The French history behind Lebanon’s problems; challenging the prisoners of war narrative; remembering Brent Scowcroft

Joshua Landis: The French mandate and Lebanese historyLebanon’s was once a model for the Middle East. Today, it looks more like Syria or Iraq. Why? And should the French be held accountable?Also; Japan’s POWs: systematic mistreatment?During World War Two more Australians died in Japanese prisoner of war camps than were killed in combat. Conventional wisdom says they were systematically mistreated.Sarah Kovner argues that the story is more complex than that.Also; Vale Brent Scowcroft: US foreign policy veteranTwo-time US national security adviser Brent Scowcroft was an architect of the Gulf War, and a leading opponent of the Iraq war. He died recently aged 95.