Scottish Sunday

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A spiritual evolution - Scottish Sunday

A Justifiable Outrage

On a routine day in England’s multicultural capital, scores of innocent people from countries worldwide lost their lives in an act of inexcusable savagery. This was a slaughter of innocents and our outrage is justified, our demand for justice intense and our sense of loss raw and painful. Tony Blair is right when he vows that the British people will not be “terrorised by terror”. We are proud to live in a multicultural society in which diversity is tolerated in a way which is anathema to those responsible for last Thursday’s barbaric attack. London’s reaction is indicative of a proud city which refuses to be cowed by violence.

Misunderstanding the Extremists

However, the Prime Minister is on less firm ground when he attempts to portray this act of terrorism as a straightforward attack on our values and our way of life. That is a convenient way of misunderstanding the nature of the extremists waging war against us. Charles Clarke, the home secretary, insists the bombers want to destroy the very essence of our society. He says our democracy, our multicultural society, is under attack and that it has nothing to do with Iraq. He claims that “tensions” existed anyway.

The Impact of Iraq

In the ill-defined “war on terror” that has brought to the streets of London what has been happening daily in the streets of Baghdad for two years now, it is not necessarily our culture and lifestyle that is the key battleground. As a newspaper which repeatedly argued against the invasion of Iraq, and reported the manipulation of facts by Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George W Bush to justify that action, we cannot stay silent when we are now asked to accept that Iraq is not a factor in this attack. The occupation of that country, and the continuing horrors of the insurgency there, cannot be dismissed as though they had no impact on the anger that drives fundamentalist terrorists throughout the Middle East and beyond.

The Path Forward

Iraq has become a focus for that anger, and Britain is now a greater target than it was before the Iraq war. It is simply not credible to suggest otherwise. If we do not understand the nature of the forces ranging against us we are condemned to forever react to their attacks rather than addressing the root causes. That is not to argue that we should simply cave in to demands that we pull our troops out of Iraq. Having created an unstable and dangerous situation, we cannot simply now wash our hands and walk away. We may believe that the invasion was ill-advised and disastrous. We may point out that Tony Blair embarked on the war against the express wishes of millions of Britons and many of his own advisers. But now that it has taken place, we owe it to Iraq to set up something resembling democracy and to restore something resembling stability.

Remaining Vigilant and United

We cannot negotiate with those responsible for the London atrocities - even if we knew who they were. Dialogue with an invisible, disparate and fundamentalist group of fanatics, willing to kill and be killed for a misinterpretation of the Islamic faith, is not a morally acceptable option. The courses of action now open to us are few. We can be vigilant against the possibility of future attacks. We can strive to make sure that the different races and creeds which form our multicultural society do not become the victims of suspicion and divisiveness. And, most of all, we can be determined that the rights and freedoms we now enjoy are not undermined by extremist fanatics or indeed by authoritarian politicians who seek to use fear as a weapon to introduce reactionary anti-terror legislation. So far New Labour has signaled a cautious approach to the anti-terror legislation that proved so controversial earlier this year. That is to be welcomed... and watched.

The G8 Summit: Progress and Limits

A Mixed Outcome

Once again the G8 lived up to its reputation. Anarchists clashed with police, though not on the scale of some earlier summits; the leaders of the world’s richest nations spent two nights living in the lap of luxury; an aid and conservation group tried to make their voices heard above the political rhetoric; and, once it was all over, the summit leaders issued their usual bland and inoffensive communiqué. So far, so G8.

Addressing Global Poverty

Although this year’s summit delivered some good news by pledging up to $50 million in aid packages by 2010, that was the easy part. It provided a feel-good factor before the leaders departed and it met at least some of the demands made by the Live8 performers and audiences who had spent the week making it absolutely plain that the world’s wealthy nations had to dig into their pockets for the sake of their poorer neighbors. On that score, the Gleneagles G8 will at least be remembered as the summit where the world finally woke up to the fact that money can go a long way to solving many of its problems.

The Need for More Action

However, compromise was also the name of the game, leaving the really big subjects in limbo. Nothing has been done to address the needs of climate change despite all the irrefutable scientific evidence that global warming is a fact and not science fiction. For all that the US made some concessions and promised more, it is clear that it is never going to sign up to the Kyoto protocol, which now looks as if it is dead in the water.

Unresolved Global Issues

There was a similar lack of boldness in getting to grips with the knock-on effects of the agricultural tariffs which prevent African producers from getting a foothold on the world’s markets. Hard decisions were put off to another day and it is difficult to avoid the impression that the G8 leaders don’t want to tackle the problem for fear of alienating their own people. There is room for much improvement here, not least in educating the world about its responsibilities.

Continuing the Fight Against Poverty

Bob Geldof is only partly right in his praise of the G8 leaders and, in particular, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. They have taken an important step but they have not gone far enough. When Geldof addressed the crowd at Live8 in Edinburgh last week, he warned the politicians that, if they failed to meet the demands of the world, they would receive short shrift at the ballot box. The G8 would do well to remember that. More importantly, we all have a responsibility not to turn our eyes from Africa now that the concerts and the hype are over. It will take determination and commitment – ours as well as the politicians’ – to truly make poverty history.

Hotels: Finding Comfort Away From Home

The Importance of Good Accommodation

When it comes to traveling, finding a comfortable and reliable place to stay is crucial. Hotels play a significant role in ensuring that travelers have a pleasant experience away from home. Whether for business or leisure, choosing the right hotel can greatly enhance the overall trip.

Factors to Consider

When selecting a hotel, there are several factors to keep in mind. Location is key, as it determines accessibility to nearby attractions, restaurants, and amenities. The level of service provided by the hotel staff is also important in creating a positive experience. Cleanliness, comfort, and safety are essential aspects that travelers look for in their accommodation.

Types of Hotels

Hotels come in various categories to cater to different budgets and preferences. Luxury hotels offer top-notch amenities and personalized services, providing guests with a lavish experience. Mid-range hotels offer a balance of comfort and affordability, suitable for most travelers. Budget hotels provide basic accommodations at a lower cost, ideal for those seeking a cost-effective option. Each category offers unique features and benefits.

Booking Options

Booking a hotel has become easier with the advent of online travel platforms. Travelers can compare prices, read reviews, and book their preferred hotel from the comfort of their own homes. Online booking provides convenience and a wide range of options to choose from. However, it is essential to research and verify the legitimacy of the booking platform before making a reservation.

The Future of Hotels

The hotel industry is continually evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of travelers. Sustainability and eco-friendly practices are becoming more prominent, with hotels implementing measures to reduce their environmental impact. Technology integration, such as smartphone apps and self-check-in processes, is also shaping the future of hotels, offering enhanced convenience and efficiency.

Conclusion

When planning a trip, finding the right hotel is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Considering factors such as location, service, cleanliness, and budget can help travelers make an informed decision. With the ease of online booking and the evolving trends in the hotel industry, finding the perfect accommodation has become more accessible than ever before.

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