European leaders are facing considerable pressure from Washington to open the strait of Hormuz militarily-NYT
Not going to happen .
European leaders aren’t going to clean up Trumps mess .
Even when the alternative is $200 oil, if they can get any at all?
Yes all the bluster on here about Europe taking up it's own reins gets first test in the real world.....could be interesting. Maybe Ireland Spain can lead the charge to bring home the barrels - ooh I feel a song coming on.🤣🚢🚢🚢
European leaders are facing considerable pressure from Washington to open the strait of Hormuz militarily-NYT
Not going to happen .
European leaders aren’t going to clean up Trumps mess .
Even when the alternative is $200 oil, if they can get any at all?
Given how shit all of Europe including us apparently are I'd have thought the US would insist they need to take the lead even if it is also in our itnerests for the strait for be reopened, so I don't really follow from an American First perspective why they think Europe should do more than token efforts.
Because they've f all idea how to solve an issue they've created and are thrashing about for a scapegoat.
Announcing his plans on Truth Social last year, Trump said was directing "the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ". The prison would "house America's most ruthless and violent offenders".
Yup, this is the dumbest idea ever, and also possibly the funniest thing he will ever do
He’s probably only suggesting it because he knows it will make Gavin Newsom go totally nuts.
So we’re waiting for the Cambridge men to put Isis Polytechnic back in its place as merely a factory for producing our future failing politicians. Twenty minutes to wait.
I am looking forward to the Brussels Stasi hauling off Mrs Smith from the WI for selling jars labelled "Marmalade" at the village fete.
The rules are British rules (made to follow EU rules) and are enforced by UK authorities, who, generally speaking, are not jobsworths who have any interest in going after people selling homemade jars at fetes.
Really?
This is the country where great angst was expressed about people rolling cheese down a hill.
I guarantee that a piss ant with a clipboard will appear to a village fete and try and enforce an entirely imaginary interpretation of these rules.
I work with a major national regulator. Their ethos is guidance rather than punishment. They’re not chasing prosecutions. Broadly speaking, the government is not interested in chasing such matters. Whether someone local with a clipboard misbehaves is another matter.
Absolutely.
Every time you hear one of the stupid “Elf & Safety” stories, it’s a moron with on IQ, no knowledge, no actual authority and an ego the size of Trumps.
They should be set on fire and left to wander round a building with exposed live electrical cables and empty elevator shafts.
So real people can have real health and safety, which saves lives and limbs. Every single day.
Who forgets whether they have left behind their bag of guns?
And what is the point of suspending the coppers in question? Yeah, someone f'd up but they can probably work that out for themselves.
I think a suspension is necessary to go over procedures and retrainingg so that they are less likely to do that again. If I cocked up big time as a teacher I'd expect to be suspended pending.
Though I don't remember leaving a bag of guns in the science prep room by mistake.
Some people might have got the impression from my previous comments that I think antisemitism is a specifically Muslim problem. Zoe Strimpel has exposed the most appalling 'art' on display at an exhibition in oh so English Margate. Perhaps the most shocking image being a naked, bony and tattooed (spelling Greater Israel) Netanyahu, complete with erect circumcised penis, clearly making an illusion to Auschwitz.
Why reference the holocaust? Ultimately it suggests to me that the left realise that Jews are historic victims but ones who nonetheless have adopted bourgeois values and betrayed the proletariat. What could be worse than people who respond to unfairness not by trying to overthrow the system but by making it work for them? Their success entirely pulls the rug from under the feet of the left's ideology that you have to slant the playing field in favour of minorities. Didn't the IRA reserve a special place in hell for catholic police officers? The left might hate chinless wonders but perhaps there's a grudging respect for them only doing what you'd expect in propping up the establishment they were born in to.
As JG Ballard joked in the early 2000s the middle classes are the new proletariat. Particularly I might add those with arts degrees worth about as much in the marketplace as a distinction in origami. If not they, then certainly their children have been forced out of the plusher parts of London by rapidly rising property prices. Jewish people however remain successful in professions like the law and finance. Too often we pit the rich and the poor as enemies. But it seems to me that those most hostile to the elite are those just below them who've either tried and failed to enter their environs or were born into it and been downwardly mobile.
Thomas Sowell once remarked that the best things Jews could do to reduce antisemitism was try being less successful. I think he was joking but being seen to do well at a time of general economic malaise doesn't sit easily with everyone.
You do your argument no favours by arguing as if "the left" is some unified body speaking with one voice and of one view.
Who forgets whether they have left behind their bag of guns?
And what is the point of suspending the coppers in question? Yeah, someone f'd up but they can probably work that out for themselves.
I think a suspension is necessary to go over procedures and retrainingg so that they are less likely to do that again. If I cocked up big time as a teacher I'd expect to be suspended pending.
Though I don't remember leaving a bag of guns in the science prep room by mistake.
