Here are some of the problems with this approach; Banning people simply on the basis of country/religion violates multiple international laws/conventions including the Geneva Convention on refugees as well as human rights law that forbids discrimination on basis of religion or nationality. Justifying the ban on the basis of addressing […]
Read MorePolitics
A Response to Executive Disorders; The Carrot & The Sledgehammer Approach
Here is a thought; Ever since Mr. Trump came to power he’s been using his play time (or should I say show time) to sign all kinds of weird/wonderful executive orders (mostly weird). This coupled with the traction gained by ultra-right movement throughout Europe it is obvious that we as […]
Read MoreTheresa May repeatedly refuses to condemn Donald Trump's immigration ban (Commentary)
If attempting to develop trade deals with the new US administration or maintaining strong alliance with the US means the UK government is not able to articulate firmly our views on controversial US policy that flies in the face of these very values we’re supposed to share-not to mention International […]
Read MorePetition: Prevent Donald Trump from making a State Visit to the United Kingdom
Care for Trump? If NOT join the global club and prevent him from setting foot on British soil by signing this petition here
Read MoreThe Legacy Of Barack Obama
An excellent CNN documentary about one of the most consequential presidents in U.S. history. I do believe history will judge him well, and I can say many are already missing his vision/leadership less than a month into the Trump presidency. One can also say that there may be a silver […]
Read MoreSamantha Power Breaks Down Russia's Threat To Democracy (and Commentary)
An excellent speech & interview by a very talented/experienced former US Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power providing a comprehensive overview of the threat Russia currently poses on what is termed as Rules-based Order established post WWII. She backs this up with details highlighting her real experiences in dealing with Russia […]
Read MoreKellyanne Conway: Spicer "gave Alternative Facts" on Inauguration Crowd
It is one thing to twist reality for convenience but you get into a different league when you see people look you straight in the eye and tell you that’s exactly what they’re doing and defending it. This level of unscrupulous attitude is one we have never seen before, at […]
Read MoreWH is beginning discussions on pledge to move US embassy in Israel (Commentary)
Wrapping up the Middle East Conflict in this manner will prove Quite Tricky Quite Quickly. Reliance on the allegiance of corrupt leaders/dictators in the region is a big miscalculation particularly that they are loosing support fast, while others do not have the benefit of political stability that would allow them […]
Read MoreTrump's pick for CIA says he's open to waterboarding (Commentary)
Representative Mike Pompeo is quite a controversial figure although you would not see it from his slick presentation at the Senate Confirmation Hearing where he seemed quite cordial while maintaining a professional attitude throughout that hearing. One line of questioning from the Democratic members of the panel focused on whether he […]
Read MoreMarine Le Pen hails patriotism as the policy of the future (Commentary)
The Convenience of Terminology Adaptability, a strategy used by the far right to promote shallow narrative for change (used since Nazi Germany); Racism (becomes) Patriotism/Nationalism & Anti-Corruption/Reform (become) Anti-Establishment. It’s all about punchlines and stirring negative emotions to help drive change through fear & divisive politics. I believe that this […]
Read MoreThe New Kid in Town & The Question of Intelligence
Now that there is a new leadership at the White House with vastly different views from traditional allies on a host of issues; from Trade to the Environment to Foreign Policy to name just a few it would be interesting to understand the fate of Intelligence sharing/cooperation and overall outlook […]
Read MoreTrump Inauguration: Someone Looking Over Us
With the inauguration of Trump as 45th President of the US just a few hours away, it is moments like these that I crave for genius humor of Robin Williams. I guess he must be watching over us now & laughing his heart out…at our expense. Truly missed in these […]
Read MoreBBC Panorama -Trump: The Kremlin Candidate?
An excellent documentary about Russian influence on US elections and history of Trump relationship with Russia. Predictions are not all that rosy for a Trump presidency, but this is all the more important that we go into it more aware/wired into this “unique” situation and the ramifications resulting from it so […]
Read MorePM Theresa May's BREXIT Speech: The Unveiling of Unveiled Plans
I made sure to watch the recorded version of the speech in its entirety, with a glimmer of hope having read the British Pound gained strength after the speech which based on the track record of a PM Theresa May’s Speeches or Statements on this topic is, well a “Record” […]
Read More"Multiculturalism": The Elephant that Overtook the Room
Defining the Problem There continues to be debate about the value of “Multiculturalism” and whether it has failed to live up to its nobel intentions pertaining to a multiethnic/multicultural society we live in today. Some politicians even pronounce the concept of Multiculturalism as already “Dead”. This is certainly a serious & […]
Read MoreCIA head John Brennan warns Trump to watch his tongue – BBC News (Commentary)
Framing these issues and the absurdity of temperament of Mr Trump as a Liberal/Conservative divide is the real Fake News of the Century. We should engage/connect with like-minded conservatives and not be forced to live in our own isolated bubble that got into this mess in the first place. The […]
Read MoreNick Clegg: Blaming liberalism for the world’s political turmoil is just too easy (Commentary)
In response to Nick Clegg’s article (link below) I would like to contribute some commentary here; It certainly is the case that when something happens on your watch you own it-whether or not it is more convenient to pass the buck elsewhere. And you do not own in the sense […]
Read MoreObama's Farewell Speech: Please Listen!
