The country seems as divided as ever about BREXIT and there is no consensus as to what BREXIT really means. Compounding the problem is the British government’s flip/flop approach in handling the negotiations and the non-inclusive manner in which the negotiations are conducted. The indications from this approach are that […]
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BREXIT: Piercing that Damn Bubble
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 […]
Read MoreBREXIT: 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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Vince Cable: I could become prime minister (I would say…take a deep breath and slow it down a notch)
Now I must say I’ve always respected Vince Cable as very experienced/ethical politician since the time I was member of the LibDems. However I was also one that suggested him leading the party was the wrong choice – though his experience was important to the party (related link below to […]
Read MoreBREXIT: UK pushes for security treaty with EU after Brexit….(why bother?)
The U.K. government will on Monday propose a post-Brexit arrangement with the EU that allows for “continued security, law enforcement and criminal justice cooperation.” So the real question is this; New Security Treaty, New Market Access Treaty, New Customs Treaty – If EU is as inconsequential to UK as BREXITEERS […]
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Pint Pal (Boris Johnson) Breaking Ranks and Get's in Trouble
Pint Pal is at it again breaking with ranks within the Conservative party to layout a vision for a hard BREXIT. Now I am NOT entirely sure where he has any level of expertise on Foreign Policy – or make that “Policy” period – but if I were him I […]
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The Struggle of Adjusting to a Changing World (an opinion)
The world has changed since the “good” old days when super powers ruled the world and were the main hubs of influence in the global political landscape. It is extremely difficult for these powers to adjust to the new paradigm in an ever growing complex political/economic landscape of this new […]
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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, […]
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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 […]
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Both sides to blame in Virginia – Trump (commentary-short and sweet)
The White House lead ‘Cow’ @cowtus speaks again and the herd follows. This man is NOT fit “period” and I would strongly advise the herd to find another leader or at least jump ship. Could this finally be the straw that breaks his back?? I believe it can and it should! […]
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 […]
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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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 […]
Read MorePossibilities for keeping EU citizenship Post BREXIT & Questions on Citizenship Rights
A 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 "First" U-turn By the British Government on the Issue of Sequencing
The 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. […]
Read More 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 […]
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Liberal Democrats & The Search for a New Leader
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 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 […]
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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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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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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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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 […]
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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 […]
Read More 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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