In other news bear does unspeakable things in the woods
Basically this says the country is going to go into (un)managed decline as we are doing nothing to help productivity improve.
Because no matter what people in whitehall think productivity comes from investing in productivity improvements of which one major one is increasing the number of people able to access decent jobs by increasing commuting areas..
Consider the flip side of managed decline
1) A rocket with a reusable first stage can be developed for less than £500 million 2) Reusable first stages mean that we don't have to worry about bombing the North Sea/Europe when launching from the UK 3) Cheap phased array satellite terminals are now a consumer good.
Put that together, and we could have expanded OneWeb into a mega constellation. Data, navigation and cellular access. Then made vast amounts of money selling it around the world.
But that would upset Bae (stuff must be expensive), ESA, the Settled Policy etc...
JFDI
If we allow industrial policy to be dictated by the incumbents, it will be disastrous for them too in the long term.
See the saw motion disaster in the US Navy procurement chain.
When Trump tried to block buybacks, the other day, he was reacting to a genuine problem.
SpaceX started by eating the launch industries lunch - they love their cost plus. Then they ate the satellite data industry. Now they are eating the military satellite industry. As one Biden admin official put it - "No-one asked them to produce these capbilities at this price. This is overturning all the political decision made on The Hill"
Other companies are starting to move in the military business in the US.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
I think it was the Dune series, particularly God Emperor, that made me cynical about religion and caused me to rethink my own beliefs. But if it hadn't this would be another opportunity. You'd like to think most civilised or principled countries would have no problem in scooping these clerics up and returning them to justice for their cruelty in a new Iran but you can see the equivocation already.
Don’t worry, they will have lawyers briefed already for their asylum applications
“M’lud. My client faces the death penalty if he is returned home. He ordered the murder of 5,000 dissidents, so it would be really unfair for him to face the consequences.”
You’re right. Let’s give him a subsidised social home on a long lease and a monthly pot of index linked cash to,live on.
On the upside, if the Met accidentally bump them off, there will be lots of evidence that they were wrong 'uns....
They'll be no evidence other than a couple of conveniently broken body cams...
Nonsense. Give them more credit than that.
With de Menzes, they had to lose the footage from the tube train as well.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
There's an argument, which isn't entirely without validity, that the fates of Saddam and Gaddafi made other dictators yet more repressive for fear of something similar.
And to be frank, Moscow is welcome to them, and permanent exile there is not a particularly pleasant fate.
In other news bear does unspeakable things in the woods
Basically this says the country is going to go into (un)managed decline as we are doing nothing to help productivity improve.
Because no matter what people in whitehall think productivity comes from investing in productivity improvements of which one major one is increasing the number of people able to access decent jobs by increasing commuting areas..
Consider the flip side of managed decline
1) A rocket with a reusable first stage can be developed for less than £500 million 2) Reusable first stages mean that we don't have to worry about bombing the North Sea/Europe when launching from the UK 3) Cheap phased array satellite terminals are now a consumer good.
Put that together, and we could have expanded OneWeb into a mega constellation. Data, navigation and cellular access. Then made vast amounts of money selling it around the world.
But that would upset Bae (stuff must be expensive), ESA, the Settled Policy etc...
JFDI
If we allow industrial policy to be dictated by the incumbents, it will be disastrous for them too in the long term.
See the saw motion disaster in the US Navy procurement chain.
When Trump tried to block buybacks, the other day, he was reacting to a genuine problem.
SpaceX started by eating the launch industries lunch - they love their cost plus. Then they ate the satellite data industry. Now they are eating the military satellite industry. As one Biden admin official put it - "No-one asked them to produce these capbilities at this price. This is overturning all the political decision made on The Hill"
Other companies are starting to move in the military business in the US.
Lockheed was an upstart, back in the day. And the new entrants are sharpening the game of the defence primes, to some extent.
Space is an oddity in that the economics have been completely upended by a single simple idea.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
That’s Okay as they’ve frozen rail fares that predominantly helps the affluent south. 👍
Priorities priorities
Bicester to Bletchley rail route is "operational" - but Chiltern Rail and the Unions are still arguing about whether the trains should have guards or not, so the route hasn't seen any passenger trains since it became "operational" over a year ago...
My suggested rule of thumb: If a train can be boarded step-free, unassisted (e.g. like DLR and, increasingly the tube) then no guard required. Otherwise there needs to be a guard.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
I think it was the Dune series, particularly God Emperor, that made me cynical about religion and caused me to rethink my own beliefs. But if it hadn't this would be another opportunity. You'd like to think most civilised or principled countries would have no problem in scooping these clerics up and returning them to justice for their cruelty in a new Iran but you can see the equivocation already.
Don’t worry, they will have lawyers briefed already for their asylum applications
“M’lud. My client faces the death penalty if he is returned home. He ordered the murder of 5,000 dissidents, so it would be really unfair for him to face the consequences.”
You’re right. Let’s give him a subsidised social home on a long lease and a monthly pot of index linked cash to,live on.
On the upside, if the Met accidentally bump them off, there will be lots of evidence that they were wrong 'uns....
They'll be no evidence other than a couple of conveniently broken body cams...
Nonsense. Give them more credit than that.
With de Menzes, they had to lose the footage from the tube train as well.
In other news bear does unspeakable things in the woods
Basically this says the country is going to go into (un)managed decline as we are doing nothing to help productivity improve.
Because no matter what people in whitehall think productivity comes from investing in productivity improvements of which one major one is increasing the number of people able to access decent jobs by increasing commuting areas..
Consider the flip side of managed decline
1) A rocket with a reusable first stage can be developed for less than £500 million 2) Reusable first stages mean that we don't have to worry about bombing the North Sea/Europe when launching from the UK 3) Cheap phased array satellite terminals are now a consumer good.
Put that together, and we could have expanded OneWeb into a mega constellation. Data, navigation and cellular access. Then made vast amounts of money selling it around the world.
But that would upset Bae (stuff must be expensive), ESA, the Settled Policy etc...
JFDI
If we allow industrial policy to be dictated by the incumbents, it will be disastrous for them too in the long term.
See the saw motion disaster in the US Navy procurement chain.
When Trump tried to block buybacks, the other day, he was reacting to a genuine problem.
SpaceX started by eating the launch industries lunch - they love their cost plus. Then they ate the satellite data industry. Now they are eating the military satellite industry. As one Biden admin official put it - "No-one asked them to produce these capbilities at this price. This is overturning all the political decision made on The Hill"
Other companies are starting to move in the military business in the US.
Lockheed was an upstart, back in the day. And the new entrants are sharpening the game of the defence primes, to some extent.
Space is an oddity in that the economics have been completely upended by a single simple idea.
Not really. What was upended was the idea of ever spiralling costs, paid for by the government with cost-plus-profit.
Read some of stories of people who worked at SpaceX early on. It was pretty standard for them to make equipment 1 *or more* orders of magnitude cheaper than the traditional suppliers.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
There's an argument, which isn't entirely without validity, that the fates of Saddam and Gaddafi made other dictators yet more repressive for fear of something similar.
And to be frank, Moscow is welcome to them, and permanent exile there is not a particularly pleasant fate.
No punishment could have been too horrible for Kim Philby but retirement in the Soviet Union must have been pretty grim and no more than he deserved,
Renee Good's ex-husband told reporters this morning that:
1) Renee was not an activist 2) She was in the vicinity because she had just dropped off her 6 year-old off at school 3) She was a devoted Christian and stay-at-home mom https://x.com/JoshEakle/status/2009297500453171440
Note this makes no difference to the absolute lack of justification for the shooting.
