World View
Syria accord would be less than perfect but stop most of the killing
Abu Muhammad al-Golani is an Islamist fanatic, a head-chopper (although only in moderation) and the leader of the Nusra Front, an al Qaeda affiliate that is classified by the United States as "t
Climate deal coup for UN
Why US won’t put Islamist threat into perspective
President Barack Obama spoke this week about a mass shooting in the United States for the 17th time in the past seven years.
Gene drives have power to save - and harm
Most powerful new technologies are double-edged.
Why down a Russian plane?
The key fact is the Russian plane, by Turkey's own admission, was in Turkish airspace for precisely 17 seconds.
No, it's not time to panic
Independent journalist Gwynne Dyer, of London, discusses reactions to the Paris attacks.
New Doomsday Machine
''Of course, the whole point of a Doomsday Machine is lost if you keep it a secret,'' said Dr Strangelove to the Soviet ambassador in Stanley Kubrick's classic film of the same name.
Salami tactics in emissions cuts pledges
Salami tactics are useful when dealing with problems that are too big to resolve in one go. Muster all your resources and deal with one aspect of the problem.
Paris attacks reveal change in terrorist motives
As always after a major terrorist attack on the West, the right question to ask after the slaughter in Paris is: What were the strategic aims behind the attack?