European leaders are facing considerable pressure from Washington to open the strait of Hormuz militarily-NYT
Not going to happen .
European leaders aren’t going to clean up Trumps mess .
Even when the alternative is $200 oil, if they can get any at all?
Yes all the bluster on here about Europe taking up it's own reins gets first test in the real world.....could be interesting. Maybe Ireland Spain can lead the charge to bring home the barrels - ooh I feel a song coming on.🤣🚢🚢🚢
You're a bit off beam there.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjd8275jrrko A French-owned ship has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, more than a month after the US-Israeli war with Iran effectively closed the vital transport route. The Malta-flagged container ship owned by French company CMA CGM crossed the strait, media organisation BFM TV - which is owned by the shipping company - confirmed on Friday. CMA CGM declined to comment. It is the first ship owned by a major Western European firm to go through the strait since the conflict began, shipping analysts Kpler confirmed. While Iran has said "non-hostile vessels" can use the waterway, the ongoing conflict - in which several ships have been attacked - has halted normal transport activity. Tracking data showed the French-owned ship passed close to the coast of Oman on the opposite side of the waterway to Iran. It is unclear what the ship was carrying. A Japanese ship carrying natural gas also made it out of the Strait of Hormuz, Japanese shipping giant MOL confirmed. "The safety of the vessel and all crew members have been confirmed," MOL said. "We will continue to place the highest priority on ensuring the safety of our crew, cargo, and vessels as operations proceed." Several ships that made the journey through the strait on Thursday hugged "unusually close", external to the coast of Oman, according to maritime news and intelligence service Lloyd's List...
I am a staunch atheist but it does seem strange to me that the head of the Church of England should be happy to release messages for Eid and Ramadan but not for Easter.
She is as Woke as they come.
The clergy of the CofE are best imagined as Corbynites or members of the Green Party.
We're discussing Charles, aren't we?
I'm sure that Archbishop Sarah will have something to say tomorrow.
Ah yes, and that is deeply odd.
I don't know what his thinking is there - maybe he's been stung by something - but it will be read as him siding in the culture wars, and is a mistake.
It’s apparently not a tradition for the Monarch to make a formal statement at Easter.
But there’s a sharp contrast with HM wishing Eid Mubarak only a fortnight ago.
It is ironic, and objectively very funny, that not only is the greatest military force in the World losing to a 'bunch of ragheads', a regime built entirely on memes is also losing the meme war
European leaders are facing considerable pressure from Washington to open the strait of Hormuz militarily-NYT
Everything should be done in co-operation with the Gulf countries. The trouble is you can't be sure if Trump isn't just engaging in needless Europe bashing.
A couple of posts that I think illustrate the American thinking on this.
Key quote: “If Trump rapidly crushed Iran’s remaining coastal capabilities, swept the mines and escorted tankers back through the Strait, Europe and the UK would heave a sigh of relief and return to business as usual: underfunded militaries, maximalist green posturing and performative disdain for US power, all underwritten by that same power. The contradiction between their dependence and their posture would remain latent.”
Trump’s been pretty consistent since 2016 that the US military alone supports much of the Western economy, and he wants to move away from that state of affairs. I think he misses the huge soft power that this gives to the US in return though.
Who forgets whether they have left behind their bag of guns?
And what is the point of suspending the coppers in question? Yeah, someone f'd up but they can probably work that out for themselves.
I think a suspension is necessary to go over procedures and retrainingg so that they are less likely to do that again. If I cocked up big time as a teacher I'd expect to be suspended pending.
Though I don't remember leaving a bag of guns in the science prep room by mistake.
Your school had a bag of guns ?
Several, or he would have said THE bag of guns
More to the point Spain are one of the few European countries (including the UK) to show real leadership from the start by telling Trump to do one.
Some people might have got the impression from my previous comments that I think antisemitism is a specifically Muslim problem. Zoe Strimpel has exposed the most appalling 'art' on display at an exhibition in oh so English Margate. Perhaps the most shocking image being a naked, bony and tattooed (spelling Greater Israel) Netanyahu, complete with erect circumcised penis, clearly making an illusion to Auschwitz.
Why reference the holocaust? Ultimately it suggests to me that the left realise that Jews are historic victims but ones who nonetheless have adopted bourgeois values and betrayed the proletariat. What could be worse than people who respond to unfairness not by trying to overthrow the system but by making it work for them? Their success entirely pulls the rug from under the feet of the left's ideology that you have to slant the playing field in favour of minorities. Didn't the IRA reserve a special place in hell for catholic police officers? The left might hate chinless wonders but perhaps there's a grudging respect for them only doing what you'd expect in propping up the establishment they were born in to.
