Latest Stories
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‘Magical thinking’ piles pressure on England hero
As England prepare to take on Ukraine in tonight’s crucial match, fans put their faith in talismanic striker Wayne Rooney. Is this hero worship a symptom of so-called ‘magical thinking?’
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Church of England fights gay marriage proposal
Prime Minister David Cameron wants to give gay couples the right to marry but the Anglican Church disagrees. Bishops say the whole institution of marriage is under threat.
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Republicans choose Romney for US presidential race
Mitt Romney has beaten off conservative rivals to become the official presidential candidate of the US Republican Party. By the end of the year, he could be the most powerful man on the planet.
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‘Beach hero’ drowns to save stranded child
When a young girl drifted out to sea this weekend, she was saved by the bravery of one man – but the rescuer paid the ultimate price. Should people give up their lives for others?
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Syria rebels strike heavy blow against Assad
Rebels in Syria are losing ground but gaining strength, as proved by two major attacks in the last week. Is this good news? And what happens if the West and al Qaeda are on the same side?
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Ape’s war with humans displays advanced thinking
What do a chimp’s aggression and a whale’s compassion have in common? Both are evidence that animals are more intelligent than we ever thought. Is it time for a new approach on animal rights?
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US military college teaches ‘total war’ on Islam
An instructor at a US Army training centre taught pupils that all Muslims should be considered hostile, and that holy Islamic sites might have to be destroyed. Generals are horrified.
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What votes, children and friendship have in common
In a new book, renowned philosopher and ‘lion of the lecture hall’ Michael Sandel argues that the free market has gone too far: there are some things, he says, that should never be bought.
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Britain celebrates May Day to see summer in
The wettest April in over a century has come to an end. Today, festivities celebrate the spring and activists call for strikes: it is May Day – a time of tradition and transition.
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England celebrates dragon-slaying patron saint
Today is the feast day of St George, patron saint of England. Parties will be held around the country to mark the occasion – but a quarter of all Britons associate St George with racism, or...
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Indonesians argue over plan to ban miniskirts
As part of a crackdown on ‘pornography,’ Indonesian lawmakers have proposed a ban on skirts that end above the knee. Are revealing clothes a public indecency or a private choice?
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Hollywood’s hottest couple to marry at last
It’s official: After a seven-year wait, and a full twelve months of planning, Brad Pitt has proposed marriage to his long-term partner Angelina Jolie. But why did it take him so long?
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Pope’s visit puts isolated Cuba in the spotlight
During his visit to Cuba, Pope Benedict XVI called for its rulers to embrace political freedoms. His requests were quickly rebuffed – but the communist nation is changing all the same.
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Blair squirms as Liberia leader backs anti-gay law
When Tony Blair was confronted with homophobic comments from a respected African leader, he evaded the question. Was he right, or should the West put pressure on intolerant regimes?
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Jewish children killed in French school shooting
Three children and a rabbi were killed yesterday morning when a masked gunman opened fire at a Jewish School in Toulouse. Police suspect a racist serial killer may be on the rampage.