There is no doubt in my mind that Māori continue to bear the scars of colonisation (Mikaere 2004).

They still carry the scars of malnutrition, inadequate education and poor health.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spine may show areas of demyelination (lesions or plaques).

Meanwhile, over 40 countries have been scarred by violent conflict.

In many parts of the world, there is a strong stigma associated with going to the International Monetary Fund, for obvious reasons.

And former colonial subjects, though in many cases remarkably well integrated, still bear the scars of troubled imperial histories.

The stucco on the walls of most of the buildings in Rome covers the scars the scars of centuries of change as these structures have been adapted rather than being torn down.

Further south, Kenya remains scarred by the aftermath of post election violence, and its constitutional review process could lead to yet more bloodshed.

The battlecruiser remained in İzmit until 1926, in a neglected state only two of her boilers worked, she could not steer or steam, and she still had two unrepaired scars from the mine damage in 1918.

Refugees languish helplessly in welfare nets, or are suspected of being cheats. And former colonial subjects, though in many cases remarkably well integrated, still bear the scars of troubled imperial histories.

But how long will national unity prevail? The scars of colonialism are fresher in France than anywhere else in Europe the country has Europe s largest Muslim minority and, with moderates seeming particularly weak and divided, the extreme right is cresting in opinion polls.