But it makes clear that the administration engaged in lies and character assassination yesterday, along with their lies about the event itself.
Is being an activist is a risky lifestyle choice ?
The video of Heather Cox Richardson I linked for Trump pushback is an argument that this is a hinge-point, because they have now killed a white soccer-mom for no reason whatsoever, and so women who have been silently tolerating Trump's abuses will identify with her.
She makes an analogy with Uncle Tom's Cabin the early popular novel, where white women losing their children to diseases (including Harriet Beecher-Stowe) could identify with black women losing their children in slavery.
And that period is where Trump's backers personal values are sourced.
I'm not well enough up with emotional links of the 19C to judge well, but it was a powerful presentation.
I think each person has their own tipping point, and Trump's declining poll ratings show that more and more people are coming to them. So, whether there's a hinge-point or not, as long as more and more people open their eyes, then the worse Trump and the Republicans do in elections (presuming there still are fair elections).
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
I think it was the Dune series, particularly God Emperor, that made me cynical about religion and caused me to rethink my own beliefs. But if it hadn't this would be another opportunity. You'd like to think most civilised or principled countries would have no problem in scooping these clerics up and returning them to justice for their cruelty in a new Iran but you can see the equivocation already.
Don’t worry, they will have lawyers briefed already for their asylum applications
“M’lud. My client faces the death penalty if he is returned home. He ordered the murder of 5,000 dissidents, so it would be really unfair for him to face the consequences.”
You’re right. Let’s give him a subsidised social home on a long lease and a monthly pot of index linked cash to,live on.
On the upside, if the Met accidentally bump them off, there will be lots of evidence that they were wrong 'uns....
They'll be no evidence other than a couple of conveniently broken body cams...
Nonsense. Give them more credit than that.
With de Menzes, they had to lose the footage from the tube train as well.
“Other cameras - on the bus, at Stockwell underground station and on the train on which De Menezes was shot - were faulty, the inquest was told.”
The police officer who gave evidence had some difficulty leaving the court room - his nose was 23 feet long at that point. His underwear had also exploded in a fireball.
Renee Good's ex-husband told reporters this morning that:
1) Renee was not an activist 2) She was in the vicinity because she had just dropped off her 6 year-old off at school 3) She was a devoted Christian and stay-at-home mom https://x.com/JoshEakle/status/2009297500453171440
Note this makes no difference to the absolute lack of justification for the shooting.
But it makes clear that the administration engaged in lies and character assassination yesterday, along with their lies about the event itself.
Is being an activist is a risky lifestyle choice ?
The video of Heather Cox Richardson I linked for Trump pushback is an argument that this is a hinge-point, because they have now killed a white soccer-mom for no reason whatsoever, and so women who have been silently tolerating Trump's abuses will identify with her.
She makes an analogy with Uncle Tom's Cabin the early popular novel, where white women losing their children to diseases (including Harriet Beecher-Stowe) could identify with black women losing their children in slavery.
And that period is where Trump's backers personal values are sourced.
I'm not well enough up with emotional links of the 19C to judge well, but it was a powerful presentation.
I think each person has their own tipping point, and Trump's declining poll ratings show that more and more people are coming to them. So, whether there's a hinge-point or not, as long as more and more people open their eyes, then the worse Trump and the Republicans do in elections (presuming there still are fair elections).
I agree.
She's a historian of the Reconstruction Era. The suggestion is that it is of wider import because this time they have killed one of "us", rather than one of "them".
Renee Good's ex-husband told reporters this morning that:
1) Renee was not an activist 2) She was in the vicinity because she had just dropped off her 6 year-old off at school 3) She was a devoted Christian and stay-at-home mom https://x.com/JoshEakle/status/2009297500453171440
Note this makes no difference to the absolute lack of justification for the shooting.
But it makes clear that the administration engaged in lies and character assassination yesterday, along with their lies about the event itself.
Is being an activist is a risky lifestyle choice ?
The video of Heather Cox Richardson I linked for Trump pushback is an argument that this is a hinge-point, because they have now killed a white soccer-mom for no reason whatsoever, and so women who have been silently tolerating Trump's abuses will identify with her.
She makes an analogy with Uncle Tom's Cabin the early popular novel, where white women losing their children to diseases (including Harriet Beecher-Stowe) could identify with black women losing their children in slavery.
And that period is where Trump's backers personal values are sourced.
I'm not well enough up with emotional links of the 19C to judge well, but it was a powerful presentation.
I think each person has their own tipping point, and Trump's declining poll ratings show that more and more people are coming to them. So, whether there's a hinge-point or not, as long as more and more people open their eyes, then the worse Trump and the Republicans do in elections (presuming there still are fair elections).
Possibly. The thing is, Trump still has the backing of 43% or so. That’s only 6% below the figure needed to win. That 43% see Renee Good’s death as a cause for rejoicing.
Renee Good's ex-husband told reporters this morning that:
1) Renee was not an activist 2) She was in the vicinity because she had just dropped off her 6 year-old off at school 3) She was a devoted Christian and stay-at-home mom https://x.com/JoshEakle/status/2009297500453171440
Note this makes no difference to the absolute lack of justification for the shooting.
But it makes clear that the administration engaged in lies and character assassination yesterday, along with their lies about the event itself.
Is being an activist is a risky lifestyle choice ?
The video of Heather Cox Richardson I linked for Trump pushback is an argument that this is a hinge-point, because they have now killed a white soccer-mom for no reason whatsoever, and so women who have been silently tolerating Trump's abuses will identify with her.
She makes an analogy with Uncle Tom's Cabin the early popular novel, where white women losing their children to diseases (including Harriet Beecher-Stowe) could identify with black women losing their children in slavery.
And that period is where Trump's backers personal values are sourced.
I'm not well enough up with emotional links of the 19C to judge well, but it was a powerful presentation.
I think each person has their own tipping point, and Trump's declining poll ratings show that more and more people are coming to them. So, whether there's a hinge-point or not, as long as more and more people open their eyes, then the worse Trump and the Republicans do in elections (presuming there still are fair elections).
I agree.
She's a historian of the Reconstruction Era. The suggestion is that it is of wider import because this time they have killed one of "us", rather than one of "them".
Time will tell, as ever.
But, she’s not one of “us.” She’s a race traitor, libtard, lesbo, who had it coming.
As soon as he took a position support would plummet.
In an ideal world the LDs would say which party they would be prepared to support in government before the election then they would be completely done away with as 2015.
There's a conflicting mix of dissatisfied people who are projecting onto the LDs that they share their beliefs and are on their side.
This is what leads to the higher polling; it survives only as long as they're not in the spotlight.
The Anti-Liberal Democrats do tie themselves up in knots, so blinded by hatred are they.
I've clearly touched a nerve.
I think you are confusing 'touching a nerve' with finding it funny.
It's quite funny to be labelled as being blinded by hatred when I calmly point out what's underpinning their higher level of polling.
Renee Good's ex-husband told reporters this morning that:
1) Renee was not an activist 2) She was in the vicinity because she had just dropped off her 6 year-old off at school 3) She was a devoted Christian and stay-at-home mom https://x.com/JoshEakle/status/2009297500453171440
Note this makes no difference to the absolute lack of justification for the shooting.
But it makes clear that the administration engaged in lies and character assassination yesterday, along with their lies about the event itself.
Is being an activist is a risky lifestyle choice ?
The video of Heather Cox Richardson I linked for Trump pushback is an argument that this is a hinge-point, because they have now killed a white soccer-mom for no reason whatsoever, and so women who have been silently tolerating Trump's abuses will identify with her.
