Category Archives: libya

“Saint Patrick’s Day and not an Irishman drunk”

So, we hear that in Ireland they don’t celebrate St. Patrick’s day like they do in the USA.  Some try to claim that Protestants don’t celebrate it at all. Well, after Saint George, Saint David and Saint Andrew, Saint Patrick … Continue reading

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When will we learn that sanctions just don’t work?

“North Korea is already tied up in layers of sanctions. They don’t seem to have have any impact. ” Says Lucy Williamson for the BBC. Little does she know, the sanctions do have an impact, and a big one. The … Continue reading

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Who is historically significant?

A few months ago, I asked “when” an event became history. Well, I had other questions too, and one re-surfaced over New Years when they discussed whether Mary Seacole should stay in Britain’s national curriculum. Apparently, this remarkable woman, a … Continue reading

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Why we should care about the Desecration of the Yusuf Qaramanli tomb.

Editor’s Note: I wrote this shortly before the attack on the embassy in Libya.  I did not have time to do a spell check right away, and considered not publishing it when the attack happened. Unfortunately, when I heard about … Continue reading

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Dom Mintoff, a reminder of Malta’s forgotten history

It may be hard to believe that Malta played a key role in European, British, Russian, Ottoman and American military history. Now, as the man who once caused headaches for NATO passes away, it might be time to reflect on why the little island (and its small neighbors) held so much weight. Continue reading

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When in Rome

When in Rome, thank God you’re English.* When in Rome, shouldn’t you do as the Romans Do? Well, Hanmer Warrington didn’t think so.  

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Who are Gadaffi’s friends?

With the entire world seemingly against Gadaffi, one wonders why he is in power.  An opinion on Arab News confirms that most of the world is decidedly against him. All I can say is, I regret living in a sound … Continue reading

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Why did Decatur burn the Philadelphia?

In 1803, the US lost one of its best ships when Bainbridge hit uncharted rocks. According to Anthony Irvin, the Philadelphia was “one third of Preble’s Squadron.”

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Why is Tripoli so popular with historians?

In October, I had no idea what was going to happen in North Africa.  Yet, I felt drawn to write a history of the “Barbary pirates.” I didn’t yet realize what would happen this year, nor did I know that … Continue reading

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Burning the Philadelphia

Today, in 1804, Stephen Decatur led a small band in a ketch to destroy a warship.  Horatio Nelson is said to have called it “the most bold and daring act of the age.” Well, I can’t verify Nelson having said … Continue reading

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