As JG Ballard joked in the early 2000s the middle classes are the new proletariat. Particularly I might add those with arts degrees worth about as much in the marketplace as a distinction in origami. If not they, then certainly their children have been forced out of the plusher parts of London by rapidly rising property prices. Jewish people however remain successful in professions like the law and finance. Too often we pit the rich and the poor as enemies. But it seems to me that those most hostile to the elite are those just below them who've either tried and failed to enter their environs or were born into it and been downwardly mobile.
Thomas Sowell once remarked that the best things Jews could do to reduce antisemitism was try being less successful. I think he was joking but being seen to do well at a time of general economic malaise doesn't sit easily with everyone.
You do your argument no favours by arguing as if "the left" is some unified body speaking with one voice and of one view.
The Failing New York Times, whose lack of credibility, and their constant Fake News attacks on your favorite President, ME, has caused its circulation to absolutely PLUMMET, referred to our severely weakened and extremely unreliable "partner,"NATO, as the North American Treaty Organization. The correct name is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - A very interesting mistake! The hiring and educational standards have gone way down at the NYT. Bring back, "ALL THE NEWS THAT'S FIT TO PRINT" and, Make America Great Again! President DJT
The Failing New York Times, whose lack of credibility, and their constant Fake News attacks on your favorite President, ME, has caused its circulation to absolutely PLUMMET, referred to our severely weakened and extremely unreliable "partner,"NATO, as the North American Treaty Organization. The correct name is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - A very interesting mistake! The hiring and educational standards have gone way down at the NYT. Bring back, "ALL THE NEWS THAT'S FIT TO PRINT" and, Make America Great Again! President DJT
I don't think somebody whose grasp of grammar is that shaky can lecture anyone else on their educational standards.
I am a staunch atheist but it does seem strange to me that the head of the Church of England should be happy to release messages for Eid and Ramadan but not for Easter.
She is as Woke as they come.
The clergy of the CofE are best imagined as Corbynites or members of the Green Party.
We're discussing Charles, aren't we?
I'm sure that Archbishop Sarah will have something to say tomorrow.
Ah yes, and that is deeply odd.
I don't know what his thinking is there - maybe he's been stung by something - but it will be read as him siding in the culture wars, and is a mistake.
It’s apparently not a tradition for the Monarch to make a formal statement at Easter.
But there’s a sharp contrast with HM wishing Eid Mubarak only a fortnight ago.
The Royal Family twitter account tweeted about it. They recently tweeted about Maundy Thursday. I think there were two tweets about Eid and four about Maundy Thursday. The account also tweeted about the Artemis II launch. To try to turn that into a culture war is very silly.
European leaders are facing considerable pressure from Washington to open the strait of Hormuz militarily-NYT
Not going to happen .
European leaders aren’t going to clean up Trumps mess .
Even when the alternative is $200 oil, if they can get any at all?
Given how shit all of Europe including us apparently are I'd have thought the US would insist they need to take the lead even if it is also in our itnerests for the strait for be reopened, so I don't really follow from an American First perspective why they think Europe should do more than token efforts.
they know they cannot do it and Trump knows he will be in deep shit if it gets anywhere near $5 a gallon in US
European leaders are facing considerable pressure from Washington to open the strait of Hormuz militarily-NYT
Not going to happen .
European leaders aren’t going to clean up Trumps mess .
Even when the alternative is $200 oil, if they can get any at all?
Given how shit all of Europe including us apparently are I'd have thought the US would insist they need to take the lead even if it is also in our itnerests for the strait for be reopened, so I don't really follow from an American First perspective why they think Europe should do more than token efforts.
they know they cannot do it and Trump knows he will be in deep shit if it gets anywhere near $5 a gallon in US
The BBC article just above suggests that the rest of the world is pursuing a rather different strategy.
In some respects it seems rather more the US than Iran which is now keeping the strait blocked.
I am a staunch atheist but it does seem strange to me that the head of the Church of England should be happy to release messages for Eid and Ramadan but not for Easter.
Counterintuitively it's mainly non Christians, and I regret to say those interested in creating division and trouble, who are exercised by the lack of an Easter message from the King.
He released a bland message about Ramadan on his Instagram channel, which is surely appropriate for a major religion amongst his subjects. He talks quite a lot about his Christian faith on social media and there were several posts about the traditional royal activities for Maundy Thursday. He gives an address to the nation at Christmas.
I suspect his Christian faith is the main reason for him not traditionally giving an Easter message. Easter is the most solemn festival in the Christian calender, so he should let it speak for itself.
European leaders are facing considerable pressure from Washington to open the strait of Hormuz militarily-NYT
Everything should be done in co-operation with the Gulf countries. The trouble is you can't be sure if Trump isn't just engaging in needless Europe bashing.
A couple of posts that I think illustrate the American thinking on this.
Key quote: “If Trump rapidly crushed Iran’s remaining coastal capabilities, swept the mines and escorted tankers back through the Strait, Europe and the UK would heave a sigh of relief and return to business as usual: underfunded militaries, maximalist green posturing and performative disdain for US power, all underwritten by that same power. The contradiction between their dependence and their posture would remain latent.”