She makes an analogy with Uncle Tom's Cabin the early popular novel, where white women losing their children to diseases (including Harriet Beecher-Stowe) could identify with black women losing their children in slavery.
And that period is where Trump's backers personal values are sourced.
I'm not well enough up with emotional links of the 19C to judge well, but it was a powerful presentation.
I think each person has their own tipping point, and Trump's declining poll ratings show that more and more people are coming to them. So, whether there's a hinge-point or not, as long as more and more people open their eyes, then the worse Trump and the Republicans do in elections (presuming there still are fair elections).
Possibly. The thing is, Trump still has the backing of 43% or so. That’s only 6% below the figure needed to win. That 43% see Renee Good’s death as a cause for rejoicing.
If you want rejoicing, look at the reactions to Charlie Kirk's assassination or Luigi Mangione's hit on the insurance executive.
Renee Good's ex-husband told reporters this morning that:
1) Renee was not an activist 2) She was in the vicinity because she had just dropped off her 6 year-old off at school 3) She was a devoted Christian and stay-at-home mom https://x.com/JoshEakle/status/2009297500453171440
Note this makes no difference to the absolute lack of justification for the shooting.
But it makes clear that the administration engaged in lies and character assassination yesterday, along with their lies about the event itself.
Is being an activist is a risky lifestyle choice ?
The video of Heather Cox Richardson I linked for Trump pushback is an argument that this is a hinge-point, because they have now killed a white soccer-mom for no reason whatsoever, and so women who have been silently tolerating Trump's abuses will identify with her.
She makes an analogy with Uncle Tom's Cabin the early popular novel, where white women losing their children to diseases (including Harriet Beecher-Stowe) could identify with black women losing their children in slavery.
And that period is where Trump's backers personal values are sourced.
I'm not well enough up with emotional links of the 19C to judge well, but it was a powerful presentation.
I think each person has their own tipping point, and Trump's declining poll ratings show that more and more people are coming to them. So, whether there's a hinge-point or not, as long as more and more people open their eyes, then the worse Trump and the Republicans do in elections (presuming there still are fair elections).
Possibly. The thing is, Trump still has the backing of 43% or so. That’s only 6% below the figure needed to win. That 43% see Renee Good’s death as a cause for rejoicing.
If you want rejoicing, look at the reactions to Charlie Kirk's assassination or Luigi Mangione's hit on the insurance executive.
Renee Good's ex-husband told reporters this morning that:
1) Renee was not an activist 2) She was in the vicinity because she had just dropped off her 6 year-old off at school 3) She was a devoted Christian and stay-at-home mom https://x.com/JoshEakle/status/2009297500453171440
Note this makes no difference to the absolute lack of justification for the shooting.
But it makes clear that the administration engaged in lies and character assassination yesterday, along with their lies about the event itself.
Is being an activist is a risky lifestyle choice ?
The video of Heather Cox Richardson I linked for Trump pushback is an argument that this is a hinge-point, because they have now killed a white soccer-mom for no reason whatsoever, and so women who have been silently tolerating Trump's abuses will identify with her.
She makes an analogy with Uncle Tom's Cabin the early popular novel, where white women losing their children to diseases (including Harriet Beecher-Stowe) could identify with black women losing their children in slavery.
And that period is where Trump's backers personal values are sourced.
I'm not well enough up with emotional links of the 19C to judge well, but it was a powerful presentation.
I think each person has their own tipping point, and Trump's declining poll ratings show that more and more people are coming to them. So, whether there's a hinge-point or not, as long as more and more people open their eyes, then the worse Trump and the Republicans do in elections (presuming there still are fair elections).
Possibly. The thing is, Trump still has the backing of 43% or so. That’s only 6% below the figure needed to win. That 43% see Renee Good’s death as a cause for rejoicing.
10% below the number needed to win. Only 39% approve, 56% disapprove:
Renee Good's ex-husband told reporters this morning that:
1) Renee was not an activist 2) She was in the vicinity because she had just dropped off her 6 year-old off at school 3) She was a devoted Christian and stay-at-home mom https://x.com/JoshEakle/status/2009297500453171440
Note this makes no difference to the absolute lack of justification for the shooting.
But it makes clear that the administration engaged in lies and character assassination yesterday, along with their lies about the event itself.
Is being an activist is a risky lifestyle choice ?
The video of Heather Cox Richardson I linked for Trump pushback is an argument that this is a hinge-point, because they have now killed a white soccer-mom for no reason whatsoever, and so women who have been silently tolerating Trump's abuses will identify with her.
She makes an analogy with Uncle Tom's Cabin the early popular novel, where white women losing their children to diseases (including Harriet Beecher-Stowe) could identify with black women losing their children in slavery.
And that period is where Trump's backers personal values are sourced.
I'm not well enough up with emotional links of the 19C to judge well, but it was a powerful presentation.
I think each person has their own tipping point, and Trump's declining poll ratings show that more and more people are coming to them. So, whether there's a hinge-point or not, as long as more and more people open their eyes, then the worse Trump and the Republicans do in elections (presuming there still are fair elections).
Possibly. The thing is, Trump still has the backing of 43% or so. That’s only 6% below the figure needed to win. That 43% see Renee Good’s death as a cause for rejoicing.
If you want rejoicing, look at the reactions to Charlie Kirk's assassination or Luigi Mangione's hit on the insurance executive.
Oh yes, I remember the Democratic Senators claiming he got what he deserved.
Renee Good's ex-husband told reporters this morning that:
1) Renee was not an activist 2) She was in the vicinity because she had just dropped off her 6 year-old off at school 3) She was a devoted Christian and stay-at-home mom https://x.com/JoshEakle/status/2009297500453171440
Note this makes no difference to the absolute lack of justification for the shooting.
But it makes clear that the administration engaged in lies and character assassination yesterday, along with their lies about the event itself.
Is being an activist is a risky lifestyle choice ?
The video of Heather Cox Richardson I linked for Trump pushback is an argument that this is a hinge-point, because they have now killed a white soccer-mom for no reason whatsoever, and so women who have been silently tolerating Trump's abuses will identify with her.
She makes an analogy with Uncle Tom's Cabin the early popular novel, where white women losing their children to diseases (including Harriet Beecher-Stowe) could identify with black women losing their children in slavery.
And that period is where Trump's backers personal values are sourced.
I'm not well enough up with emotional links of the 19C to judge well, but it was a powerful presentation.
I think each person has their own tipping point, and Trump's declining poll ratings show that more and more people are coming to them. So, whether there's a hinge-point or not, as long as more and more people open their eyes, then the worse Trump and the Republicans do in elections (presuming there still are fair elections).
Possibly. The thing is, Trump still has the backing of 43% or so. That’s only 6% below the figure needed to win. That 43% see Renee Good’s death as a cause for rejoicing.
10% below the number needed to win. Only 39% approve, 56% disapprove:
The Silver Bulletin tracker has a considerably smaller margin. Nevertheless, there is little doubt that Trump has managed to become increasingly unpopular, and I suspect the Minnesota shooting will probably move him down another point or two.
Renee Good's ex-husband told reporters this morning that:
1) Renee was not an activist 2) She was in the vicinity because she had just dropped off her 6 year-old off at school 3) She was a devoted Christian and stay-at-home mom https://x.com/JoshEakle/status/2009297500453171440
Note this makes no difference to the absolute lack of justification for the shooting.
But it makes clear that the administration engaged in lies and character assassination yesterday, along with their lies about the event itself.
Is being an activist is a risky lifestyle choice ?
The video of Heather Cox Richardson I linked for Trump pushback is an argument that this is a hinge-point, because they have now killed a white soccer-mom for no reason whatsoever, and so women who have been silently tolerating Trump's abuses will identify with her.
