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Gerald Loftus
Brussels, Belgium
Former diplomat, active in cultural affairs.
Interests: Cultural diplomacy, historic preservation, expatriated Americans, North Africa, Europe
Recent Activity
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From illiteracy to university in one short generation. Continue reading
Posted Oct 4, 2023 at Avuncular American
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Thirty years ago today, tanks filed past our window in Algeria's coup ousting its president, overturning an election, and starting a bloody civil war that lasted a decade. Continue reading
Posted Jan 11, 2022 at Avuncular American
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China is providing countries with vaccine as long as they also immunize Chinese residents. Shouldn't the US likewise help its own overseas citizens? Continue reading
Posted May 22, 2021 at Avuncular American
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Living in a museum among figures from American diplomatic history in Tangier Morocco. Continue reading
Posted Jan 2, 2021 at Avuncular American
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I wanted to make a "I Voted By Mail" US postage stamp, but the program was discontinued in the Louis DeJoy "improvements." Continue reading
Posted Aug 24, 2020 at Avuncular American
Algeria's legendary Kabyle or Berber singer Idir passed away this month of May 2020. His 2008 concert in the Roman theater of Lyon was a rousing spectacle for a multicultural audience of Algérophiles. Continue reading
Posted May 3, 2020 at Avuncular American
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Trump is waging war against professional American diplomats. Continue reading
Posted Sep 29, 2019 at Avuncular American
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In the face of Trump onslaught at NATO, low key focus on human security across the Mediterranean is underfunded. Continue reading
Posted Jul 17, 2018 at Avuncular American
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"No rules" might work in a catchy ad campaign for a certain Scotch whiskey, but it's harder to apply in international relations. Policy-by-tweet, insult-your-friends - this can't end well. Continue reading
Posted Jun 10, 2018 at Avuncular American
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"State of Deception: The Power of Nazi Propaganda" tells a story of "fake news" that is every bit as relevant in 2018 as it was in 1933. Continue reading
Posted Apr 3, 2018 at Avuncular American
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Twitter Man will not lift a finger to prevent a repeat of Russian election tampering. Congress must act - now. Continue reading
Posted Jan 1, 2018 at Avuncular American
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Inaptitude, or unfitness, summarizes Trump's first 100 days, and the rest of his presidency. Continue reading
Posted Apr 28, 2017 at Avuncular American
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The upside down White House, scene of un-American activities. Continue reading
Posted Feb 5, 2017 at Avuncular American
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As we relive in 2017 the chill winds of 1933-1945, Anne Frank reminds us of the price of ignoring hatred. Continue reading
Posted Jan 27, 2017 at Avuncular American
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Un homme instable et peu fiable s'installe à la Maison Blanche. L'Europe doit tenir bon, et se préparer pour l'après-Trump. Continue reading
Posted Jan 20, 2017 at Avuncular American
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Now "@realDonaldTrump" gets to sign on White House stationery. Time to take on Barack Obama's admonition: "words matter." Continue reading
Posted Jan 19, 2017 at Avuncular American
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The 22nd amendment meant we couldn't have a 3rd Obama term, but we want Barack and Michelle to help the US retain a sense of progress and dignity that will be under siege during the Trump era. Continue reading
Posted Jan 8, 2017 at Avuncular American
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"The Nazi Seizure of Power," a classic study of how Hitler rose to power through manipulation of the democratic process, should be essential reading after Election 2016. Continue reading
Posted Nov 9, 2016 at Avuncular American
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Goodbye to my 1985 tube TV, faithful through more than a dozen international moves. Continue reading
Posted Feb 28, 2016 at Avuncular American
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Mustang - a credible, beautiful film of adolescent girls in Turkey - is a must-see. Continue reading
Posted Jul 12, 2015 at Avuncular American
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Belgium's Hallerbos park and its springtime bluebells are a world attraction. Continue reading
Posted Apr 28, 2015 at Avuncular American
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There's something wrong when your life - whether in a plane or in surgery - is in the hands of indebted, exhausted pilots and doctors. Continue reading
Posted Mar 28, 2015 at Avuncular American
Wildlife in Brussels, from frogs to foxes. Continue reading
Posted Mar 22, 2015 at Avuncular American
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The Jewish Museum of Belgium in Brussels was the target of terrorists in 2014, but remains a peaceful place of reflection. Continue reading
Posted Jan 28, 2015 at Avuncular American
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If ever there was a timely film about cartoonists risking their lives, it is Caricaturistes: Fantassins de la Democratie. Continue reading
Posted Jan 8, 2015 at Avuncular American