Statues and Historical Memory (II): The Evolving Monumental War
In parks, and city squares, monuments stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time. They represent a moment in which they didn’t yet live, and in most cases they embody memories of the past. Yet, in recent years, these statues have become anything but silent, sparking protests, debates, and even violence. From the Confederate […]
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Reminiscences From a War Zone
I decided to keep a diary today. It’s difficult to understand people sometimes, and God knows that we can only begin to forgive once we understand the causes behind someone’s actions. All I know is that if it hadn’t been for our local expert—a community liaison and explosive ordnance specialist—we would have been finished. As I write this, I want to acknowledge that I don’t fully understand what qualifies as a diary, so maybe this isn’t a diary entry but rather a note. I just need something to help me remember in the future.
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Books: The Spioenkop Campaign by Robert Davidson
The Spioenkop Campaign, published by Helion as part of the ‘From Musket to Maxim 1815-1914’ series in 2023, is a new and important addition to South African historiography, providing a detailed and engaging account of key battles in the Anglo-Boer War.
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Using ‘Whiteness’: Defeating the Apartheid Intelligence System (II)
We continue this week with an extract from Bob Newland’s life and experience, and his efforts in fighting the Apartheid regime in South Africa.
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Sudan: How Did It Come to This, and How Do We Reverse This Descent into Hell? (I)
This special issue of the War Diaries deals with the tragic crisis in Sudan. Its author Peter de Clercq, a seasoned UN diplomat who retired at the Assistant Secretary General level provides an insightful analysis.
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