She makes an analogy with Uncle Tom's Cabin the early popular novel, where white women losing their children to diseases (including Harriet Beecher-Stowe) could identify with black women losing their children in slavery.
And that period is where Trump's backers personal values are sourced.
I'm not well enough up with emotional links of the 19C to judge well, but it was a powerful presentation.
I think each person has their own tipping point, and Trump's declining poll ratings show that more and more people are coming to them. So, whether there's a hinge-point or not, as long as more and more people open their eyes, then the worse Trump and the Republicans do in elections (presuming there still are fair elections).
Possibly. The thing is, Trump still has the backing of 43% or so. That’s only 6% below the figure needed to win. That 43% see Renee Good’s death as a cause for rejoicing.
On your final sentence: not necessarily. 43% backing a particular politician is 43% thinking that on balance that politician is the better option, not 43% unconditionally supporting everything that politician does. Politicians make many errors based on this fallacy. And many nonsensical arguments are had on this basis.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
Also Khamenei is the king maker, not the king and as ayatollah likely will be protected by the religious institutions.
I don't know the slightest thing about Iran's political internals obviously.
Renee Good's ex-husband told reporters this morning that:
1) Renee was not an activist 2) She was in the vicinity because she had just dropped off her 6 year-old off at school 3) She was a devoted Christian and stay-at-home mom https://x.com/JoshEakle/status/2009297500453171440
Note this makes no difference to the absolute lack of justification for the shooting.
But it makes clear that the administration engaged in lies and character assassination yesterday, along with their lies about the event itself.
Is being an activist is a risky lifestyle choice ?
The video of Heather Cox Richardson I linked for Trump pushback is an argument that this is a hinge-point, because they have now killed a white soccer-mom for no reason whatsoever, and so women who have been silently tolerating Trump's abuses will identify with her.
She makes an analogy with Uncle Tom's Cabin the early popular novel, where white women losing their children to diseases (including Harriet Beecher-Stowe) could identify with black women losing their children in slavery.
And that period is where Trump's backers personal values are sourced.
I'm not well enough up with emotional links of the 19C to judge well, but it was a powerful presentation.
I think each person has their own tipping point, and Trump's declining poll ratings show that more and more people are coming to them. So, whether there's a hinge-point or not, as long as more and more people open their eyes, then the worse Trump and the Republicans do in elections (presuming there still are fair elections).
Possibly. The thing is, Trump still has the backing of 43% or so. That’s only 6% below the figure needed to win. That 43% see Renee Good’s death as a cause for rejoicing.
If you want rejoicing, look at the reactions to Charlie Kirk's assassination or Luigi Mangione's hit on the insurance executive.
Oh yes, I remember the Democratic Senators claiming he got what he deserved.
The quality of right wing whataboutery is really declining.
What happens if/when the Iranian regime falls? It seems likely to happen at some point, even if not this time.
I can foresee a few different outcomes:
1. Worst case, the Libya option: Iran descends into chaos and civil war, with competing great powers seeking to influence different factions. The economy collapses. It becomes even more of a no go area than now 2. Egypt option: democracy dawns, elections held, this descends into civil unrest and terrorist attacks. Out of the chaos a new authoritarian steps into power. Either US or Russia-aligned 3. The dream scenario, 1989 revisited. Iran enjoys a democratic flourishing and economic boom as sanctions are lifted, normalised relations with Israel, makes friends with the Sunni powers in the region and becomes the go-to holiday destination of 2027. 4. “Young Persians”: like Ataturk after the fall of the Ottomans, a new Western-coded but Persian ethno-nationalist leadership emerges. Partial / managed democracy. Economy performs relatively well. Kurds, Arabs and other minorities suffer. Likely Kurdish insurgency in North West.
Renee Good's ex-husband told reporters this morning that:
1) Renee was not an activist 2) She was in the vicinity because she had just dropped off her 6 year-old off at school 3) She was a devoted Christian and stay-at-home mom https://x.com/JoshEakle/status/2009297500453171440
Note this makes no difference to the absolute lack of justification for the shooting.
But it makes clear that the administration engaged in lies and character assassination yesterday, along with their lies about the event itself.
Is being an activist is a risky lifestyle choice ?
The video of Heather Cox Richardson I linked for Trump pushback is an argument that this is a hinge-point, because they have now killed a white soccer-mom for no reason whatsoever, and so women who have been silently tolerating Trump's abuses will identify with her.
She makes an analogy with Uncle Tom's Cabin the early popular novel, where white women losing their children to diseases (including Harriet Beecher-Stowe) could identify with black women losing their children in slavery.
And that period is where Trump's backers personal values are sourced.
I'm not well enough up with emotional links of the 19C to judge well, but it was a powerful presentation.
I think each person has their own tipping point, and Trump's declining poll ratings show that more and more people are coming to them. So, whether there's a hinge-point or not, as long as more and more people open their eyes, then the worse Trump and the Republicans do in elections (presuming there still are fair elections).
Possibly. The thing is, Trump still has the backing of 43% or so. That’s only 6% below the figure needed to win. That 43% see Renee Good’s death as a cause for rejoicing.
If you want rejoicing, look at the reactions to Charlie Kirk's assassination or Luigi Mangione's hit on the insurance executive.
Renee Good's ex-husband told reporters this morning that:
1) Renee was not an activist 2) She was in the vicinity because she had just dropped off her 6 year-old off at school 3) She was a devoted Christian and stay-at-home mom https://x.com/JoshEakle/status/2009297500453171440
Note this makes no difference to the absolute lack of justification for the shooting.
But it makes clear that the administration engaged in lies and character assassination yesterday, along with their lies about the event itself.
Is being an activist is a risky lifestyle choice ?
The video of Heather Cox Richardson I linked for Trump pushback is an argument that this is a hinge-point, because they have now killed a white soccer-mom for no reason whatsoever, and so women who have been silently tolerating Trump's abuses will identify with her.
She makes an analogy with Uncle Tom's Cabin the early popular novel, where white women losing their children to diseases (including Harriet Beecher-Stowe) could identify with black women losing their children in slavery.
And that period is where Trump's backers personal values are sourced.
I'm not well enough up with emotional links of the 19C to judge well, but it was a powerful presentation.
I think each person has their own tipping point, and Trump's declining poll ratings show that more and more people are coming to them. So, whether there's a hinge-point or not, as long as more and more people open their eyes, then the worse Trump and the Republicans do in elections (presuming there still are fair elections).
Possibly. The thing is, Trump still has the backing of 43% or so. That’s only 6% below the figure needed to win. That 43% see Renee Good’s death as a cause for rejoicing.
If you want rejoicing, look at the reactions to Charlie Kirk's assassination or Luigi Mangione's hit on the insurance executive.
I don't remember anyone claiming that Mangione was acting in self defence because Brian Thompson had tried to kill Mangione, and that it was a miracle Mangione was still alive.
Let alone any elected official. Let alone the President of the USA.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
Also Khamenei is the king maker, not the king and as ayatollah likely will be protected by the religious institutions.
I don't know the slightest thing about Iran's political internals obviously.
He will be in the... er... firing line, if real change happens.
The "religious institutions" will also be in the firing line. They've been part of the system too long for the "But We Are Men Of God" thing to protect them.
Renee Good's ex-husband told reporters this morning that:
1) Renee was not an activist 2) She was in the vicinity because she had just dropped off her 6 year-old off at school 3) She was a devoted Christian and stay-at-home mom https://x.com/JoshEakle/status/2009297500453171440
Note this makes no difference to the absolute lack of justification for the shooting.
