flight to safety.
Inside the paper, we report on the destruction by Islamic State of Syria’s ancient Temple of Bel, one of the jewels among the ruins of Palmyra. From Egypt, we pick up on the legal twists and turns of three al-Jazeera journalists sentenced to jail for their work.
Elsewhere we bring you the latest on Greek politics, Indo-Pakistani tensions, Japanese defence spending and Guatemalan protests.
With a decision nearing in the selection of a new leader for Britain’s Labour party, we give over two pages in our UK news section to some analytical writing on old-style, left-leaning politician Jeremy Corbyn, who has taken the race by storm. We also report on the appointment of new peers to the House of Lords (the world’s second-biggest legislative chamber after China’s congress) and on the return to the UK newspaper scene of Rebekah Brooks, who was cleared a year ago of all charges related to the phone-hacking scandal.
Comment considers China’s muscle-flexing in the South China Sea, the trap that is social media, and takes an affectionate look at Oliver Sacks, a man of immense empathy who has just died. On our Letters page, you shared views on the language of migration (something we are considering from an editorial perspective here as well), progressive economics, food, famine and phytoplankton (this letter being one of my favourites).
Our deeper read Review section opens with a piece on the psychology of decision making, delves into the cost of atheism in Bangladesh, and reports on the quiet revolt that could save Cuba’s farmers.
Our Book reviews collect perspectives on North Korea, embrace the joy of surfing and consider a post-capitalist world. Oh, and we look at how cookery books have become a feast for the eyes.
On the Culture pages, partner paper Le Monde introduces us to British artist Mona Hatoum, with a major exhibition under way in Paris at the Pompidou Centre. There’s a great photo gallery accompanying this piece, which you can view by clicking here. And we meet urban artist Stik, who is reclaiming the streets for the more marginalised in a fast-changing London landscape.
What does the crack of dawn sound like? I can think of many wonderful ways to describe this special time of day, but, really, we’d like to know what you think. Please do send us your replies to this compelling Notes & Queries question by clicking here. And it was a pleasure to meet Lawrie Bradly, who says motorcycles are like malaria once they get in your blood. Paul Evans is elegant and observant, as always, documenting the change of space and place in Wenlock Edge.
From the biggest possible global picture to very personal experiences and observations, this edition reflects the week just passed. The world remains a diverse and, at times, a difficult place. There’s always pleasant distraction in the warmth and wit of the Weekly’s community.
Please email me any thoughts on the edition by clicking here. And thanks for reading.
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