By Shada Islam

It is a topsy-turvy world. This past week, I have taken part in a passionate discussion with top Nato and EU officials on the future of Afghanistan, met Syrian opposition representatives, kept track of Nato defence ministers’ decisions on Libya — and tried to get serious about Europe’s ‘ vegetable crisis’, prompting family discussions on whether or not to eat lettuce and tomatoes.

By Ruth Grove-White and Jenny Moss

When Dalisay* came to the UK as a domestic worker, she had no idea what she was letting herself in for. She found herself working in a private house with no days off for just £25 per week, and she was not allowed outside alone. She was regularly shouted at and insulted by her employer, who had taken her passport away from her. After two long years she managed to escape and find a better employer – it’s still hard work but she is at least treated decently.

By Usman Zafar

After much hue and cry, ballyhooing and brouhaha, tongue wagging and finger pointing, the Punjab Provincial Assembly has finally allowed one of its members Kamran Michael to present the provincial budget. It’s a well deserved move for the junior politician, who holds the portfolio of the Ministry of Finance, making him a key leader of the ruling party in Punjab, the PMLN.

By Caroline Jaine

Twenty years ago, the French philosopher, sociologist and political commentator, Jean Baudrillard wrote an essay entitled “The Gulf War Did Not Take Place”.  Published in French and British Newspapers (Libération and The Guardian), it attracted huge criticism from people like Christopher Norris, who castigated Baudrillard and other postmodern intellectuals for arguing the Gulf conflict was unreal and essentially fictive.