The Middle East is ailing. The malady stems from pervasive violence shortages of food water and educational opportunities discrimination against women and - the most virulent cause of all - the absence of freedom.
Some argue that now isn't the time to push the green agenda - that all efforts should be on preventing a serious recession. That is a false choice. It fails to recognise that climate change and our carbon reliance is part of problem - high fuel prices and food shortages due to poor crop yields compound today's financial difficulties.
I know people that could serve me canned tuna and saltine crackers and have me feel more at home at their table than some people who can cook circles around me. The more you try to impress people generally the less you do.