VIJAY PRASHAD looks at the web of militias and drug-trafficking gangs that emerged in the Sweida region through the Syrian civil war, and how they relate to recent clashes and Israel’s intervention

GROWING vines for grapes can be difficult, depending on what part of these islands you live in, which way your garden faces, and whether you have a greenhouse. But growing them for vine leaves is easy, productive and highly ornamental.
I don’t know of any variety of grapevine available in this country which is specifically bred for the purpose of providing home-grown dolmades, although Pinot Noir is sometimes recommended as suitable.
But any variety will do, so when going through catalogues or websites to choose a plant look for one that is considered fully hardy in your area, and which has an autumnal foliage colour that you find attractive.

MAT COWARD presents a peculiar cabbage that will only do its bodybuilding once the summer dies down

A heatwave, a crimewave, and weird bollocks in Aberdeen, Indiana horror, and the end of the American Dream

A corrupted chemist, a Hampstead homosexual and finely observed class-conflict at The Bohemia

Beet likes warmth, who doesn’t, so attention to detail is required if you’re to succeed, writes MAT COWARD