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 […]
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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 […]
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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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The Russian Connection This man is controversial inside-out just considering his career as well as his extreme views on a host of issues. But then this should make him feel very much at home with his comrades at the new Trump administration. The problem is that damn connection he decided to […]
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Incredible statements coming from Stephen Miller, Senior Advisor to the US President (supported by the President himself in a recent tweet)-statements one would expect out of the former Soviet Union or an old/unsophisticated 3rd world authoritarian regime like that of Idi Amin in Uganda. There is no grey area here; it […]
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At the face of it the statement in the title seems quite extreme, but don’t give up on me just yet. Just consider Trump’s profile/temperament coupled with the fact that though he’s NOT driven by political ideology but rather someone who views policy as “transactional” deals he has surrounded himself […]
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In a stunning moment on the Senate floor, Sen. Elizabeth Warren clashed with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Tuesday night after McConnell determined the Massachusetts Democrat had violated a Senate rule against impugning another senator and she was ordered not to continue her speech. This despite the fact that she […]
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Constitutional Crisis in America (and we’re not past the 1 month mark of the Trump Presidency). At it’s core this American story is one that demonstrates how vulnerable a state can become to powerful lobby groups that are intent to drive policy to protect their narrow interests-ideological or financial. This […]
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Values before Political Alliances & Trade. Taking an Important Stand is the way we help turn pages of a Dark Present to Make it History. (Well Done John Bercow!) Related article here
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The Remain camp lost this one big time due to lack of leadership/unity in vision across party lines. The argument has been framed by Leavers as obstructionist politics in play (even Remainer’s voting for the motion bought into this false perception), rather than the accurate argument of ensuring a process […]
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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 More 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 […]
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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 […]
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Care for Trump? If NOT join the global club and prevent him from setting foot on British soil by signing this petition here
Read More 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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 More 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 More 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 […]
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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 […]
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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 More 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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 MoreWith the recent tragic developments in France I urge EU governments and political leaders to re-think our approach in facing fundamentalism and terrorism. The concept of security/defence alone is the traditional/tested & failed approach. So is our approach in seeking alliance with oppressive regimes in the Middle East that prevent […]
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