Another interesting hearing today with Attorney General Jeff Sessions responding to questions raised during the earlier hearing of the former Director of the FBI James Comey. As usual plenty of analysis in the media that will probably continue for days. But here is my final take on this never ending […]
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The Master's Class
Leader Glorification – Middle East Style Seems Middle East Authoritarian model is taking hold at the White House. Well done, how worse can it get for America! And yet I am a strong believer that the issue isn’t so much Trump or the people who elected him. It is the […]
Read MoreBreaking the General Rule; by Loren DeJonge (Article Review)
A very interesting article published by Chatham House – link below – which examines the impact of a military heavy National Security Council (NSC) on conducting foreign policy, though some have called it a form of discrimination against the military. However, this approach coupled with the weakening of civilian institutions […]
Read MoreMacron's Party on course for Historic Gains in French Parliamentary Election
Great news for a new/promising european leader. I can only hope this trend would usher in a new breed of young/progressive politicians throughout Europe – and indeed the world – to help develop a future with a new vision. There will inevitably be challenges along the way but I guess […]
Read MoreSecuring Iran’s nuclear deal – by Simon Gass (Review)
A very interesting article published by Chatham House by Sir Simon Gass former British Ambassador to Iran – link below – about how to ensure Iran does comply with terms of the agreement signed with the P5+1 government beyond the 15 year threshold as indicated by the agreement in terms […]
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The Snap Elections and the Shadow of BREXIT
It is clear from the results of the snap elections by the Prime Minister is that it was the result of a “snap” judgement by the her/team. It demonstrates clearly that she – with all due respect to her – is not the right person to be leading this great […]
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The James Comey Hearing; Makes you Wonder
Another interesting hearing by former FBI Director James Comey testifying in a congressional hearing today, but one that is of particular significance as it is the first such hearing by Comey since being fired by Trump. As you’d expect plenty of analysis-paralysis by the media so let me sum it […]
Read MoreUS weighs withdrawing from UN’s Human Rights Council (Commentary)
I truly believe that the current US government should be left to their own devices when it comes to decisions of foreign policy & involvement in international bodies, this without much reaction. Some policies are driven by flawed ideology or accommodations to unfulfilled campaign pledges – in this case as […]
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The Kremlin Playbook (Review-Updated)
Recently I’ve had the opportunity to read the analysis entitled “The Kremlin Playbook”, published by Center for Strategic and International Studies–CSIS. It certainly is a very interesting read for anyone keen on researching the subject of Russia’s growing influence in Europe & within western democracies in particular. However the objective […]
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Hearts & Minds in London: Yet Another Terrorist Incident (Decisive Action Needed NOW!)
Breaking News; Police dealing with potentially 2 major incidents in London Bridge as well as Borough Market close to the Bridge. There seems to be injuries and possible fatalities. My heart goes to family/friends of all those affected. What is critical now is that suspects & collaborators are apprehended, to face […]
Read More The Donald Trump Factor & the Fragility of Democratic Governance
It seems like everyday now we’re hit by yet another disastrous outcome from the Trump administration whether in policy or in action/reaction. It then becomes easy for us, thanks to media coverage and its over-analysis & obsession with sensationalism, to focus on the detail while loosing site of the “Big […]
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President Macron Responds to Trumps Decision to withdraw from Paris Agreement on Climate Change
All I can say is well done President Macron! A clear message/commitment by France representing signatories to the Paris accord and delivered in the most effective way possible NOT to Trump but directly to the American people-in pure English; this should be the approach to be followed where possible on critical policy […]
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Trump Cronies Overtaking the Media – CNN PLEASE HELP! (updated)
Having watched the first segment of Rick Santorum comments defending Jared Kushner on Dana Bash show in the above clip it made me physically sick. So please all you CNNer’s & other liberal media out there STOP inviting Trump cronies on your shows. It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever because you/we […]
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Merkel says EU cannot completely rely on US and Britain any more (Commentary)
All I can say is “Amen!”. Although I would obviously like the UK to return to the EU as soon as possible for our own interest, I think Britain needs the experience outside the EU-if this will be the ultimate result-to appreciate that world has changed from the days of […]
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The EU Pushover Mindset Must End
This is the single most telling clip of the Trump temperament in general but also his approach towards the EU/Europe in particular. This of course coupled with the dressing down of NATO members in Brussels. On the other hand the response of the Montenegro Prime Minister also speaks volumes of […]
Read More Terror in Britain: Archaic Governance Models/Political Mentality that is Costing Lives
More lives taken from us today, this time mostly children and teenagers by the cowardly terrorist attack in Manchester. Should we be angry, of course we should. But this anger should not just be directed at the terrorists but at the British government itself for its failures. But before getting […]
Read More Another Cowardly Attack: Hearts & Minds in Manchester