Trump’s been pretty consistent since 2016 that the US military alone supports much of the Western economy, and he wants to move away from that state of affairs. I think he misses the huge soft power that this gives to the US in return though.
LOL. There is no coherent Trump doctrine. The man is a self-absorbed grifter. Witness the contempt for Ukraine, a European country willing to assist in Hormuz and his annoyance with the Gulf countries for signing deals with Zelensky. Meanwhile Trump remains perfectly content for Putin's Russia to keep helping Iran kill Americans and sends JD Vance to help out Putin's best European friend Orban with the upcoming Hungarian election. What assistance is Orban promising for Hormuz? The pattern is an alliance of corrupt grifters contemptuous of democratic accountability.
Who forgets whether they have left behind their bag of guns?
And what is the point of suspending the coppers in question? Yeah, someone f'd up but they can probably work that out for themselves.
I think a suspension is necessary to go over procedures and retrainingg so that they are less likely to do that again. If I cocked up big time as a teacher I'd expect to be suspended pending.
Though I don't remember leaving a bag of guns in the science prep room by mistake.
Well, obviously.
That’s because you forgot about forgetting the bag of guns in the science prep room.
I am a staunch atheist but it does seem strange to me that the head of the Church of England should be happy to release messages for Eid and Ramadan but not for Easter.
She is as Woke as they come.
The clergy of the CofE are best imagined as Corbynites or members of the Green Party.
In case you missed it I was talking about the King not the AoC
I am a staunch atheist but it does seem strange to me that the head of the Church of England should be happy to release messages for Eid and Ramadan but not for Easter.
She is as Woke as they come.
The clergy of the CofE are best imagined as Corbynites or members of the Green Party.
That isn't really true at all, Mullally has spoken out against assited dying for example and at most is establishment Starmer Labour or LD certainly not Green. There are even still a few Tory Vicars like Marcus Walker of St Bartholomew the Great in central London and conservative evangelical Vicars in the C of E who are anti same sex marriage etc are if anything borderline Reform
I am a staunch atheist but it does seem strange to me that the head of the Church of England should be happy to release messages for Eid and Ramadan but not for Easter.
She is as Woke as they come.
The clergy of the CofE are best imagined as Corbynites or members of the Green Party.
In case you missed it I was talking about the King not the AoC
I am a staunch atheist but it does seem strange to me that the head of the Church of England should be happy to release messages for Eid and Ramadan but not for Easter.
Counterintuitively it's mainly non Christians, and I regret to say those interested in creating division and trouble, who are exercised by the lack of an Easter message from the King.
He released a bland message about Ramadan on his Instagram channel, which is surely appropriate for a major religion amongst his subjects. He talks quite a lot about his Christian faith on social media and there were several posts about the traditional royal activities for Maundy Thursday. He gives an address to the nation at Christmas.
I suspect his Christian faith is the main reason for him not traditionally giving an Easter message. Easter is the most solemn festival in the Christian calender, so he should let it speak for itself.
He has given one every year since he became king
Every year since he became King is only 3 years. He did one in 2025 and 2024. I can’t find one for 2023. His mum rarely did them (just once?).
I am a staunch atheist but it does seem strange to me that the head of the Church of England should be happy to release messages for Eid and Ramadan but not for Easter.
She is as Woke as they come.
The clergy of the CofE are best imagined as Corbynites or members of the Green Party.
I’m confirmed in the CofE and am neither. But generalise all you like.
I attend a C of E church each week and am a member of the Tory Party!
I am a staunch atheist but it does seem strange to me that the head of the Church of England should be happy to release messages for Eid and Ramadan but not for Easter.
Counterintuitively it's mainly non Christians, and I regret to say those interested in creating division and trouble, who are exercised by the lack of an Easter message from the King.
He released a bland message about Ramadan on his Instagram channel, which is surely appropriate for a major religion amongst his subjects. He talks quite a lot about his Christian faith on social media and there were several posts about the traditional royal activities for Maundy Thursday. He gives an address to the nation at Christmas.
I suspect his Christian faith is the main reason for him not traditionally giving an Easter message. Easter is the most solemn festival in the Christian calender, so he should let it speak for itself.
He has given one every year since he became king
Every year since he became King is only 3 years. He did one in 2025 and 2024. I can’t find one for 2023. His mum rarely did them (just once?).
Some sources say the Queen gave 4 Easter addresses in different forms.
European leaders are facing considerable pressure from Washington to open the strait of Hormuz militarily-NYT
Everything should be done in co-operation with the Gulf countries. The trouble is you can't be sure if Trump isn't just engaging in needless Europe bashing.
A couple of posts that I think illustrate the American thinking on this.
