Otto von Bismarck

I have just finished reading a most fascinating book. It should interest anyone with an interest in military matters.This book by Jaap Jan Brouwer explains why the German Army often fought more effectively than its opponents in the 19th and 20th centuries, even though Germany ultimately lost both World Wars. The book focuses less on battles themselves and more on how the German military was organized, trained, and led. The Prussian reforms after their military collapse before Napoleonic armies at Battle of Jena–Auerstedt in 1806 and the Treaty of Tilsit in 1807 spurred reforms that transformed military organizations and operations. These were further consolidated during the Weimar years. 1/10

Nonsense. India fulfilled all its legal obligations and more (which the article also cements). But it conveniently misses the point that the IRIS Dena had embarked on a second diplomatic mission - for a courtesy visit to Sri Lanka, on Colombo’s invitation (later rescinded).

Nobody will buy India's "guest is god" philosophy. Next time we host a multilateral military exercise, any country that isn't in America's good books will think twice before attending. Lawde ka regional power, IOR.

Driving through Saxony-Anhalt, the family had to accept a detour to Magdeburg: I insisted on visiting the tomb of Otto the Great in the Dome. One of the best emperors the Holy Roman Empire ever had.

My doctoral thesis included a detailed study of the Great Leap Famine, some years before the publication of Yang Jisheng's definitive work in English. I wish I had access to it when I was writing Drawing on primary material and his own lived experience (his father was a victim) this is a must read for anyone wanting to understand China's post 1949 political journey.