THE WEEK THAT WAS (20-24/08/2012)
This week: I proposed that the hatred displayed towards Israel on Quds Day in fact spells trouble for the people of Iran; I discussed what’s off with the current season of Damages; I highlighted Gov. Romney’s problems with the religious aspect of the essential First Amendment; I suggested one way of raising the tone of political discourse in the United States might be to eliminate the Electoral College; and, I came out in defence of Martin Amis’ new novel, Lionel Asbo.
Elsewhere, Rachel Cooke interviewing Ian McEwan for The Observer, Samir Nasri wished the world Eid Mubarak, and picking-and-choosing posted a guide to the Barefoot Contessa. Julian Barnes was this week’s pick from the archives of The Paris Review on the meaning of literature, and Gore Vidal spoke with Steve Wasserman on politics, history, and bookchat.