Key quote: “If Trump rapidly crushed Iran’s remaining coastal capabilities, swept the mines and escorted tankers back through the Strait, Europe and the UK would heave a sigh of relief and return to business as usual: underfunded militaries, maximalist green posturing and performative disdain for US power, all underwritten by that same power. The contradiction between their dependence and their posture would remain latent.”
Trump’s been pretty consistent since 2016 that the US military alone supports much of the Western economy, and he wants to move away from that state of affairs. I think he misses the huge soft power that this gives to the US in return though.
It shows the intellectual level that Trump is operating on that people explain his actions as both geopolitical Keynesianism and geopolitical Hegelianism.
Is there a stronger term than 'master strategist'? Because that doesn't quite do him justice.
He's very good at baiting people too.
Yes. Although I'm not sure how hard that is if you're in a position of immense power. It's just that most people wouldn't prioritise it.
European leaders are facing considerable pressure from Washington to open the strait of Hormuz militarily-NYT
Not going to happen .
European leaders aren’t going to clean up Trumps mess .
Even when the alternative is $200 oil, if they can get any at all?
Yes all the bluster on here about Europe taking up it's own reins gets first test in the real world.....could be interesting. Maybe Ireland Spain can lead the charge to bring home the barrels - ooh I feel a song coming on.🤣🚢🚢🚢
You're a bit off beam there.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjd8275jrrko A French-owned ship has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, more than a month after the US-Israeli war with Iran effectively closed the vital transport route. The Malta-flagged container ship owned by French company CMA CGM crossed the strait, media organisation BFM TV - which is owned by the shipping company - confirmed on Friday. CMA CGM declined to comment. It is the first ship owned by a major Western European firm to go through the strait since the conflict began, shipping analysts Kpler confirmed. While Iran has said "non-hostile vessels" can use the waterway, the ongoing conflict - in which several ships have been attacked - has halted normal transport activity. Tracking data showed the French-owned ship passed close to the coast of Oman on the opposite side of the waterway to Iran. It is unclear what the ship was carrying. A Japanese ship carrying natural gas also made it out of the Strait of Hormuz, Japanese shipping giant MOL confirmed. "The safety of the vessel and all crew members have been confirmed," MOL said. "We will continue to place the highest priority on ensuring the safety of our crew, cargo, and vessels as operations proceed." Several ships that made the journey through the strait on Thursday hugged "unusually close", external to the coast of Oman, according to maritime news and intelligence service Lloyd's List...
So you're suggesting all is solved? Great! When do we get the cheap oil?
I am a staunch atheist but it does seem strange to me that the head of the Church of England should be happy to release messages for Eid and Ramadan but not for Easter.
Counterintuitively it's mainly non Christians, and I regret to say those interested in creating division and trouble, who are exercised by the lack of an Easter message from the King.
He released a bland message about Ramadan on his Instagram channel, which is surely appropriate for a major religion amongst his subjects. He talks quite a lot about his Christian faith on social media and there were several posts about the traditional royal activities for Maundy Thursday. He gives an address to the nation at Christmas.
I suspect his Christian faith is the main reason for him not traditionally giving an Easter message. Easter is the most solemn festival in the Christian calender, so he should let it speak for itself.
He has given one every year since he became king
Every year since he became King is only 3 years. He did one in 2025 and 2024. I can’t find one for 2023. His mum rarely did them (just once?).
Some sources say the Queen gave 4 Easter addresses in different forms.
I thought the Royals had to maintain human form lest they give the game away.
European leaders are facing considerable pressure from Washington to open the strait of Hormuz militarily-NYT
Everything should be done in co-operation with the Gulf countries. The trouble is you can't be sure if Trump isn't just engaging in needless Europe bashing.
A couple of posts that I think illustrate the American thinking on this.
Key quote: “If Trump rapidly crushed Iran’s remaining coastal capabilities, swept the mines and escorted tankers back through the Strait, Europe and the UK would heave a sigh of relief and return to business as usual: underfunded militaries, maximalist green posturing and performative disdain for US power, all underwritten by that same power. The contradiction between their dependence and their posture would remain latent.”
Trump’s been pretty consistent since 2016 that the US military alone supports much of the Western economy, and he wants to move away from that state of affairs. I think he misses the huge soft power that this gives to the US in return though.
"Thinking" is unduly generous.
It'd certainly be a lot easier to pay Iran off and give them sanctions relief than any military solution to forcing the strait open.
I am a staunch atheist but it does seem strange to me that the head of the Church of England should be happy to release messages for Eid and Ramadan but not for Easter.
I believe the King thinks his annual Christmas message recognises the holiest time in the Christian calendar is the equivalent of Ramadan.
There is definitely some culture war stuff here with some supporters of Reform and Restore thinking the King is too close to Islam and not Christian nationalist enough.
