What's happening in ......
In Iraq the discussion recorded in the Guardian (23/6/2007) shows an unfolding of attitudes brought about by external attempts at social engineering. It illustrates the way people saw themselves in 2003 and now. Then no one thought about whether they were Sunni or Shia. Now it defines identity. It has divided society fundamentally. The conclusion? Partition may be the only solution.
In Gaza Uri Avnery is blunt. The outcome of this "social experiment" was entirely predictable. But, he says, the social scientists haven't finished with their experiments.
Posted by John Tyrrell at June 23, 2007 10:32 AM
