Plenty to read in the media about this bizarre sacking-not the first but certainly the most consequential-of FBI Director James Comey. Suspicions of timing & intent are quite clear but here other angles to consider; 1. In his letter to FBI Director James Comey Trump applies his signature approach of […]
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Félicitations Président de la République Française
Great result for France, for Europe and for values of Liberal Democracy. That said this effort cannot be over until voices of isolationism, nationalism and racism are reversed through debate and sound policies. I truly hope that politicians across Europe don’t become complacent with the results in Holland and now France. […]
Read MoreFrench 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 […]
Read MorePolitical 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 […]
Read MoreMarine Le Pen seeks to exploit Champs Elysees shooting: Cheap shot by a Simple-minded Politician (Commentary)
It of course not surprising that a “politician” – and we’re pushing the term to beyond its limits here – to exploit this somber occasion for her campaign-nothing is really beneath this “lady”. Her agenda at its core is this; protection through fear, exclusion and hate which in many ways is identical to […]
Read MoreHearts & 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 […]
Read MoreTheresa May calls for Snap Elections; Liberals, You’re Now on BREXIT Life Support – Make It Work!
Well we’ve all heard the news by now-link below if not. There undoubtedly going to be long cycle of over analysis, so I will use my space here to give my own take on this “excitement“; This in my judgement is probably the worst decision of the Prime Minister to date […]
Read MoreBritish Eurosceptics; The Arguments Made Simple
An excellent classic sketch on Europe by the great talents of the late John Fortune and John Bird. They have entertained us with their wonderful sketches through the years, but now we turn to them to find out what the hell went wrong with BREXIT-that’s how desperate some of us […]
Read MorePowerplay 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 […]
Read MoreBorderline: 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 […]
Read MoreUnder the BREXIT Clouds: UK to 'scale down' Climate Change and Illegal Wildlife Post BREXIT (Commentary)
Now we are really seeing how we’re paying for BREXIT; trade at any cost irrespective of protecting our environment for future generations or protecting our security/standing up for our values by NOT supporting repressive regimes. It all goes out the window and we end up holding a small stick with […]
Read MoreProgressive Governance Initiative (PGI); Incentivising Change
Introduction The proposition here is an initiative that I believe may prove viable in the effort to help resolve many of the conflicts around the world through an opt in mechanism that allows democratic transition to take place while the avoiding the uncertainties and potential risks of violence. That said […]
Read MoreHearts & 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 […]
Read MoreNigel Farage on Bashar Al Assad Mass Killings: At least he's "Secular" concludes the Genius Blabbermouth
Before we get into the statement made by Nigel Farage let me first make a point about Trumps decision to intervene in Syria; Though I do support the intervention from a moral stand point albeit there is a debate on the legality of the process in the constitution and in […]
Read MoreForeign 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. […]
Read MoreHearts & 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 […]
Read MoreAnother life claimed by the London Terror Attack
Heartbreaking news to hear of another life claimed by the London terror attack on the 22nd of March 2017; Andreea Cristea from Romania. I pray to her and deepest condolences to her family/friends and may the memory of all those who died serve to strengthen our resolve to root out […]
Read MoreThe King of Comedy Don Rickles Dies
I was very sad to hear the news of the death of this icon of comedy Don Rickles. He never stopped making us laugh and will continue to make us laugh through his work that will live on. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Here is one of […]
Read MoreThe 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. […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Scrapbook: Schizophrenia in Politics
When we hear Brexiteer’s & the government complaining about how a second referendum on actual terms of deal with EU would somehow undermine the will of the British people that voted to Leave the EU in the first referendum and merely an attempt to “wreck” BREXIT, we only need to reflect […]
Read MoreObama’s Incredible Comeback
Obama’s Incredible Comeback…..in Basketball; talking about April’s Fool Day.
