Two weeks ago I argued in this column that individuals are shaped by their circumstances. That personalities (like recently killed Bin Laden) do not rise out of dust, religion or dollars but from real conditions. The gnawing problem of Palestine sits at the heart of an unresolved issue that has for over sixty years produced anger, frustration plus bloodshed in an unending Middle East crisis with its nemesis: global religious terrorism.
Yes, history is shaped by individuals and their surroundings.
And so we must look at the music of Bob Marley.
Bob Marley...
Exactly thirty years have passed since the charismatic songwriter died of cancer. He would have been 66 years old today and probably performing like fellow Jamaicans Jimmy Cliff, Toots and The Maytals and his former band mate, Bunny Wailer; all still musically active.
I remember May 11th 1981 very well.
The day was misty and slightly wet in Dar es Salaam....