It seemed almost too much to look back to the events of 9/11 in New York, when there is so much killing and grief swirling the globe now.

But look back we must, not least to learn from the mistakes and sacrifices of that time. (((LINK TO Raghid Nahhas piece Saturday)))

Most of us will remember where we were when the first, and then the second, plane slammed into the twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New York. I was a fairly green journalist at The Canberra Times. As education reporter, it was my job to find anyone affected in schools or universities.

I called through all my contacts and soon came across the terrible news of a young family, on their way to a new life at the Australian National University. They were aboard American Airlines Flight 77, which crashed into the Penatgon, killing all 59 passengers and crew, as well as 125 people on the ground. Leslie Whittington, Charles Falkenberg and their daughters, 8-year-old Zoe, and 3-year-old Dana, had been on the first leg of their big adventure. I remember sitting at my desk, trying to hide my tears, as I found a picture of the family. Dana was the youngest person killed on their flight.

Make sure you read David Armstrong’s Saturday Asian Media Report (((LINK PLS))). As always it took us right into our region, in what was a huge week.

This morning, John (((LINK PLS))) says it is time to diplomatically disengage from the US - now a dangerous ally.

Keeping an eye on the steady erosion of democracy in the US could fill an entire publication. Today, we feature a piece that takes the suppression of free expression a step further. Apparently the US Department of State will ‘review’ foreigners’ remarks on the killing of US conservative political operator Charlie Kirk. (((LINK pls)))

Back home, we noted the sad news that one of Australia’s best loved literary journals, Meanjin, will close its doors. Don’t miss the lovely piece from one of Australia’s best authors and commentators, Michael McGirr, lamenting Meanjin’s demise. (((LINK PLS)))

Until next week,