Major Gowen
“Will you stop talking about the war!”
Are we watching a Stalinist show trial, with hitherto dissident figures loudly recanting any support for past regimes?
The religion of human rights
The reaction to the government’s Independent Human Rights Act Review suggests we are in distinct danger of succumbing to a destructively progressive cult
The meek inherit nothing
Islamism is increasingly held not to be a deviant from Islam, but an orthodox aim of the “religion of peace”
Tunes of glory
How do you love a song you disagree with?
Transatlantic (Orchid)
Much of the appeal of this Covid-era recital by violinist Callum Smart and pianist Richard Uttley lies in the effort they invest to find common ground
The Russians aren’t coming
New music was not officially muted in the Soviet Union. It just got left at home, says Norman Lebrecht
Churches say Welsh lockdown is unlawful
Christians leaders have launched a judicial review against the Welsh Assembly
Why Victor Davis Hanson thinks Trump will win
The classicist and military historian makes the case fo the president – and a second upset
Giya Kancheli: Poetry of Silence (Gramola)
Kancheli’s miniatures grip you by the throat and won’t let you do anything else until it’s over
Brexit Endgame
If the Finance Bill doesn’t appear next week, Brexiteers can assume the Withdrawal Agreement is here to stay
Requiem for my neighbour: Robert Fisk (1946-2020)
Remembering the veteran Middle East correspondent Robert Fisk