When the Sudanese media attache Khalid AlMubarak (Letters, 18 November) asserts that it is “unilateral US sanctions” that are turning “some young people to see in Islamic State a response”, perhaps he should add the lack of democracy in his and other countries in the region coupled with the appalling human rights situation in Sudan, generally, and in Darfur, Kordofan and Blue Nile regions in particular? For young people, democracy, like liberty, equality and fraternity, is first experienced at home.
David Stephens
Brighton, East Sussex
• In Paris, in a heart-raising moment, the crowd burst spontaneously into La Marseillaise (Report, 18 November). Can we imagine a British crowd bursting into God Save the Queen? Jerusalem, Scotland the Brave, or Land of My Fathers, perhaps. Is it time for a national anthem which represents the British people, not the monarch?
Jem Moore
Bath
• Thanks for publishing a selection of “reject” photographs from the latest Taylor Wessing prize (G2, 17 November). Jonathan Jones is right to say these are arguably better than those in the main exhibition. But then the Taylor Wessing has become a bit of a joke for its mundane winners and strange obsession with red-haired young women. I’ll look forward to admiring the rejects.
Norman Miller
Brighton, East Sussex
• These are not beanie hats with pom-poms (Shortcuts, 17 November), these are bobble hats. The beanie is just a sad bobble hat bereft of the bobble. You can make your own lovely bobble using cardboard discs and odd bits of wool.
Gill Varndell
Tiptree, Essex
• Want to put an end to those same-old same-old letters (18 November)? No worries.
Lesley Corner
Colchester, Essex
• Who knew?
Goudie Charles
Hayle, Cornwall
• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com
