Why celebrate the end of WW2? Human beings are behaving as violently as ever towards each other. World leaders who want to attend a ceremony to remember the defeat of fascists should have to swear an oath that they will uphold the UN Charter, sign up to the ICC and not commit war crimes.

Syria's new Government is very hopeful. We put up with murderous Assad and let Russia intervene to help him. Again we have a chance to help. But Israel is bombing them and destroying their defences, the West is not lifting sanctions. Should we not move much more rapidly to offer help?

China's achievements and organisation are very impressive. We buy a lot from them. We don't like their repression of Ouighurs and desire to incorporate Taiwan. Rather than futilely threatening them why not offer to mediate dialogue about Taiwan being part of China or Ouighurs allowed some autonomy?

Humans are extraordinary apes in being able to relate to a millions strong tribe. We invented democracy to pick a leader appropriate to our needs not just a big bully. But we have reverted to wanting a big silverback like Trump, not someone wise. Will our ape genes always beat our common sense?

Germania by Simon Winder. Witty, flippant and wise history of Germany, very relevant to an Anglo like me, very ignorant of mid-European history