When we look at the rise of the alt-right (including Trump & BREXIT) it is sometimes helpful to look at the big picture rather than the specific political battles taking place. This big picture suggests that we’ve been complacent in taking Democracy & Liberal Values for granted for much too […]
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BREXIT: Unraveling the Myths (the Glory Days Ahead)
Introduction The idea behind these posts is really to set the record straight BREXIT options while trying to engage in a constructive manner about the way forward by analysing accurate information rather than divisive disinformation out there. I would invite contributions of posts/articles from all sides of the political divide […]
Read MoreDispelling the Myths about Globalisation and Referendums
We have for years been struggling in coming to terms with the effects of globalisation on our economy & national identity going from one extreme view to another. We have also for the last year been trying to come to terms with the BREXIT referendum results and with the rise […]
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Michael Flynn, Russia and a Grand Scheme to Build Nuclear Power Plants in Saudi Arabia and the Arab World – (commentary)
A very interesting article published by Newsweek earlier this month – link below – about sort of a new Marshall Plan for the Middle East, a joint U.S.-Russian (and Saudi-financed) program to get control over the Arab world’s rush to acquire nuclear power. The “genius” plan essentially was about establishing a […]
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No EXIT BREXIT – No KILL BREXIT – Just a 2nd Referendum based on Facts, Clear Vision & Inclusive Process
Just wanted to be crystal clear of I stand and have been calling for all this time. I am definitely a “Remainer” (or “Remoaner” as some like to suggest) because I firmly believe the UK would be much better off within the EU. That said what I am absolutely against […]
Read MoreBREXIT: Realising the Importance of the Single Market – A First Step in the Right Direction
I came across this article today on the Guardian website entitled; I worked for Vote Leave, but I now realise Britain must stay in the single market. by Oliver Norgrove. A very interesting post which I highly recommend reading. First off let me commend Oliver for having the courage/insight not to be bogged […]
Read MoreBrexit won't solve issues that led to leave vote, says ex-trade minister: ("Welcome back to earth, what took you so long?" I would say)
A very interesting article by Mark Price who quit as a government trade minister a fortnight ago and a former managing director of Waitrose. He points to fundamental issues with the British economy and the increase of technology/automation that is putting pressures on the job market as this market suggests. BREXIT aside […]
Read MoreREVEALED: The reason why Germany will do ANYTHING to STOP a hard Brexit (oh really???)
A very interesting/captivating heading in the Express suggesting that Germany will suffer dire consequences as a result of BREXIT. A few facts to ponder on though; As of 2016 Germany overtook the UK as the fastest growing economy among the G7 states expanding at the fastest rate in five years, […]
Read MoreThe Conservative Power Grab & the Fate of a Country
I must say that I am NOT surprised by the result of the vote yesterday of the repeal bill. In my mind it is only yet another demonstration of the Conservative party again voting across party lines despite many of them being critical of the bill passed in its current […]
Read MoreBREXIT: Thousands march through London against Brexit
Stand up for Common Sense Politics & against pre-WWII Clan/Nationalist Ideology; EU embodies lessons from history so let’s NOT repeat the mistakes of the past by forgetting our history and how we got here. This is exactly what the racist/ultra-right clan wants us to do; forget the past and focus […]
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BREXIT: The Man with the Union Jack Socks Plans a Change of Colour
Yes, Nigel Farage is back in the news “again” now eyeing German colours for his socks. Well Mr. Farage you move fast; BREXIT, then Trump, on to Le Pen and now the AfD party in Germany. It should now be clear to the blind your true colours of what you […]
Read MoreBREXIT: Interview with David Davis & Keir Starmer on the Andrew Marr show (Delusion Remastered)
A fascinating interview with today on Andrew Marr show with David Davis & Keir Starmer. They both seemed characteristically delusional; the first in his view on the state of the negotiations and the second with his presentation of the “development/U-turn” policy of Labor regarding the transition period. The one outcome […]
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North Korea: earthquake signals nuclear explosion
The North Korea saga is yet another simple demonstration of what it means to have weak political leadership – particularly on Foreign Policy – throughout the Western hemisphere. Syria and the Middle East in general is yet another. Two questions come to mind; Does the world need to be policed? […]
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The Lost Lesson of the Financial Crisis (commentary)
A very interesting article by Mohamed A. El-Erian, Chief Economic Adviser at Allianz, someone I truly respect and I highly recommend reading the article; link below. I would also like to add the following comment on his article because I do feel that sometimes financial analysts/experts overanalyse issues related to […]
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Hearts & Minds in Spain
Deepest condolences to family/friends of all who lost their life in the recent terrorist attacks in Barcelona and prayers to ones injured. 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 […]
Read MoreAnti-Brexit campaigners planning wave of mass protests in 'autumn of discontent' – Commentary (short & simple)
This in my view the is First Step in the Right Direction; review my previous posts and you’ll know what I mean by simply searching “brexit” or using following links. The main thing is that this should be a sustained effort to help politicians move off their warm chairs and […]
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Britain just got its first concrete sign that Brexit will destroy the economy – Commentary
Sharing the “Juice” of the British economy so that people wake up and smell the coffee before the BREXIT crash. It is people that need to take action NOT politicians who are more than happy warming their chairs until they see public boots ready to kick them out unless they […]
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Violence and diplomatic upheaval over the al-Aqsa mosque – The latest episode of a never-ending story (Commentary)
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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Trump Jr. emails suggest he welcomed Russian help against Clinton
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 MoreBREXIT: A Petition to Trigger a 2nd Referendum NOW & the Basis for this Petition
We 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 MoreBREXIT: A Call for a 2nd Referendum NOW!
The 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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Vince Cable: Lib Dems should emulate tactics of Emmanuel Macron (commentary)
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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A Talk About Snowflakes
Just fun, had to share. Hope you enjoy!
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BREXIT ON MY MIND: Hard or Soft on the Menu
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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BREXIT: A Poll & A Call for a 2nd Referendum
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 […]
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Terrorism in the Age of Polarization; by By Peter Bergen (Commentary)
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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Fight Torture: Otto Warmbier, US student sent home from N Korea, dies
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 MoreDavid Davis talking about the "Deal like no other in history", Really?
Oh, 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 MoreFinsbury Park Terrorist Attack
Yet 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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Article Review – It’s politics, not piety, stupid by Alex Spillius
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 […]
Read MoreArticle Review – Bracing ourselves for BREXIT by Simon Fraser
Preface 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 MoreThe Jeff Sessions Hearing & the Key Source Behind Obstruction of Justice
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 […]
Read MoreThe 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 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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