Editorial

Book Reviews

The Wickedly Humorous Teenage Writings of Jane Austen before Pride and Prejudice

Some books help you learn to read about the author; others allow you to actually hear the author's presence. This small, delightful group of items drawn from Jane Austen’s early writings is in the latter category. They are much more than mere writings made as a teenager—these writings show many of the same kinds of traits Austen will eventually use to create her masterpieces. They contain both the youthful angst and humor that so many authors try to forge but typically do not possess. In short, they show us Jane Austen finding herself as a comedian.   This book is so...
Global

What Triggered the US-Israel Attack on Iran, and Could the War Grow Bigger?

Senuri Vithanage -
The Middle East is in serious conflict after the US and Israel carried out major attacks on Iran. These strikes began on 28 February and hit Iran’s missile bases, military sites, and key leaders in Tehran and other areas. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had led the country since 1989, lost his life during the first attacks. Israel also reported that dozens of senior commanders in Iran’s Islamic...
CWEIC

Are War and U.S. Tariffs Reshaping Global Trade? Lord Marland Explains the Opportunity for the Commonwealth

Roshan Abayasekara -
Jonathan Peter Marland, Baron Marland, is known as a British businessman and politician. The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council CWEIC is a membership organisation which promotes trade, investment and the role of the private sector across 56 Commonwealth member states. Lord Marland assumed office as the chairman of CWEIC on 1 July 2014. Lord Marland was the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy (2011 – '14); in 2012, he was Minister of...
Commonwealth Diaspora

Sri Lankan Tamil chef’s carving skill wins big in Europe!

Sarojini P -
Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ A Sri Lankan-born Tamil chef has achieved international fame by winning a silver medal in a major culinary competition in Greece, a happy moment for both his hometown and the country he now represents. Chef Thanuraj "Thanu" Raviraj, who was born in Sri Lanka and now lives in Britain, competed in the Western European Fruits and Vegetable Carving Championship representing Italy. Known for his exceptional...
Commonwealth Healthcare

Can Building Personal Agency Protect Older Australians from Depression and Isolation?

S De Silva -
Healthcare (Commonwealth Union) – Loneliness particularly among the elderly particularly in industrialised urbanized communities has been a serious concern across the globe. The condition is most frequent when elderly individuals are cut off from family members often due to migration or relocation for work. More and more, people are seeing loneliness in older Australians as a serious public health problem that raises the risk of depression, anxiety, heart disease, and...
Commonwealth Aviation

Skies in Turmoil: SriLankan Airlines Adds Surprise Flight to London to Help Alleviate Travel Issues

Asanga Divulweva -
When the airspace politics affect the travelling public, airlines generally respond by adding more seats for passengers on their flights; this occurred again this week as SriLankan Airlines responded to the ongoing crisis caused by events in the Middle East by creating an additional Colombo to London flight on Sunday, 08 March. Departing Colombo at 06:50 and arriving in London at 13:10 (local time), the outbound leg will operate...
Africa

How Could the Middle East War Affect South Africa’s Economy?

Senuri Vithanage -
The growing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran is causing concern in global energy markets and could soon affect South Africa's economy. Officials warn that the war could push oil prices higher, which may lead to more expensive fuel, rising inflation and delayed interest-rate cuts. According to a report by the Mail & Guardian, a South African news publication, South Africa’s National Treasury is already preparing for different...