French Elections: Great Result for Macron

A great result for Emmanuel Macron who is a recent comer to the world of politics since 2012. Centrist politics I believe will win the day throughout Europe and that is far better that the narrow ideology of the ultra-right. More importantly we do need new blood in the political […]

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Political Debates: The Future

The Problem The political debates that we’ve seen in the past few years have been largely fact free particularly when discussing important issues like the economy, national security and foreign policy. These debates have resulted in political campaigns driven more through disinformation (or at best misinformation) and eventually affected elections […]

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Hearts & Minds in France (updated)

Deepest condolences to family/friends of all who lost their life in the recent terrorist attack in Paris. The battle against terrorism starts and ends with us all holding to our values and way of life. Any other approach is giving terrorist/ideology a legitimacy they do not deserve and would eventually […]

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Powerplay Time: The Showdown with Russia

Pre Meeting with Putin Commentary It is clear to the blind that both sides are coming at this from a completely different direction in regards to Syria. What is worse is that this is far from being the only major issue on the table, talking about hacking and Russian interference […]

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Borderline: Immigration & Terrorism

Recently I cam across a very interesting research paper on the link between migration and terrorism entitled; “Links between Terrorism and Migration: An Exploration“ by Alex P. Schmid. I recommend reading it particularly the stats scattered around the content as it really puts some perspective onto this subject rather relying […]

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Hearts & Minds in Egypt

Multiple cowardly attacks on 2 churches claim more lives in Egypt. Prayers to the victims and deepest condolences to their families. The concern is that now that ISIS is loosing grip in Iraq & Syria terrorists are moving to other regions of the Middle East & Africa where they believe to have more room for […]

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Foreign Policy Expertise & Negotiation Culture

Foreign Policy Expertise It seems to me from the way ministers are assigned to lead the Foreign Policy portfolio in government that expertise is NOT a pre-requisite; prime examples of this include the British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Boris Johnson and the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. […]

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Hearts & Minds in Stockholm

Another cowardly attack in Stockholm, Sweden today. My prayers for the victims of this horrible attack and my thoughts are with their families & friends.  There is NOT much more to say in a moment like this beyond the hope that we rid our society from these sick cowards very soon. Link […]

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The Disgrace that is Nigel Farage

This man is really a disgrace to British politics be it right, left or centre. I watched again with shock his accusations and foul language in the European Parliament today and all I can say is that he brings shame to me as a British and to the whole country. […]

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The BREXIT Tunnel: Jobs Already Leaving (Commentary)

The detrimental effect of BREXIT on business and the economy is slowly becoming reality. It is not just about the BREXIT decision but more importantly its about the negotiation process itself which indicates prolonged uncertainty about the eventual EU/UK trading relationship coming out of this deal. This assessment is based […]

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Celebrating the European Identity & Heritage

As we now celebrate the 60th anniversary of the EU’s founding treaty of Rome in 1957 one can’t help but reflect on the changes we’ve seen ever since the UK’s BREXIT referendum in June 2016, or haven’t you noticed? From the resurgence of the ultra right parties in Europe grounded […]

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La Femme “in” Bleu

Quite a striking image of Marine Le Pen in this photo op with President Putin in her latest visit to Russia. It’s also quite telling how she avoided any press briefing after the meeting. Le Pen has been a busy whizzy lady also traveling to the US/visiting Trump tower earlier in January […]

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Hearts & Minds in London

Hearts, minds and prayers go to all affected by the terrorist attack today in London as well as their family/friends. Words fail me in expressing the extent of my anger/disgust at the cowards whoever/wherever they are. More importantly it strengthens my determination/resolve to actively support all efforts in defeating this trend & […]

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Brainstorms: The Wiretapping Saga & the Big Picture

There’s been a ton of analysis done-and on it goes-on this false claim by Donald Trump (forgive me but the title President still heavy on my tongue-not to mention my brain-talking about this person) about allegations of wiretapping by President Obama. I believe there is a more fundamental question that should be […]

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The IED of Donald Trump; His Mouth

Yet again, the US President does not disappoint in creating controversy during his latest press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel using his ever popular “Improvised Explosive Device”. This time though it has far reaching impact this being a very important international news conference. It must be clear to the […]

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An Attempt at "Normalizing Racism"

Unbelievable;  An attempt to “Normalize Racism” that coming from an American Congressman Steve King. I can tell you Congressman with all due respect, You & Others Like You Will Never Make It Normal! Beyond that initial reaction above (and after having a sip of coffee), I can say that it is really […]

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A Response to Geert Wilders

Mr Wilders I have just recently been following your political campaign in Holland and listening to some of your statements as well as ones made by your supporters. I am not actually surprised by successes made by right wing parties in the West-there are valid reasons for this. However when I heard […]

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Markets Need to Hear More Details From Trump (Commentary)

More Rhetoric than Substance is a characteristic of Nationalist/Right-Wing ideology simply because the realties of the world we live in today do NOT allow for solutions that may have applied decades ago. Concepts like Globalization, Free Trade/Trade Blocs, Multiculturalism as well as the interconnectivity/interdependence of the world we live in […]

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A New Approach to Warfare and Applying Historical Context

Quite an interesting interview with Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster about modern warfare and the importance of fully appreciating the uniqueness of such conflicts through among others applying historical context to them. It is very clear from the interview than General McMaster has solid professional expertise in the area of warfare. […]

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Racism is Alive & Kicking

Here’s a thought; With the rise of the Ultra-right “ulraPolitik” in the West clearly manifested by the election of Donald Trump in the White House, Racism has again become an area of concern. It used to be the case in the not-so-distant past that Western societies prided themselves for being […]

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How Europe Should Deal With Trump (Commentary)

An excellent article/analysis-link below-on future relationship between the EU and the US under the Trump administration-an unchartered territory. Main takeaway’s from the article are; A parallel path needs to be applied here; engagement with Trump administration as well as with non-Trump supporters among Democrats & Republicans. The need to revitalize […]

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