But it makes clear that the administration engaged in lies and character assassination yesterday, along with their lies about the event itself.
Is being an activist is a risky lifestyle choice ?
The video of Heather Cox Richardson I linked for Trump pushback is an argument that this is a hinge-point, because they have now killed a white soccer-mom for no reason whatsoever, and so women who have been silently tolerating Trump's abuses will identify with her.
She makes an analogy with Uncle Tom's Cabin the early popular novel, where white women losing their children to diseases (including Harriet Beecher-Stowe) could identify with black women losing their children in slavery.
And that period is where Trump's backers personal values are sourced.
I'm not well enough up with emotional links of the 19C to judge well, but it was a powerful presentation.
I think each person has their own tipping point, and Trump's declining poll ratings show that more and more people are coming to them. So, whether there's a hinge-point or not, as long as more and more people open their eyes, then the worse Trump and the Republicans do in elections (presuming there still are fair elections).
Possibly. The thing is, Trump still has the backing of 43% or so. That’s only 6% below the figure needed to win. That 43% see Renee Good’s death as a cause for rejoicing.
We should ask ourselves why, and why it's not 36% or 31% or even 27%.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Potentially a huge peace dividend for the world if it does.
Renee Good's ex-husband told reporters this morning that:
1) Renee was not an activist 2) She was in the vicinity because she had just dropped off her 6 year-old off at school 3) She was a devoted Christian and stay-at-home mom https://x.com/JoshEakle/status/2009297500453171440
Note this makes no difference to the absolute lack of justification for the shooting.
But it makes clear that the administration engaged in lies and character assassination yesterday, along with their lies about the event itself.
Is being an activist is a risky lifestyle choice ?
The video of Heather Cox Richardson I linked for Trump pushback is an argument that this is a hinge-point, because they have now killed a white soccer-mom for no reason whatsoever, and so women who have been silently tolerating Trump's abuses will identify with her.
She makes an analogy with Uncle Tom's Cabin the early popular novel, where white women losing their children to diseases (including Harriet Beecher-Stowe) could identify with black women losing their children in slavery.
And that period is where Trump's backers personal values are sourced.
I'm not well enough up with emotional links of the 19C to judge well, but it was a powerful presentation.
I think each person has their own tipping point, and Trump's declining poll ratings show that more and more people are coming to them. So, whether there's a hinge-point or not, as long as more and more people open their eyes, then the worse Trump and the Republicans do in elections (presuming there still are fair elections).
Possibly. The thing is, Trump still has the backing of 43% or so. That’s only 6% below the figure needed to win. That 43% see Renee Good’s death as a cause for rejoicing.
If you want rejoicing, look at the reactions to Charlie Kirk's assassination or Luigi Mangione's hit on the insurance executive.
You're not really having a very good couple of days are you, William.
Govt can either be bounced into this or get ahead of it. Maybe its unwise to pick a fight with Musk, but he's certainly picking a fight with Starmer. Might be worth fighting back.
Renee Good's ex-husband told reporters this morning that:
1) Renee was not an activist 2) She was in the vicinity because she had just dropped off her 6 year-old off at school 3) She was a devoted Christian and stay-at-home mom https://x.com/JoshEakle/status/2009297500453171440
Note this makes no difference to the absolute lack of justification for the shooting.
But it makes clear that the administration engaged in lies and character assassination yesterday, along with their lies about the event itself.
Is being an activist is a risky lifestyle choice ?
The video of Heather Cox Richardson I linked for Trump pushback is an argument that this is a hinge-point, because they have now killed a white soccer-mom for no reason whatsoever, and so women who have been silently tolerating Trump's abuses will identify with her.
She makes an analogy with Uncle Tom's Cabin the early popular novel, where white women losing their children to diseases (including Harriet Beecher-Stowe) could identify with black women losing their children in slavery.
And that period is where Trump's backers personal values are sourced.
I'm not well enough up with emotional links of the 19C to judge well, but it was a powerful presentation.
I think each person has their own tipping point, and Trump's declining poll ratings show that more and more people are coming to them. So, whether there's a hinge-point or not, as long as more and more people open their eyes, then the worse Trump and the Republicans do in elections (presuming there still are fair elections).
Possibly. The thing is, Trump still has the backing of 43% or so. That’s only 6% below the figure needed to win. That 43% see Renee Good’s death as a cause for rejoicing.
If you want rejoicing, look at the reactions to Charlie Kirk's assassination or Luigi Mangione's hit on the insurance executive.
Yes but if some people have to die to keep America's 2nd Amendment intact, then that's a price worth paying (said some guy).
'Exclusive: Labour's support has collapsed among school and college staff, according to a poll carried out on behalf of the country's biggest education union.The poll, shared exclusively with PoliticsHome, found that support for Labour among members of the National Education Union (NEU) has fallen by 70 per cent since the July 2024 general election.
The findings come as NEU leader Daniel Kebede warned that conditions have worsened for teachers and others working in education since Keir Starmer's party entered office.
Deltapoll surveyed 3,751 NEU members in England between December 12-15. The poll found that while 60 per cent of respondents said they voted Labour in 2024, 18 per cent would do so if a general election were held tomorrow.
While Labour's popularity has fallen sharply, support for the Greens among members of the education union has risen from 10 per cent to 23 per cent — making Zack Polanski's party the most popular option among this cohort. The Greens have been on the rise nationwide since Polanski became leader in September, with the left-wing London Assembly Member's growing popularity seemingly coming at the expense of the Labour vote Support for the Liberal Democrats among NEU members has fallen from 9 per cent to 7 per cent, according to the poll, while the Conservatives have remained at 4 per cent. Reform UK's popularity rose slightly from 3 to 6 per cent, the same level of support being shown for Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's left-wing project, Your Party.'
Renee Good's ex-husband told reporters this morning that:
1) Renee was not an activist 2) She was in the vicinity because she had just dropped off her 6 year-old off at school 3) She was a devoted Christian and stay-at-home mom https://x.com/JoshEakle/status/2009297500453171440
Note this makes no difference to the absolute lack of justification for the shooting.
But it makes clear that the administration engaged in lies and character assassination yesterday, along with their lies about the event itself.
Is being an activist is a risky lifestyle choice ?
The video of Heather Cox Richardson I linked for Trump pushback is an argument that this is a hinge-point, because they have now killed a white soccer-mom for no reason whatsoever, and so women who have been silently tolerating Trump's abuses will identify with her.
She makes an analogy with Uncle Tom's Cabin the early popular novel, where white women losing their children to diseases (including Harriet Beecher-Stowe) could identify with black women losing their children in slavery.
And that period is where Trump's backers personal values are sourced.
I'm not well enough up with emotional links of the 19C to judge well, but it was a powerful presentation.
I think each person has their own tipping point, and Trump's declining poll ratings show that more and more people are coming to them. So, whether there's a hinge-point or not, as long as more and more people open their eyes, then the worse Trump and the Republicans do in elections (presuming there still are fair elections).
Possibly. The thing is, Trump still has the backing of 43% or so. That’s only 6% below the figure needed to win. That 43% see Renee Good’s death as a cause for rejoicing.
If you want rejoicing, look at the reactions to Charlie Kirk's assassination or Luigi Mangione's hit on the insurance executive.
You're not really having a very good couple of days are you, William.
It is a shame because when he is not shilling for Trump, William is a particularly well versed and articulate poster. He knows his stuff, but he leaves it all at the door when he enters the Trumposphere.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Potentially a huge peace dividend for the world if it does.
There are risks around the regime's technicals clearing off and doing work for hire tho'.