Hearts, minds and prayers go to all affected by the cowardly terrorist attack last night in Manchester as well as their family/friends. Yet again words fail me in expressing the extent of my anger/disgust at the cowards whoever/wherever they are. This one is especially painful as the attack targeted young people & children […]
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Kushner called Lockheed CEO about $100B Saudi arms deal (Commentary)
This article (link below) demonstrates the mess that has become of the Business of Government-or rather the Business in Government-in the United States. It is truly shocking the level at which US government has been overtaken by Business and headed by one of the most corrupt businessmen in history. Business […]
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In the News: Trump/Comey Interactions and the Wild Card that is Rob Rosenstein
A very interesting insight in this interview on PBS about interactions between Comey & Trump and seems quite consistent with what we know of the character of both these individuals. The wild card here for me is Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and the views of Comey on his appointment which […]
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House majority leader to colleagues in 2016: ‘I think Putin pays’ Trump (my simplistic comment)
Now it turns out the Republican party leadership was well aware during the campaign there may be payments made by Russian to Donald Trump and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a Californian Republican known in Congress as a fervent defender of Putin and Russia. So the Real Republican Family “RRF” finally shows […]
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Macron cabinet: Women are half of France's new minsters (Commentary)
President Macron seems to be leading the way towards progressive politics; Women forming half of his cabinet Bringing new/young leadership to be the backbone of his party Leading a new/pragmatic vision for EU reform A new energy and approach is exactly what is called for to re-establish Liberal/Democratic values/traditions that have […]
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Sally Yates (former US Deputy Attorney General) in her own words
Quite a revealing interview with someone of extraordinary/impeccable integrity/career, talking about her experience dealing with the Trump administration during the General Flynn saga; a completely different overview from the one presented by the White House. I guess as many who have preceded/followed her being fired by Trump/administration is a mark […]
Read More Potential Impeachable Offence for Trump: Welcome Home Buddy!
Incredible revelation about Trump committing obstruction of justice by asking Comey to drop the Flynn investigation; this is not too surprising considering the history behind Flynn’s sacking. I’am also hopeful Comey would be allowed a public hearing as it seems he wants because from what was reported he has quite […]
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Donald Trump; Destroying America (opinion)
I truly believe Trump is destroying America. This is no longer about policy issues whether healthcare, security, trade etc.. This is about democratic governance/national security at home and US reputation/influence abroad. Weak leadership within the Democratic party concerned about bi-partisanship & Russia hacking should start building the case for impeachment with […]
Read More Democratic Governance – A Transition from the state of Devolution to Evolution
Political developments in the western hemisphere within the last year have come fast/thick and have caught many of us by surprise. In retrospect though I believe as many have suggested that we’ve been too confident of our Democratic/Liberal credentials which has in effect cause us to be blinded from the stark […]
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FBI chief sacking: Trump warns Comey over leaks to media (simplistic commentary)
This guy is (and please do excuse my French) an “Idiot“; great when once in a while life presents pure/simple realities that anyone can grasp even in their sleep. Link to related article here
Read More The Firing of James Comey: How Dictatorship's Operate
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 […]
Read More 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. […]
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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 […]
Read More 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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Marine 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 […]
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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 […]
Read More Theresa 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 […]
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British 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 […]
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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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Under 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 […]
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Progressive 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 […]
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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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Nigel 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 More 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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Another 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 […]
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The 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 […]
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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. […]
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 […]
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Obama’s Incredible Comeback
Obama’s Incredible Comeback…..in Basketball; talking about April’s Fool Day.
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Special 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 […]
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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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Michael 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 […]
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