40. Salman Rushdie, the energy price cap, and Afghanistan

The novel follows the lives of two Indian Muslims, Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha, who survive a plane hijacking and subsequent explosion. As they fall from the plane, they are transformed into angelic and satanic figures. The story delves into various themes, including the founding of Islam through the character Mahound, the story of a visionary girl named Ayesha, and the struggles of identity and faith. The book is known for its complex, multilayered plot and its use of dreams within dreams, which generated significant controversy due to its satirical and imaginative treatment of Islamic themes.

The Diplomat tells the story of Lord Essex, a skilled British negotiator, who is sent on a special mission to Moscow and Iran in 1946. His objectives include safeguarding British oil interests in Iran, checking Russian expansion, and maintaining a friendly government in Teheran. However, his mission is complicated by his assistant, Ivre MacGregor, a geologist who sympathizes with the revolution and challenges Essex's strategies. The novel explores the geopolitical tensions between British and Soviet interests in the region, as well as the personal conflicts between the characters. Despite its potential, the book is criticized for its slow pace, repetitive expressions, and awkward style.

In 'Fixing Failed States: A Framework for Rebuilding a Fractured World', Ashraf Ghani and Clare Lockhart address the global issue of failed states, which are home to over a billion people and are sources of major global problems like terrorism and poverty. The authors propose a novel approach to state-building, emphasizing the need for collaboration among the international community, national leaders, and citizens to achieve political and economic stability. They draw on their experiences in countries such as Afghanistan and Nepal to illustrate their strategies.