His challenge at the moment is finding someone who can give him exciting matches. The last championship was far too easy for proper entertainment outside the hard core.
His challenge at the moment is finding someone who can give him exciting matches. The last championship was far too easy for proper entertainment outside the hard core.
Almost like he’s been crying salt tears because there are no worlds left to conquer.
'Exclusive: Labour's support has collapsed among school and college staff, according to a poll carried out on behalf of the country's biggest education union.The poll, shared exclusively with PoliticsHome, found that support for Labour among members of the National Education Union (NEU) has fallen by 70 per cent since the July 2024 general election.
The findings come as NEU leader Daniel Kebede warned that conditions have worsened for teachers and others working in education since Keir Starmer's party entered office.
Deltapoll surveyed 3,751 NEU members in England between December 12-15. The poll found that while 60 per cent of respondents said they voted Labour in 2024, 18 per cent would do so if a general election were held tomorrow.
While Labour's popularity has fallen sharply, support for the Greens among members of the education union has risen from 10 per cent to 23 per cent — making Zack Polanski's party the most popular option among this cohort. The Greens have been on the rise nationwide since Polanski became leader in September, with the left-wing London Assembly Member's growing popularity seemingly coming at the expense of the Labour vote Support for the Liberal Democrats among NEU members has fallen from 9 per cent to 7 per cent, according to the poll, while the Conservatives have remained at 4 per cent. Reform UK's popularity rose slightly from 3 to 6 per cent, the same level of support being shown for Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's left-wing project, Your Party.'
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
'Exclusive: Labour's support has collapsed among school and college staff, according to a poll carried out on behalf of the country's biggest education union.The poll, shared exclusively with PoliticsHome, found that support for Labour among members of the National Education Union (NEU) has fallen by 70 per cent since the July 2024 general election.
The findings come as NEU leader Daniel Kebede warned that conditions have worsened for teachers and others working in education since Keir Starmer's party entered office.
Deltapoll surveyed 3,751 NEU members in England between December 12-15. The poll found that while 60 per cent of respondents said they voted Labour in 2024, 18 per cent would do so if a general election were held tomorrow.
While Labour's popularity has fallen sharply, support for the Greens among members of the education union has risen from 10 per cent to 23 per cent — making Zack Polanski's party the most popular option among this cohort. The Greens have been on the rise nationwide since Polanski became leader in September, with the left-wing London Assembly Member's growing popularity seemingly coming at the expense of the Labour vote Support for the Liberal Democrats among NEU members has fallen from 9 per cent to 7 per cent, according to the poll, while the Conservatives have remained at 4 per cent. Reform UK's popularity rose slightly from 3 to 6 per cent, the same level of support being shown for Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's left-wing project, Your Party.'
Hmm. Wonder what the teachers on here will say when they get back. I get the impression from those of my family working in education (n=3) that things are looking up.
Govt can either be bounced into this or get ahead of it. Maybe its unwise to pick a fight with Musk, but he's certainly picking a fight with Starmer. Might be worth fighting back.
… and therefore the most likely thing that will happen is Starmer will say he has no plans to do so, then do it months later and get no benefit from doing so.
If it stops Starmer tweeting, it has to be a plus for the Labour Party.
Govt can either be bounced into this or get ahead of it. Maybe its unwise to pick a fight with Musk, but he's certainly picking a fight with Starmer. Might be worth fighting back.
UK commercial advertising for "X" is down c 60% so I see no reason why the state should spend any money on this crappy and increasingly dangerous media channel, when the private sector -say Unilever- does not. The invisible hand is already kicking Mu*k in the nuts, so its a bit closing the stable door to regulate, but Starmer should do it anyway just for the Lols. The Tech Bros are going to burn anyway, Fu*k em.
'Exclusive: Labour's support has collapsed among school and college staff, according to a poll carried out on behalf of the country's biggest education union.The poll, shared exclusively with PoliticsHome, found that support for Labour among members of the National Education Union (NEU) has fallen by 70 per cent since the July 2024 general election.
The findings come as NEU leader Daniel Kebede warned that conditions have worsened for teachers and others working in education since Keir Starmer's party entered office.
Deltapoll surveyed 3,751 NEU members in England between December 12-15. The poll found that while 60 per cent of respondents said they voted Labour in 2024, 18 per cent would do so if a general election were held tomorrow.
While Labour's popularity has fallen sharply, support for the Greens among members of the education union has risen from 10 per cent to 23 per cent — making Zack Polanski's party the most popular option among this cohort. The Greens have been on the rise nationwide since Polanski became leader in September, with the left-wing London Assembly Member's growing popularity seemingly coming at the expense of the Labour vote Support for the Liberal Democrats among NEU members has fallen from 9 per cent to 7 per cent, according to the poll, while the Conservatives have remained at 4 per cent. Reform UK's popularity rose slightly from 3 to 6 per cent, the same level of support being shown for Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's left-wing project, Your Party.'
This is rather expected! Labour's polling has dropped precipitously among the general public. Ergo, one would expect it to have collapsed among any particular subset of the public: here, school and college staff.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
'Exclusive: Labour's support has collapsed among school and college staff, according to a poll carried out on behalf of the country's biggest education union.The poll, shared exclusively with PoliticsHome, found that support for Labour among members of the National Education Union (NEU) has fallen by 70 per cent since the July 2024 general election.
The findings come as NEU leader Daniel Kebede warned that conditions have worsened for teachers and others working in education since Keir Starmer's party entered office.
Deltapoll surveyed 3,751 NEU members in England between December 12-15. The poll found that while 60 per cent of respondents said they voted Labour in 2024, 18 per cent would do so if a general election were held tomorrow.
While Labour's popularity has fallen sharply, support for the Greens among members of the education union has risen from 10 per cent to 23 per cent — making Zack Polanski's party the most popular option among this cohort. The Greens have been on the rise nationwide since Polanski became leader in September, with the left-wing London Assembly Member's growing popularity seemingly coming at the expense of the Labour vote Support for the Liberal Democrats among NEU members has fallen from 9 per cent to 7 per cent, according to the poll, while the Conservatives have remained at 4 per cent. Reform UK's popularity rose slightly from 3 to 6 per cent, the same level of support being shown for Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's left-wing project, Your Party.'
This is rather expected! Labour's polling has dropped precipitously among the general public. Ergo, one would expect it to have collapsed among any particular subset of the public: here, school and college staff.
Though while nationally it is mainly Reform who have benefited from that collapse, no surprise amongst teachers and lecturers it is the Greens who have benefited most
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
Thanks; I did wonder but couldn't be bothered to do the research. I knew someone here would know! I don't think there's another significant Sunni state, is there?
NEW: Liz Kendall, the technology secretary, says Ofcom would have the "full backing" of government if it opted to block access to X in the UK (but it's a decision for Ofcom)
'Exclusive: Labour's support has collapsed among school and college staff, according to a poll carried out on behalf of the country's biggest education union.The poll, shared exclusively with PoliticsHome, found that support for Labour among members of the National Education Union (NEU) has fallen by 70 per cent since the July 2024 general election.
The findings come as NEU leader Daniel Kebede warned that conditions have worsened for teachers and others working in education since Keir Starmer's party entered office.
Deltapoll surveyed 3,751 NEU members in England between December 12-15. The poll found that while 60 per cent of respondents said they voted Labour in 2024, 18 per cent would do so if a general election were held tomorrow.
