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Colonialism and empire

France: Long history of a forgotten massacre

Exactly 50 years ago today, between 100 and 200 Algerians, who were taking part in a peaceful demonstration, were murdered by Paris police. After decades of official cover-up, the collective memory of the events of 17 October 1961 is finally being restored.

17 October 2011 – Le Monde (Paris)
France-Tunisia: How Paris missed the Jasmine Revolution

Overtaken by events, slow in supporting the forces of democracy, the French government seemed to be backing the regime of Ben Ali to the very end. Today, it’s having a hard time justifying its position.

18 January 2011 – Presseurop ()
Netherlands: Explaining Wilders to Indonesians

Citizens of the former Dutch colony have trouble understanding the populist leader’s rise to power. The Netherlands was long considered a beacon of tolerance for the world’s most populous Muslim country, but those days are over.

11 October 2010 – De Volkskrant (Amsterdam)
Africa: Anything to celebrate in DR Congo?

While the Democratic Republic of the Congo celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence, the European press wonders about the future of the country, which remains a symbol of colonisation on the African continent.

30 June 2010 – Presseurop
Debate: Why do they hate us?

While Europe sees itself as a benevolent superpower with an enviable lifestyle, the rest of the world sees nothing more than a shambling, increasingly introspective ex-colonial master that hides behind the United States. If it wants to become a major global actor, it must change.

3 June 2010 – EUobserver.com (Brussels)
Haiti: Blame it on France

Before the devastation of the 12 January earthquake, Haiti was already an economic disaster zone, crippled by centuries-old debt at the hands of its former colonial master – France. A “j’accuse” from Ben Mcintyre in The Times.

21 January 2010 – The Times (London)
Literature: Max Havelaar, more than fair trade

Published in 1859, the book that gave its name to the fair trade movement remains a classic work of fiction. Notwithstanding, or perhaps, because of its avant-garde style and continued attempts to wrong-foot the reader, Max Havelaar's portrayal of colonial oppression in Indonesia still has lessons for modern readers.

30 December 2009 – Trouw (Amsterdam)

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