Read MoreSpecial Report: ISIS Behind the Mask (Commentary)
I have recently watched a Special Report on CNN entitled ISIS Behind the Mask by Clarissa Ward. Having watched the program I just wanted to raise a few points about the report, so here goes; I suspect the main objective of the report is to shed some light on ISIS ideology […]
Read MoreThe 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 […]
Read MoreMichael Flynn Offers to Testify Before Congress in Exchange for Immunity (Commentary)
I guess the silver lining in all of this is that people now begin to understand what it means to have “anti-establishment” based government; inexperience, corruption, corporate power with a touch of nepotism. The White House is now run as a family business venture and the Republicans want to run […]
Read MoreThe Music of James Horner: Legends of the Fall
In memory of a true master of film scores James Horner who died June 2015 in a plane crash in California. His compositions are unique and so is his use of unusual instruments that he is able to mould into divine musical textures. As with many great composers his memory lives on […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Tunnel: British Government On the Way and On Notice
Now that we are finally entering the BREXIT Tunnel we need to come together as Brits from both side of the argument to ensure the process provides maximum transparency to the public. Whether you have voted to Leave or Remain surely we all need to ensure government is accountable on […]
Read MoreMuslim Women on Westminster Bridge in Solidarity with Victims of London Attack (Commentary)
While I do appreciate the stand made by these women on Westminster Bridge in solidarity against extremism the image in my view diverts attention from the main worthy/noble motive of this act by raising other questions/observations; It certainly would have been better had this stand come sooner post the attack. The […]
Read MoreCelebrating 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 […]
Read MoreLa 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 […]
Read MoreHearts & 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 & […]
Read MoreBuckle up, We’re heading for the BREXIT Tunnel
Buckle up, we’re heading for the BREXIT tunnel, a dark/spooky place but we hear it’s gonna be great at the other end-just keep faith and stay quite because the experts need to work in peace. OK, so our masters seem to suggest that publicising a plan or baseline for negotiations is […]
Read MoreCongressional Hearing; The Real Question that Deserves an Answer
Spin team on extended shift at the White House today watching the high profile hearing on Russian connections and Trumps wire tapping claims. It must be extremely fascinating to see so many BS artists in 1 place-can we have a group photo of the team at work tonight? But that […]
Read MoreUS Isolationism: Surrendering the Keys of Global Power to China
An excellent analysis-s usual-by CNN’s Fareed Zakaria making the argument that the policy approach of the Trump administration is in effect the the United States surrendering its leadership role to China. Some of the measures highlighted in this review include; The US slashing spending on soft power elements including budget […]
Read MoreBrainstorms: 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 […]
Read MoreThe 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 […]
Read MoreThe Intelligence Sources for the 'intelligent' President of the United States
What’s the point of funding the CIA or the FBI when you have an abundance of “Sources” like that? When you hear statements like that and ones supported by actions what is there to disagree on about the temperament of this man and its negative impact on the United States. […]
Read MoreThe hijab ruling is a ban on Muslim women (Commentary)
I am always drawn to articles pertaining to religious freedoms because they do have a direct correlation with the questions of Immigration/Integration topics I feel passionate about. It is also the fact that I myself was raised as a Muslim and do have some may brand as unorthodox views in this […]
Read MoreAn 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 […]
Read MoreA 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 […]
Read MoreObama Spokesman Responds: Obama 'never ordered Trump wire-tapping' (Commentary/Updated-06/03/17)
What I truly like about this response is; a) it’s simple and b) it is very appropriate for the response to come from a spokesman for President Obama rather from him directly which in my mind kind of puts Trump in his place (though I am sure he can also […]
Read MoreThe Story of the Russian Connection(s); The Session's Chapter
What a Mess, and on it goes with the new revelation about meetings of Jeff Sessions US Attorney General with the Russian ambassador during the Trump campaign. Clearly this is not a question about Flynn, Sessions or ? It is a question all about Trump himself and the unlikelihood of […]
Read MoreMarkets 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 […]
Read MoreFrench Holocaust historian detained for 10 hours at US customs (Commentary)
A disgusting incident experienced by a respected Historian Henry Rousso when entering the United States and was threatened with deportation at Houston airport. Nothing captures the significance of the moment and also reflects the new times we live in better than his own comments about the incident; “The United States […]
Read MoreA 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. […]
Read MoreThe Trump Support Base (enjoy the show…please!)
Let me briefly introduce you to Alex Jones, and let him do the rest of the talking which will provide more in-depth introduction and really speaks volumes of at least some of Trumps core support base. Alex Jones is an ultra-right radio host, a big supporter of Trump as he […]
Read MoreRacism is also being "Kicked Back" and we need to make a habit of it!
All across America there is a grass root fightback against Racism in all its forms. I guess it is a clear demonstration that Religious/Cultural Tolerance is not just about words but more about deeds and the willingness to make your voice heard. Political activism is the real/only way to protect […]
Read MoreRacism 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 […]
Read MoreHow 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 […]
Read MoreTrump relaxes US policy on Middle East two-state solution (Golden Opportunity?)
A Golden Opportunity in Play for Israel’s ultra-right. For Trump & Co. I suspect they will soon discover that meddling in Middle East affairs, especially at this time is NOT for amateurs or to be used as a test lab or a diversion for national failures by the administration. Keeping […]
Read MoreObama Moments: Barack Obama & Misty Copeland On Race, Body Image and Staying Humble
Moments that remind us of the inspirational/humanist leader that is Barack Obama, talking about “Race” one of the main challenges he faced during his presidency as the first African American President. That said he certainly passed that 8 year experience with flying colours as one of the most consequential Presidents in […]
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