Since Ahmad al-Sharaa came to power in Syria, the Damascus government has been given carte blanche to use maximum force against any threat to its continued rule, writes VIJAY PRASHAD

AS the current chapter of the Royal Chronicles draws to a close, there is inevitably anticipation, discussion and concern over what is to come when Queen Elizabeth II is no more.
Whatever magic, mystery and myth may have surrounded the royal family in the past, the sunlight of the tabloid press, gossip columns — and mainstream media — has well and truly exposed it. The fairy tale has hit the buffers.
Some members of the family may at times be gracious, funny, kind, selfless and caring, but some can also be venal, greedy, possibly racist and allegedly involved in criminal activity. They are human, with human faults, but lots of money.



