Published by The Independent (28th September, 2015) Texas has always divided opinions. It prides itself on being the best, brashest and most bloody-minded slice of America, a cowboy […]
United States / World
A broken system, angry electorate and uncertain future
Published by The Independent (21st September, 2015) I met Christopher last week in a café in central Texas, a smart young man with unfulfilled ambitions. ‘I’m basically a […]
Technology / United States / World
Social media and a very modern murder
Published by The Daily Telegraph (28th August, 2015) The images are calculated, chilling and instantly iconic. They open with a young woman television reporter chatting about tourism with […]
Politics / United States / World
Brothers in arms – but Bush and Blair take divergent paths now
Published by The Independent (9th June, 2015) When he left the White House in early 2009 and headed back to Dallas, few people were sad to see George […]
Crime / Policy / Politics / United States / World
Could Michael Gove become a liberal hero by reforming prisons?
Published by The Guardian (20th May, 2015) The appointment of Michael Gove as justice secretary was among the more interesting appointments in David Cameron’s first all-Conservative cabinet. Attention […]
United States / World
The Democrats could do better than another Clinton
Published by The Independent (13th April, 2015) It is not exactly surprising, but Hillary Clinton has confirmed what everyone already knew: she wants to be president of the United States. […]
Africa / Aid / United States / World
When will our politicians realise Africa has changed?
Published by The Independent (4th August, 2014) The dominant headlines out of Africa are as depressing as always in the Western media: a terrifying disease on the rampage, […]
Arts / Books / China / United States / World
Sunny side up
Published in The Observer (February 23rd 2014) The Upside of Down by Charles Kenny (Basic Books) During the last United States presidential election, the then-rising Republican star Chris […]
Crime / Policy / United States / World
The tough-on-crime Texan judge closing down jails
Published in The Observer (September 30th, 2012) The motley gaggle of miscreants shuffles into the court, lining up silently in three rows on the benches. There are some […]
Crime / Policy / United States / World
Oddly, Texas can teach the UK a thing or two on criminal justice
Published in The Guardian (November 21st, 2011) Hang ’em high Texas is not the first place you might look for lessons in criminal justice. The lone star state […]
Arts / Books / United States / World
The other Barack: Bigamist, drunk and wife-beater
Published in the Daily Mail (August 12th, 2011) The Other Barack by Sally H. Jacobs (Public Affairs) Shortly after being elected first black president of Harvard Law Review, […]
Travel / United States / World
Mississippi yearning: driving down America’s Great River Road
Published in The Guardian (December 4th, 2010) As we nudged the Mustang on to the vast metal bridge spanning the Mississippi, a glorious sunset broke behind us, shading […]