For example on the latest Yougov monarchy poll the King has only a 61% favourable rating with Reform voters, far lower than the 87% favourable rating Reform voters give Prince William. Indeed while the King still has his highest favourable rating with Tories, at 87%, on a net favourable basis the King even does slightly better with LDs, at +30% than he does with Reform voters who only give him a +28% rating, the same as the +28% Labour voters give him
The Failing New York Times, whose lack of credibility, and their constant Fake News attacks on your favorite President, ME, has caused its circulation to absolutely PLUMMET, referred to our severely weakened and extremely unreliable "partner,"NATO, as the North American Treaty Organization. The correct name is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - A very interesting mistake! The hiring and educational standards have gone way down at the NYT. Bring back, "ALL THE NEWS THAT'S FIT TO PRINT" and, Make America Great Again! President DJT
The guy just rambles and shouts these days...
So, what are the odds being given on Trump's early departure from office? I think there is an increasing chance that either: he gets removed under the 25th amendment, or resigns to avoid that, or is impeached and resigns, or is impeached and convicted, or drops dead some time between now and January 20th 2029... 1021 more days for a man who is already 80 on June 14th...
Given how thoroughly vile he is as a man and how bad he is as a President I make no apology for a death watch on the evil slug.
European leaders are facing considerable pressure from Washington to open the strait of Hormuz militarily-NYT
Not going to happen .
European leaders aren’t going to clean up Trumps mess .
That is not the reason. The issue is there is no purely military way to open the Strait of Hormuz. That is why the Americans haven't done it.
That would take a ceasefire or peace agreement between Iran, Israel and the USA, which Britain or Europe cannot impose.
Where Keir Starmer could but China will earn some brownie points is in reminding Iran it is not in its own interest to cut off trade, so Iran should guarantee safe passage but charge for it. China could also take a swipe at Lloyds of London and American insurers by offering tanker owners cheap insurance.
Unfortunately there is a military way to achieve this. Nuke Iran until it totally surrenders
I am a staunch atheist but it does seem strange to me that the head of the Church of England should be happy to release messages for Eid and Ramadan but not for Easter.
She is as Woke as they come.
The clergy of the CofE are best imagined as Corbynites or members of the Green Party.
I’m confirmed in the CofE and am neither. But generalise all you like.
I attend a C of E church each week and am a member of the Tory Party!
I am a staunch atheist but it does seem strange to me that the head of the Church of England should be happy to release messages for Eid and Ramadan but not for Easter.
I believe the King thinks his annual Christmas message recognises the holiest time in the Christian calendar is the equivalent of Ramadan.
There is definitely some culture war stuff here with some supporters of Reform and Restore thinking the King is too close to Islam and not Christian nationalist enough.
For example on the latest Yougov monarchy poll the King has only a 61% favourable rating with Reform voters, far lower than the 87% favourable rating Reform voters give Prince William. Indeed while the King still has his highest favourable rating with Tories, at 87%, on a net favourable basis the King even does slightly better with LDs, at +30% than he does with Reform voters who only give him a +28% rating, the same as the +28% Labour voters give him
The Failing New York Times, whose lack of credibility, and their constant Fake News attacks on your favorite President, ME, has caused its circulation to absolutely PLUMMET, referred to our severely weakened and extremely unreliable "partner,"NATO, as the North American Treaty Organization. The correct name is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - A very interesting mistake! The hiring and educational standards have gone way down at the NYT. Bring back, "ALL THE NEWS THAT'S FIT TO PRINT" and, Make America Great Again! President DJT
The guy just rambles and shouts these days...
So, what are the odds being given on Trump's early departure from office? I think there is an increasing chance that either: he gets removed under the 25th amendment, or resigns to avoid that, or is impeached and resigns, or is impeached and convicted, or drops dead some time between now and January 20th 2029... 1021 more days for a man who is already 80 on June 14th...
Given how thoroughly vile he is as a man and how bad he is as a President I make no apology for a death watch on the evil slug.
I can't find odds on him not going full term. I'd be interested at anything like 4 or better.
Absolute insanity at the Pentagon. Pete Hegseth is so triggered by Pope Leo's anti-war message that he literally banned Catholic services at the Pentagon on Good Friday! The Trump administration is now actively suppressing religious freedom to protect their war agenda. https://x.com/FurkanGozukara/status/2040247256075379142
European leaders are facing considerable pressure from Washington to open the strait of Hormuz militarily-NYT
Not going to happen .
European leaders aren’t going to clean up Trumps mess .
That is not the reason. The issue is there is no purely military way to open the Strait of Hormuz. That is why the Americans haven't done it.
That would take a ceasefire or peace agreement between Iran, Israel and the USA, which Britain or Europe cannot impose.
Where Keir Starmer could but China will earn some brownie points is in reminding Iran it is not in its own interest to cut off trade, so Iran should guarantee safe passage but charge for it. China could also take a swipe at Lloyds of London and American insurers by offering tanker owners cheap insurance.
