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The popular perception of the crusades is of wars fought by christian Europeans against Muslims who inhabited the holy land. But the Albigensian Crusade (1209-1229) was fought by Europeans against Europeans in the south of France. It was not about a "clash of civilisations" — rather it was a clash of feudal power, fought by nobles and the church.

January 1208Pope Innocent III declares a crusade against the Languedoc region of southern France, stronghold of the heretical Cathar christian sect.

When Dominique de Villepin was appointed prime minister of France following the vote against the European Union (EU) constitution in the referendum in May, he promised his first 100 days in office would give confidence back to the French.

It came as an insult when the Live8 organisers forgot to put any African artists in their line-up in London. Many of these artists regularly fill concert venues in Britain, France and have a huge following across the African continent.

Perth & Kinross council have banned a march on the G8 summit, set for 6 July. They have allowed a rally to go ahead—but only if organisers pay thousands for the privilege. Scottish Socialist Party MSP, Frances Curran responded to the council’s moves

Ousmane Sembène was born in 1923 in Senegal. At the time this was part of the colony of French West Africa.

The coverage by the so-called quality press of the referendums on the European constitution in France and the Netherlands has been a complete disgrace.

The no votes in the French and Dutch referendums on the European Constitutional Treaty have sent shockwaves through mainstream parties across the European Union (EU). France’s ruling conservative coalition and the centre left Socialist Party are in turmoil following the result.

The past fortnight has been a very significant one for the radical left in Europe. The most obvious reason for this is the defeat of the European consitution in France.

An incredible referendum turnaround last Sunday in France saw 55 percent of voters reject the European Union proposal for a European constitution.

The vote will have a major impact in France. The Tory prime minister Raffarin was sacked on Tuesday of this week. President Chirac announced a new government in an attempt to calm the situation.

Working people in France have delivered a defiant no to privatisation, neo-liberalism and Blairite policies across Europe.