A great speech from a wise leader who I hope (and suspect from this speech) will continue to play a key in revitalising the Democratic party while at the same time defending liberal/democratic values over trends of nationalism & xenophobia. The ultra right surely know how influential he can be and […]
Read MoreIntel chiefs presented Trump with claims of Russian efforts to compromise him: Commentary
This briefing will absolutely make no difference in changing Trumps stance on this issue as it would put into question the legitimacy of his Presidency and would affect his growing ties with Putin-a truly unprecedented situation for a President of the United States. With the nearing of the inauguration of […]
Read MoreSanders urges Democrats to challenge – but not obstruct – Trump: Commentary
An Inspiring Politician that has the capability/influence to counterbalance ultra right conservatism overtaking American political establishment and unite the country through a pragmatic vision moving forward. He should be given the platform to play this key role by the Democratic party as of 2017-which could be a very interesting proposition […]
Read MoreHow We Fool Ourselves on Russia: Commentary
I totally agree with the views in this article (link below), particularly the point that we need to learn to play rough with Russia not just in rhetoric but in action-it’s something I’ve been calling for in all my posts on this topic. I would also say that the influence […]
Read MoreMeryl Streep Speech The Golden Globes 2017
Gorgeously Passionate Meryl Streep: Loosing her voice but giving us a sense of direction, in her own way.
Read MoreWonderful Stories of Humanity: Sir Nicholas Winton
An inspiring true story of Sir Nicholas Winton, a humble man with a simple message; “There is too much emphasis nowadays on the past and no one is concentrating on the present and the future.” Indeed we should remember this story of this wise man but with an eye on […]
Read MoreA Candlelightening Interview: PM Theresa May with Sophy Ridge
A truly candlelightening interview today-but then again why split hairs. The single clear overriding message coming out of this interview is that the government intends for us to leave the EU and will trigger article 50 by the end of March-anything else is up for grabs-but that is not to say we […]
Read MoreTo Lobby or NOT to Lobby; That is the Ultimate Question
What captures my fancy in this news article about Israeli diplomat filmed saying he wanted to “take down” Foreign Office Minister Sir Alan Duncan are these lobby groups that keep popping up all over our political echo system; Conservative Friends of Israel Liberal Democrats Friends of Palestine (and Israel in another LibDem […]
Read MoreUS Intelligence Report on Russian Cyber Warfare and Implications on a NOT so Cold War
Without going into the details of the report which can be found here, I would rather focus my commentary on key indicators/observations; The Warm War: It is clear to me with the amount of materials I have read thus far on Cyber Threats & Information Warfare that the mindset of […]
Read MoreWho was behind ‘Queen is dead’ conspiracy hoax?: Commentary
A Combination of Self Regulation, Awareness & Report/Action Processes are needed now more than ever to reclaim/cleanse the web space irrespective of political ideology. I continue to focus on this issue of Disinformation on this website as one of the most dangerous phenomena’s we face today, particularly in this day-and-age where […]
Read MoreRussia’s ‘New’ Tools for Confronting the West: Information Warfare
Introduction To understand context of this series of posts on Information Warfare please read the Preface section which also includes original resources for these posts. These posts are not intended to be detailed but rather summarise key points of research papers as well as personal commentary that I are believe […]
Read MoreThe Middle East Policy of “Creative Inertia”
I have written 2 posts on this matter including an approach forward on a resolution so I refer to those rather than repeating myself; Leaders reject Netanyahu calls for Jewish mass migration to Israel: Commentary A Cosy Relation with an expected Policy Dictation What I would like to take on here are 2 […]
Read MoreLeaders reject Netanyahu calls for Jewish mass migration to Israel: Commentary
Talk about “Shameful” in UN Israeli Ambassador response to UN resolution against settlement; Well, nothing more shameful than Netanyahu’s response by calling for mass migration to Israel. It truly brings into focus the trauma of the horrific events of the Holocaust and the question of whether these events continue to […]
Read MoreThe Other Side of WWII
As one who enjoys reading/viewing documentaries about WWII I will be posting material I find interesting and/or significant yet little is known about on this major historic event that helped shape what is termed as the current world order-after we all need to know where we are coming from so […]
Read MoreA Cosy Relation with an expected Policy Dictation
It’s a well known fact that US unwavering support for Israel has been a trademark of US Middle East policy though not without a load of controversies to deal with. This US/Israeli “alliance”, thanks to a very effective/powerful web of lobby groups in the United States , has been able […]
Read MoreThe Hybrid Nature of Warfare & The Role of the Military (Part 2 due January 2017)
The Crimea Factor-Establishing Context Old Techniques within New Context/Terminology: The perception by Western analyst of Russian actions against the Ukraine in 2014 as a new style warfare is one that is misplaced. In fact these are old Soviet style/previously dormant foreign policy techniques that include disinformation and subversion. Steady Re-Emergence […]
Read MoreHearts and Minds with Family & Friends
Deepest condolences to Family & Friends in Berlin and Moscow of all those who lost their precious lives due to acts of Cowardice.
