Pat Lane

Pat Lane

Patrick Lane is a regular contributor to the Harvard International Review. His blog largely focuses on Europe and foreign policy. Lane studied Political Science, concentrating in international relations. His interests include British and Irish history, European soccer, and traveling without maps. He currently resides in Boston, MA.

Blog posts by Pat Lane

When Shergar wins the Epsom again. When Rev. Paisley does a jig down the Falls Road. When the Dail outlaws the drink.

Well, Shergar’s nowhere to be found, Paisley’s soon to see St. Peter, and considering recent economic forecasts, the Dail could use a pint just about now. But this year in Ireland, the once inconceivable, has become reality.

Queen Elizabeth II, the reigning British monarch, is now more welcome on Erin’s shores than the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Benedict XVII. A more surprising shift in recent history one would be hard-pressed to find. Time has proven once again that it does have a healthy sense of irony.

By Pat Lane  |  February 16, 2012  |  0

BERLIN — Walk down the Unter den Linden past the American Embassy. Acknowledge the Brandenburg Gate with a momentary gaze. Look right for a glimpse of the Reichstag, but head left to the square of austere concrete slabs. Spaced out evenly of assorted heights, the blocks lack the adorning touch of the aesthete. They simply exist — row upon row separated by narrow lanes. Edge deeper into the uncertainty until reaching the place where the monoliths consume you. This is The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. It stands at the center of Germany’s capital, a constant marker of national remorse.

By Pat Lane  |  February 4, 2012  |  3

On Feburary 4th, the Scotland Rugby Team will stand on the pitch of Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium and listen to “God Save the Queen.” The 60,000 tartan supporters, UK citizens, will remain largely silent throughout. A boo or two may even make its way through the stands.  Then with saltires waving and bagpipes playing, the Scots will proudly sing:

                        O Flower of Scotland,

                        When will we see your like again

By Pat Lane  |  January 11, 2012  |  2