Unfortunately there is a military way to achieve this. Nuke Iran until it totally surrenders
The Failing New York Times, whose lack of credibility, and their constant Fake News attacks on your favorite President, ME, has caused its circulation to absolutely PLUMMET, referred to our severely weakened and extremely unreliable "partner,"NATO, as the North American Treaty Organization. The correct name is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - A very interesting mistake! The hiring and educational standards have gone way down at the NYT. Bring back, "ALL THE NEWS THAT'S FIT TO PRINT" and, Make America Great Again! President DJT
The guy just rambles and shouts these days...
So, what are the odds being given on Trump's early departure from office? I think there is an increasing chance that either: he gets removed under the 25th amendment, or resigns to avoid that, or is impeached and resigns, or is impeached and convicted, or drops dead some time between now and January 20th 2029... 1021 more days for a man who is already 80 on June 14th...
Given how thoroughly vile he is as a man and how bad he is as a President I make no apology for a death watch on the evil slug.
I can't find odds on him not going full term. I'd be interested at anything like 4 or better.
Would the market be voided if he left office by dying? That seems the most likely way for him to stop being President prematurely.
I am a staunch atheist but it does seem strange to me that the head of the Church of England should be happy to release messages for Eid and Ramadan but not for Easter.
I believe the King thinks his annual Christmas message recognises the holiest time in the Christian calendar is the equivalent of Ramadan.
There is definitely some culture war stuff here with some supporters of Reform and Restore thinking the King is too close to Islam and not Christian nationalist enough.
For example on the latest Yougov monarchy poll the King has only a 61% favourable rating with Reform voters, far lower than the 87% favourable rating Reform voters give Prince William. Indeed while the King still has his highest favourable rating with Tories, at 87%, on a net favourable basis the King even does slightly better with LDs, at +30% than he does with Reform voters who only give him a +28% rating, the same as the +28% Labour voters give him
As I say I am an atheist but even I know the holiest event in the Christian calendar is Easter not Christmas.
That said I posted as a matter of interest not because I actually think he has done anything wrong.
For the church maybe, for most ordinary Christians it is Christmas and the King is hardly going to cancel his Christmas message and do it at Easter instead just because a few rightwing nationalists are offended he now does a Ramadan message. Personally I would like the King to do messages at Christmas and Easter but clearly he only wants to do the one
I think Charles is just seeking attention. He does have undoubted qualities, but unfortunately whereas the Queen naturally commanded attention but did not seek it, Charles is constantly messaging, indicating his preferences, involving himself in debates. Greek flag ties, saying 'Upon the advice of the Government' so we all know how much he hates Trump, blah blah blah. Failure as a constitutional monarch.
Absolute insanity at the Pentagon. Pete Hegseth is so triggered by Pope Leo's anti-war message that he literally banned Catholic services at the Pentagon on Good Friday! The Trump administration is now actively suppressing religious freedom to protect their war agenda. https://x.com/FurkanGozukara/status/2040247256075379142
The Failing New York Times, whose lack of credibility, and their constant Fake News attacks on your favorite President, ME, has caused its circulation to absolutely PLUMMET, referred to our severely weakened and extremely unreliable "partner,"NATO, as the North American Treaty Organization. The correct name is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - A very interesting mistake! The hiring and educational standards have gone way down at the NYT. Bring back, "ALL THE NEWS THAT'S FIT TO PRINT" and, Make America Great Again! President DJT
On the day the NYT posted this story on the Democratic Party’s somewhat opaque ActBlue campaign funding scheme:
Trump would for once have been better off highting a serious piece of investigative journalism rather than trashing the paper that published it. GOP activists definitely won’t be happy with the President!
Who forgets whether they have left behind their bag of guns?
And what is the point of suspending the coppers in question? Yeah, someone f'd up but they can probably work that out for themselves.
I think a suspension is necessary to go over procedures and retrainingg so that they are less likely to do that again. If I cocked up big time as a teacher I'd expect to be suspended pending.
Though I don't remember leaving a bag of guns in the science prep room by mistake.
Well, obviously.
That’s because you forgot about forgetting the bag of guns in the science prep room.
There is no antimemetics division.
Now out in hardback. Two versions available on YouTube. The original is on SCP. I'm waiting for the paperback.
I think Charles is just seeking attention. He does have undoubted qualities, but unfortunately whereas the Queen naturally commanded attention but did not seek it, Charles is constantly messaging, indicating his preferences, involving himself in debates. Greek flag ties, saying 'Upon the advice of the Government' so we all know how much he hates Trump, blah blah blah. Failure as a constitutional monarch.
I think William and Kate will be far better.
To be fair to the King he does his engagements and has a full diary as does Queen Camilla, yes he may be more outspoken than his mother but still not overstepping the line. William and Kate's list of engagements is rather thinner by comparison, once he becomes King he will need to do the full works even if he proves a stronger head of state
Further arrest made in connection with a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation into an arson attack on volunteer-led ambulances run by the Jewish community in Golders Green.