While Labour's popularity has fallen sharply, support for the Greens among members of the education union has risen from 10 per cent to 23 per cent — making Zack Polanski's party the most popular option among this cohort. The Greens have been on the rise nationwide since Polanski became leader in September, with the left-wing London Assembly Member's growing popularity seemingly coming at the expense of the Labour vote Support for the Liberal Democrats among NEU members has fallen from 9 per cent to 7 per cent, according to the poll, while the Conservatives have remained at 4 per cent. Reform UK's popularity rose slightly from 3 to 6 per cent, the same level of support being shown for Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's left-wing project, Your Party.'
Greens at only 23%? Given that at the last GE the Greens promised to abolish Ofsted, end high-stakes primary and secondary school tests, and scrap tuition fees, I'm surprised they're not at around 80%.
How soon is it going to be before such ships have a Chinese escort? That is when things are going to get seriously hairy.
Why specifically Chinese hookers when Russian ones are readily available at most Black Sea and Baltic docksides?
Chinese (generally) less than 50% of the Rysskaya. Less chance of getting assaulted and/or robbed though which may or may not be a negative depending on your predilections.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
Thanks; I did wonder but couldn't be bothered to do the research. I knew someone here would know! I don't think there's another significant Sunni state, is there?
Shi'a. There isn't another significant Shi'a state after Iran. Well, Iraq partly is now. Syria was Alawite dominated, and they're a subbranch of Shi'a, but the new government is Sunni-led. There are lots of Sunni states.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
Thanks; I did wonder but couldn't be bothered to do the research. I knew someone here would know! I don't think there's another significant Sunni state, is there?
Shi'a. There isn't another significant Shi'a state after Iran. Well, Iraq partly is now. Syria was Alawite dominated, and they're a subbranch of Shi'a, but the new government is Sunni-led. There are lots of Sunni states.
Thanks; stupid mistype on my part. Not a lot of places for Khameni to do a runner to, then.
Worrying story from France about a state employee selling access to tax details to organised criminals involved in kidnapping cryptocurrency investors:
NEW: Liz Kendall, the technology secretary, says Ofcom would have the "full backing" of government if it opted to block access to X in the UK (but it's a decision for Ofcom)
NEWS --> Reps Eric Swalwell and Dan Goldman are introducing a new bill to strip ICE officers of qualified immunity, making lawsuits and prosecutions easier. They also say agent who killed Renee Good should be prosecuted in Minnesota.
Worrying story from France about a state employee selling access to tax details to organised criminals involved in kidnapping cryptocurrency investors:
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
Thanks; I did wonder but couldn't be bothered to do the research. I knew someone here would know! I don't think there's another significant Sunni state, is there?
Shi'a. There isn't another significant Shi'a state after Iran. Well, Iraq partly is now. Syria was Alawite dominated, and they're a subbranch of Shi'a, but the new government is Sunni-led. There are lots of Sunni states.
Thanks; stupid mistype on my part. Not a lot of places for Khameni to do a runner to, then.
He'll need to find somewhere, might find himself hoisted from a crane
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
Thanks; I did wonder but couldn't be bothered to do the research. I knew someone here would know! I don't think there's another significant Sunni state, is there?
Shi'a. There isn't another significant Shi'a state after Iran. Well, Iraq partly is now. Syria was Alawite dominated, and they're a subbranch of Shi'a, but the new government is Sunni-led. There are lots of Sunni states.
Iraq is majority Shia, and Azerbaijan is also Shia.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
Thanks; I did wonder but couldn't be bothered to do the research. I knew someone here would know! I don't think there's another significant Sunni state, is there?
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
Thanks; I did wonder but couldn't be bothered to do the research. I knew someone here would know! I don't think there's another significant Sunni state, is there?
Shi'a. There isn't another significant Shi'a state after Iran. Well, Iraq partly is now. Syria was Alawite dominated, and they're a subbranch of Shi'a, but the new government is Sunni-led. There are lots of Sunni states.
Azerbaijan (despite being besties with its ethnic brethren in Sunni Turkey). Bahrain is majority Shia too.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
Thanks; I did wonder but couldn't be bothered to do the research. I knew someone here would know! I don't think there's another significant Sunni state, is there?
Shi'a. There isn't another significant Shi'a state after Iran. Well, Iraq partly is now. Syria was Alawite dominated, and they're a subbranch of Shi'a, but the new government is Sunni-led. There are lots of Sunni states.
Iraq is majority Shia, and Azerbaijan is also Shia.
I did wonder about Azerbaijan as a bolthole. Can't see Iraq being a 'good idea'!
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
Thanks; I did wonder but couldn't be bothered to do the research. I knew someone here would know! I don't think there's another significant Sunni state, is there?
Shi'a. There isn't another significant Shi'a state after Iran. Well, Iraq partly is now. Syria was Alawite dominated, and they're a subbranch of Shi'a, but the new government is Sunni-led. There are lots of Sunni states.
Iraq is majority Shia, and Azerbaijan is also Shia.
I did wonder about Azerbaijan as a bolthole. Can't see Iraq being a 'good idea'!
Also bear in mind the NW of Iran is dominated by ethnic Azerbaijanis.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
Thanks; I did wonder but couldn't be bothered to do the research. I knew someone here would know! I don't think there's another significant Sunni state, is there?
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
Thanks; I did wonder but couldn't be bothered to do the research. I knew someone here would know! I don't think there's another significant Sunni state, is there?
Shi'a. There isn't another significant Shi'a state after Iran. Well, Iraq partly is now. Syria was Alawite dominated, and they're a subbranch of Shi'a, but the new government is Sunni-led. There are lots of Sunni states.
Iraq is majority Shia, and Azerbaijan is also Shia.
I did wonder about Azerbaijan as a bolthole. Can't see Iraq being a 'good idea'!
They don't always get on well with Iran. Iran is suspicious of Azerbaijan because there's a large Azeri population in north-west Iran (more than there are in Azerbaijan).
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
Thanks; I did wonder but couldn't be bothered to do the research. I knew someone here would know! I don't think there's another significant Sunni state, is there?
A strange thought..... I have a few issues with Starmer and Labour to do with authoritarianism and lack of principles but compared to their only realistic opponents- Badenoch's Tories and Farage's fascists- there's no comparison.......
.......But today I went to see the film 'Hamnet' which is universally liked and I loathed it. I'm a Shakespeare fan and pretty well know Hamlet off by heart. I also like slow paced thoughtful films so all round this film could have been made for me
...And then a strange thought hit me: Maybe its not Badenoch and Farage....Maybe it's me!
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
Thanks; I did wonder but couldn't be bothered to do the research. I knew someone here would know! I don't think there's another significant Sunni state, is there?
Shi'a. There isn't another significant Shi'a state after Iran. Well, Iraq partly is now. Syria was Alawite dominated, and they're a subbranch of Shi'a, but the new government is Sunni-led. There are lots of Sunni states.
Iraq is majority Shia, and Azerbaijan is also Shia.
I did wonder about Azerbaijan as a bolthole. Can't see Iraq being a 'good idea'!
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
He is often full of BS, but could be onto something.
As long as it's not here then that's probably for the best. I wonder if he'll end up in Moscow like Assad?
Just what Putin needs, a Muslim cleric speaking out of Moscow...
That the leading lights of the revolution, in Iran, have their Go-Bags packed is well known. For years, they have been buying property abroad, setting up their kids in jobs and universities abroad.
To be honest, most sensible tyrants have an escape plan of some sort to ensure personal survival given they are mostly cowards. We know there's plenty of property in London owned by wealthy Arabs and if and when the Saudis, Kuwaitis, Bahrainis. Qataris and others decide they no longer want to be ruled by autocrats, said autocrats, albeit down to their last few hundred billion, will doubtless be offered sanctuary in the UK where they can do their bit for the economy by employing the locals to clean their houses, wash their cars etc.
