Hi Ingolf

The main problem with the article is the use of slab quotes (including the first para) which chop up the narrative and twist it in various directions.

Use of quotes in that way usually shows an author is in a rush and suffering from the journalist's curse of having to fill column inches very rapidly. A smooth narrative, interpreting the evidence, is preferable, in my view anyway.

Cheers

Pete

Hi Ingolf. You can read Carter's remarks on the English language version of Der Spiegel on line. This is notwithstanding the fact that Carter made the speech in the US.
I suspect if you googled it using the key words it would come up pretty quickly.

Thanks for the clarification, Pete.

I see your point and will give it more thought but suspect we may have to agree to disagree.

To my mind, using slab quotes is an efficient way to flesh out points in a narrative, whether through external illustration or providing proof of a sort. Readers then only need to click through if they're particularly intrigued by that aspect. Certainly articles in this style are what I prefer to read when looking for rapid, effective communication on an issue.

As always, what matters is how well something is executed. Done poorly, you're undoubtedly right; it does chop up the narrative and pointlessly fill column inches.

Thanks James. What I found was pretty sparse but it will do.