Read MoreThe Farage Trajectory: Stooping to New Lows
A disgusting man holding up to his own legacy of Bigotry but stoops to new lows by accusing Jo Cox widower of extremism. I truly do not understand why the media allow him any platform to spew his vile views unchallenged. This is one figure I hope we see much […]
Read MoreGoing Cyber: The New Way
Preface In this section (a bit long I have to admit) I would like to provide some background context in terms of Motives behind doing the research/posting this blog and the Format I intend to follow/reasoning behind it. Motives a) As some of you may know I am an IT […]
Read MoreThe Rose – a memorial single for Jo Cox MP – Batley Community Choir
A wonderful tribute to a passionate humanitarian who touched the souls of many. Her memory and the way she was taken away should serve as our energy & moral compass of where we want to be.
Read MoreConflict of Interest; EC vs. UK and Now EC vs. EP…Any Takers?
This is the letter I sent on Wednesday to @eucopresident Donald Tusk on the involvement of EP in #Brexit process pic.twitter.com/3VZP9kkjEk — Ex EP President (@EP_PresSchulz) December 16, 2016 A letter from European Parliament President Martin Schulz to European Commission President Donald Tusk complaining about the sidelining of the EP […]
Read MoreA Storm in the Brain: Liberalism Gone Astray (updated)
As shocking as recent political events throughout the western world have been during the later part of this year, come to think of it-obviously with the benefit of hindsight-I am NOT sure how we failed to see it coming. I also genuinely believe that this kickback we got to these Liberal […]
Read MoreBrexit plan will not be published before February, says Davis (Commentary)
The incompetence of this BREXIT Team is really striking and shocking at he same time. Here are the telltale signs that would give you a clue about incompetence; When you see a plan that is being developed on the go you know you are in dangerous territory for a few […]
Read MoreBREXIT: A Call for a Simple and Transparent End-to-End Process (for cry'n out loud)
Forget about the devil being in the detail, we don’t even want detail at this stage. A good baby step forward is to have clarity in process. Why am I talking about process, here is why; Triggering Article 50 without knowing/agreeing (both in Parliament & with EU) on terms is […]
Read MoreBehavioral Economics and The Pattern of Thought
A very interesting interview about Biases in Human Judgement, here are key take aways; The area of Behavioral Economics pioneered by 2 Israeli social scientists; Daniel Kahneman & Amos Tversky Human Mind not wired to make probabilistic judgements a) Blindness to statistical truths b) Better in story telling-skewed in predictable […]
Read MoreBREXIT: The Cost of Regulation/Red Tape and The Tradeoffs
When you start listening to a conversation about regulation & red tape within the context of the EU Brexit proposition, you should begin to roll your eyes and make sure that the person doing the taking can feel your “excitement”. The reason is simple; it is a talking point mostly […]
Read MoreRussia 'intervened to promote Trump' – US intelligence: (Commentary)
It’s not really about Russian intervention; if there was any-and I suspect there was-they merely pushed it the extra mile or 2 towards Trump. The real issue in my mind is how divisive politics has become to the extent that people are willing to look the other way at any form/level of […]
Read MoreNATO contracting in Afghanistan: The Problem of Principal–Agent Networks (Commentary)
A very interesting paper demonstrating the challenges of building a supply chain for military operations in Afghanistan. The thrust of this article is the over-reliance on Private Military & Security Companies (PMSCs) for things like; Logistics Support Maintenance/Repair Military Training Armed Protection However the increased reliance on these PMSCs has caused […]
Read MoreAn American Legend, God Bless!
The African Union and the International Criminal Court: counteracting the crisis (Commentary)
A very interesting paper reviewing strained relations between the International Criminal Court and the African Union and how to go about easing that relation, providing a context to the story. Here is my takeaway from this paper though I recommend reading it in full; Issues faced by ICC Scarcity of […]
Read MoreThe Boris Doctrine of "Gaffemism"
Though I am no supporter of Saudi Arabia with its largely negative influence in the Middle East, it is NOT the role of the Foreign Secretary to deliver inflammatory speeches that risk diluting any remaining influence we may have in the region. Diplomacy is about offline interactions that help find […]
Read MoreThe Motion of Slow Motions: British Politics One-on-One
MPs are now debating a motion to call for government to publish its Brexit plan. So what happens next, well probably another motion to debate discussing terms of the plan and possibly another to make alternations to those terms. The question is this; why is it so difficult to try […]
Read MoreA Chinese company just bought the U.K. prime minister's local pub: Commentary
Talk about migration, but spare a thought for a situation where core and/or traditional business are no longer part of national economy. I support prudent oversight of Foreign Investment because I do not believe that over-reliance on it is a sound economic policy in the long term.
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