This to me is merely another demonstrations of the super power’s historic contribution to the Middle East which continues to this day – meddling in the region for strategic interests irrespective of consequences. The problem is compounded by most countries in region being too weak/ignorant & with plenty of historical […]
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The question really is this; what kind of a Democracy is the US running “under” with what we know to-date of facts about this Trump administration? I guess the old saying goes; “Only in America” but I would only add; “and thank your lucky stars for that!” at least just […]
Read MoreWe call on the government to trigger a 2nd Referendum on BREXIT & Terms now and give the British people a say on actual terms of BREXIT as well as the negotiation process involved; we all need to have a say on the terms irrespective of political affiliation. Here are […]
Read MoreThe idea that the UK government will eventually heed the warnings about the catastrophic implications of a hard BREXIT is no longer viable/visible. It is very clear now that the BREXIT team – not the PM necessarily – who are actually in the driving seat of BREXIT are going full […]
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Not too long of a commentary on this article published by the Guardian (link below) because I already put some views about party leadership for the Liberal Democrats here, so will be brief in this post; First things first; Let’s agree that Vince Cable is someone with excellent expertise deeply […]
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Just fun, had to share. Hope you enjoy!
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As a key founding member/contributor we must NOT treat leaving the EU as it’s a walk in the park.
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Now here’s a thought about the Soft-Hard BREXIT saga; When we listen to people particularly politicians talking about the different kinds of BREXIT options available, I think to myself “available??”. The fact of the matter is – and we need to keep this in mind – that these are mere […]
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A new poll suggests that the majority of Britons now want a second referendum on the UK quitting the European Union (EU), this according to a new survey. 53% of people would back a vote on whether to accept the terms of the final Brexit deal, with 47% opposed, a […]
Read MoreA very interesting study considering the effects on EU citizenship post BREXIT. The study was done for Jill Evans MEP – link below – by: Prof. Volker Roeben Prof. Jukka Snell Dr Pedro Telles Dr Petra Minnerop Mr Keith Bush QC It provides a set of possible alternatives for British and EU […]
Read MoreThe issue of sequencing is the order in which things will be discussed between the UK and the EU in the negotiations about Brexit. It is now emerged that the UK has decided to cede and follow EU guidelines where divorce agreement (and bill) will be the first order of business. […]
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An interesting article written by Peter Bergen, CNN National Security Analyst about the definition of terrorism – link below. That said I believe that analysis of the definition of “Terrorism” may be intriguing but needs to be analysed within the context of our primary objective/concern on how to eliminate terrorism […]
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Just learned the news of the death of Otto Warmbier the US student who has recently returned from captivity in North Korea. Very sad news indeed and my heart/deepest condolences goes to his family and friends. Let his story also serve to remind us of the many lives lost under […]
Read MoreOh, yes indeed Mr. David Davis; start the negotiation with a completely disingenuous/arrogant tone from the outset suggesting there would be “a deal like no other in history”, oh really? This is the exact arrogant mindset that got us onto the BREXIT train wreck in the first place and it […]
Read MoreYet another cowardly attack on our community to emphasise that terrorism can impact all communities irrespective of race/colour. My heart goes out to all those affected by this terrible incident. I suspect another “Cobra” meeting is due for “illustration” purposes more than anything else to give the impression that something […]
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Preface The objective of these posts is to share some takeaways and thoughts about some the most interesting articles I comes across in areas of particular interest to myself including Foreign Policy/International Law, the Environment as well as national issues of concern like BREXIT. In the main this to a […]
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The decision of Tim Farron to step down as party leader for the Liberal Democrats is in my view the right decision – not because any issues about his views on gay rights which seem to have been overblown; rather because of the party’s poor election results and the need […]
Read MorePreface In an effort to drill down to the details of the BREXIT decision/ramifications I decided to read/research the topic further and come up with takeaways that would help me – and may help others – establish some context away from the politics of it all. It’s more of a […]
Read MoreAnother 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 […]
Read MoreLeader 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 MoreA 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 MoreGreat 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 MoreA 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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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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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 MoreI 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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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 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 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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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 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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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 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 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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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 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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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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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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