Strangely, some don't. Some of them meet terrible ends, when rich obscurity and safety was just a private jet flight away.
Well Saddam and Gaddafi didn't manage to get their boarding passes in time. Assad did, but you have to wonder how much he is really enjoying the hospitality in Moscow.
I don't think Khamenei will flee. He's 87, his legacy within the theocracy means more than a few years of poor health in Moscow. Though this assumes the regime will fall in his life time, something I doubt. It took Syria a decade to oust Assad even with Western support. Also American bombing might be tricky as their carriers are currently hanging around South America.
I think he’ll hot foot it out of there at the first serious sign that the regime is crumbling. He won’t want to risk the Gaddafi or Ceausescu treatment.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
Is Khameni popular in Afghanistan? Or is he the wrong sort of Muslim?
Wrong sort! Iran (Shi'a) was fighting the Taliban (Sunni) long before the West was.
Thanks; I did wonder but couldn't be bothered to do the research. I knew someone here would know! I don't think there's another significant Sunni state, is there?
Shi'a. There isn't another significant Shi'a state after Iran. Well, Iraq partly is now. Syria was Alawite dominated, and they're a subbranch of Shi'a, but the new government is Sunni-led. There are lots of Sunni states.
Iraq is majority Shia, and Azerbaijan is also Shia.
I did wonder about Azerbaijan as a bolthole. Can't see Iraq being a 'good idea'!
They don't always get on well with Iran. Iran is suspicious of Azerbaijan because there's a large Azeri population in north-west Iran (more than there are in Azerbaijan).
Israel has strong ties with Azerbaijan* and its widely believed that the Azeri’s helped with the 12 day bombing campaign.
Comments
When Trump tried to block buybacks, the other day, he was reacting to a genuine problem.
SpaceX started by eating the launch industries lunch - they love their cost plus. Then they ate the satellite data industry. Now they are eating the military satellite industry. As one Biden admin official put it - "No-one asked them to produce these capbilities at this price. This is overturning all the political decision made on The Hill"
Other companies are starting to move in the military business in the US.
With de Menzes, they had to lose the footage from the tube train as well.
And to be frank, Moscow is welcome to them, and permanent exile there is not a particularly pleasant fate.
And the new entrants are sharpening the game of the defence primes, to some extent.
Space is an oddity in that the economics have been completely upended by a single simple idea.
https://x.com/CryptoCronkite/status/2009241914881740879
Simple.
Read some of stories of people who worked at SpaceX early on. It was pretty standard for them to make equipment 1 *or more* orders of magnitude cheaper than the traditional suppliers.
“Other cameras - on the bus, at Stockwell underground station and on the train on which De Menezes was shot - were faulty, the inquest was told.”
The police officer who gave evidence had some difficulty leaving the court room - his nose was 23 feet long at that point. His underwear had also exploded in a fireball.
She's a historian of the Reconstruction Era. The suggestion is that it is of wider import because this time they have killed one of "us", rather than one of "them".
Time will tell, as ever.
WhatsApp mgs leaked to PolHome's
@zoenora6
show Labour MPs urging government to quit X amid the Grok scandal
They say X is "worse than ever, especially for women" and their constituents are on Facebook anyway
One says it's "surely time to take a stand"
https://x.com/adampayne26/status/2009629730966823113?s=20
https://www.economist.com/interactive/trump-approval-tracker
Politicians make many errors based on this fallacy. And many nonsensical arguments are had on this basis.
I don't know the slightest thing about Iran's political internals obviously.
I can foresee a few different outcomes:
1. Worst case, the Libya option: Iran descends into chaos and civil war, with competing great powers seeking to influence different factions. The economy collapses. It becomes even more of a no go area than now
2. Egypt option: democracy dawns, elections held, this descends into civil unrest and terrorist attacks. Out of the chaos a new authoritarian steps into power. Either US or Russia-aligned
3. The dream scenario, 1989 revisited. Iran enjoys a democratic flourishing and economic boom as sanctions are lifted, normalised relations with Israel, makes friends with the Sunni powers in the region and becomes the go-to holiday destination of 2027.
4. “Young Persians”: like Ataturk after the fall of the Ottomans, a new Western-coded but Persian ethno-nationalist leadership emerges. Partial / managed democracy. Economy performs relatively well. Kurds, Arabs and other minorities suffer. Likely Kurdish insurgency in North West.
4 seems most likely to me.
Let alone any elected official. Let alone the President of the USA.
The "religious institutions" will also be in the firing line. They've been part of the system too long for the "But We Are Men Of God" thing to protect them.
That's the really interesting question.
Are we sure we got rid of the other lot in 2024?
https://x.com/CrimeLdn/status/2009574047575667141?s=20
Must watch with audio, its Yaaarrrrkshire through and through.
It seems exceptionally likely that the regime dies with him in any event, but these protests do appear to be snowballing and the regime is already at its weakest point. I don’t think it’s inconceivable that it collapses.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdxj28xd542o
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/articles/c70leg9rdkpo
That will buy a few kebabs.
Maybe its unwise to pick a fight with Musk, but he's certainly picking a fight with Starmer. Might be worth fighting back.
The findings come as NEU leader Daniel Kebede warned that conditions have worsened for teachers and others working in education since Keir Starmer's party entered office.
Deltapoll surveyed 3,751 NEU members in England between December 12-15. The poll found that while 60 per cent of respondents said they voted Labour in 2024, 18 per cent would do so if a general election were held tomorrow.
While Labour's popularity has fallen sharply, support for the Greens among members of the education union has risen from 10 per cent to 23 per cent — making Zack Polanski's party the most popular option among this cohort. The Greens have been on the rise nationwide since Polanski became leader in September, with the left-wing London Assembly Member's growing popularity seemingly coming at the expense of the Labour vote
Support for the Liberal Democrats among NEU members has fallen from 9 per cent to 7 per cent, according to the poll, while the Conservatives have remained at 4 per cent. Reform UK's popularity rose slightly from 3 to 6 per cent, the same level of support being shown for Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana's left-wing project, Your Party.'
https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/labour-support-among-neu-teachers-collapses-poll-finds
Hmm. Wonder what the teachers on here will say when they get back. I get the impression from those of my family working in education (n=3) that things are looking up.
If it stops Starmer tweeting, it has to be a plus for the Labour Party.
A guy chilled himself to -273.15°C; everyone said he was nuts, but he was 0K.
NEW: Liz Kendall, the technology secretary, says Ofcom would have the "full backing" of government if it opted to block access to X in the UK (but it's a decision for Ofcom)
https://bsky.app/profile/peterwalker99.bsky.social/post/3mbytelinzk2r
https://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/lagente-du-fisc-ciblait-gardiens-de-prison-et-investisseurs-en-cryptomonnaie-pour-un-mysterieux-commanditaire-06-01-2026-WYVSPSJXYFCUFND23GKKJR3D6Y.php
NEWS --> Reps Eric Swalwell and Dan Goldman are introducing a new bill to strip ICE officers of qualified immunity, making lawsuits and prosecutions easier. They also say agent who killed Renee Good should be prosecuted in Minnesota.
https://bsky.app/profile/gregsargent.bsky.social/post/3mbyh4dhwk22g
I got you babe.
.......But today I went to see the film 'Hamnet' which is universally liked and I loathed it. I'm a Shakespeare fan and pretty well know Hamlet off by heart. I also like slow paced thoughtful films so all round this film could have been made for me
...And then a strange thought hit me: Maybe its not Badenoch and Farage....Maybe it's me!
*see Armenia