Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- April 17, 2019

Independent editorial: The tragedy of Notre Dame should be a warning – we need to look after what was built by past generations

The British parliament has been due an expensive refurbishment for decades, but MPs have repeatedly put off making decisions. As a result it has become, instead, a metaphor for the failures of our political leaders

The world watched in horror as one of the greatest symbols of civilisation burned. The cathedral of Notre Dame was a remarkable flowering of the Gothic style, with its high arched roofs and flying buttresses. It is a monument to the ambition, piety, technological advance and splendour of the high middle ages.

One estimate suggests that building the cathedral absorbed about one-fifth of the economic resources of the Paris basin for a century and a half, 1100 to 1250. It was built to last forever, and it was heartbreaking to watch such ancient grandeur consumed by the flames.

Read more ....

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- April 17, 2019

France asks: should Notre-Dame's spire be rebuilt as it was? -- Richard Lough and Caroline Pailliez, Reuters

Notre Dame Can Be Rebuilt, But Its Sound May Be Gone Forever -- M. Cuthbert, Los Angeles Times

In Notre Dame fire, echoes of the 1837 blaze that destroyed Russia's Winter Palace -- Paul Werth, RCW

Widodo glides to a second term in Indonesia -- John McBeth, Asia Times

Xi Jinping’s intolerance of dissent within government heightens the risk of Chinese policy mistakes -- Minxin Pei, SCMP

Myanmar’s Wa seek peace through strength -- Bertil Lintner, Asia times

Will Economics Undermine Haftar’s Offensive in Libya? -- Eaton & Eljarh, Chat. House

Russia and NATO Both Think Time Is on Their Side -- Mark Galeotti, Moscow Times

Ukraine’s Election Is an All-Out Disinformation Battle -- Nina Jankowicz, The Atlantic

Across Region, Venezuelans Reel From a Crisis With No End -- Megan Janetsky, World Politics Review

One year after Nicaraguan uprising, Ortega is back in control -- Benjamin Waddell, The conversation

It’s Been Over 300 Days Since a Pentagon Press Briefing. That Should Concern All Americans — Including the Military -- James Stavridis, Time

With the power to change the world, here’s why the US and China are fighting over our 5G future -- Zen Soo, SCMP