Hugo Gurdon

Iran’s clerical tyrants are as different from Mark Twain as it’s possible to imagine. But since they toppled the shah in 1979, they might often have echoed him, saying, “reports of our death are greatly exaggerated.” As Iranian popular protests multiply a... See more

Appalling scenes from the fatal New Year’s Eve bar fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, were captured on camera phones by people there for the party. In video shared on social media, one sees dancers parading behind a man who progresses through the bar wit... See more

As you have begun to read this article, I will assume you are a reader. By this, I mean you regard reading creative works of literature as a good, sometimes delightful, and often beneficial way to spend your time. You know that reading delivers aesthetic ... See more

You do not have to squint to see a pattern. Sixteen Jews innocently celebrating Hanukkah are shot dead at Bondi Beach, Australia. The attackers are Muslims. Three Americans, including two National Guard members, are murdered in Syria. The killer is a Musl... See more

After news broke that U.S. armed forces seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela on Dec. 10, the government in Caracas accused President Donald Trump of “piracy.” Hair-trigger condemnation of Trump’s every word or action has become the dreary backg... See more