Met recognised the 19 year old man as he attended hearing of 3 suspects facing charges at court on Sat
Absolute insanity at the Pentagon. Pete Hegseth is so triggered by Pope Leo's anti-war message that he literally banned Catholic services at the Pentagon on Good Friday! The Trump administration is now actively suppressing religious freedom to protect their war agenda. https://x.com/FurkanGozukara/status/2040247256075379142
Roman Catholics did vote for Trump by less than Protestant evangelicals did in 2024 and in 2020 most Roman Catholics even voted for Biden. They are not Trump regime inner core apart from Vance
European leaders are facing considerable pressure from Washington to open the strait of Hormuz militarily-NYT
Not going to happen .
European leaders aren’t going to clean up Trumps mess .
That is not the reason. The issue is there is no purely military way to open the Strait of Hormuz. That is why the Americans haven't done it.
That would take a ceasefire or peace agreement between Iran, Israel and the USA, which Britain or Europe cannot impose.
Where Keir Starmer could but China will earn some brownie points is in reminding Iran it is not in its own interest to cut off trade, so Iran should guarantee safe passage but charge for it. China could also take a swipe at Lloyds of London and American insurers by offering tanker owners cheap insurance.
Unfortunately there is a military way to achieve this. Nuke Iran until it totally surrenders
As long as the message gets through.
Let's hope the reports that Trump is completely out to lunch are correct, then.
The fact that Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz and that gasoline in the US is now more than $4 a gallon is a very clear indicator that Trump's Folly in attacking Iran has failed. Lots of pain for little gain.
Now, Trump never accepts that he has lost, and so this has to be someone else's fault. And the someone else he has chosen is Europe, and Britain in particular. That's the only reason he keeps on going on about Europe reopening the Strait.
Now, normally, I would say that Trump has a very good chance of making this stick, because blaming other people for his fuckups is a core Trump competency. But the fly in the ointment this time is that gasoline is more than $4 a gallon, and if Trump could reopen the Strait and bring the price of gas down, why doesn't he get on and do it, instead of blaming the Europeans for not doing so?
I am looking forward to the Brussels Stasi hauling off Mrs Smith from the WI for selling jars labelled "Marmalade" at the village fete.
The rules are British rules (made to follow EU rules) and are enforced by UK authorities, who, generally speaking, are not jobsworths who have any interest in going after people selling homemade jars at fetes.
Why isn't orange jam just called jam? Think of all the ink wasted over centuries printing nine letters when three would do. Whatever happened to the Utilitarian Party? This is not just about citrus preserves, it's about our indolent attitude to waste and inefficiency.
Surely someone called @Alphabet_Soup should be in favour of more letters than fewer?
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Who knows ?
The guy is gaga; it could mean anything. Or nothing.
Well yes. But somewhat more ominous is the Stalinist purging of the Pentagon
Why would you do that in the middle of a war? The only possible reason is because there are generals and admirals who are refusing to obey. This could be because they quite wisely foresee a ground invasion as a total disaster. Or it could be because they refuse to drop the bomb
Absolute insanity at the Pentagon. Pete Hegseth is so triggered by Pope Leo's anti-war message that he literally banned Catholic services at the Pentagon on Good Friday! The Trump administration is now actively suppressing religious freedom to protect their war agenda. https://x.com/FurkanGozukara/status/2040247256075379142
Roman Catholics did vote for Trump by less than Protestant evangelicals did in 2024 and in 2020 most Roman Catholics even voted for Biden. They are not Trump regime inner core apart from Vance
What pray have army services got to do with being "regime inner core" ?
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Using a nuclear weapon is a stretch too far even for the current craziness in the WH .
We’ll either get another delay as Trump makes up more imaginary talks with Iran or they’ll take out some energy infrastructure.
I hope you’re right. Indeed you probably are right
But this is Trump. Nothing is impossible
And it could be argued that nukes are the only way out now, for America, if they want to avoid a catastrophic ground invasion or a humiliating retreat leaving the Iranian regime intact and in control of the region
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Who knows ?
The guy is gaga; it could mean anything. Or nothing.
Well yes. But somewhat more ominous is the Stalinist purging of the Pentagon
Why would you do that in the middle of a war? The only possible reason is because there are generals and admirals who are refusing to obey. This could be because they quite wisely foresee a ground invasion as a total disaster. Or it could be because they refuse to drop the bomb
Sacking the army chief has nothing to do with that; not under his purview.
In any event, this seems pretty clear. It was about the purge of black and women officers.
https://x.com/micyoung75/status/2040353933567422875 Driscoll refused to pull the names for months. Hegseth did it himself, likely illegally. George asked to discuss it. Hegseth refused the meeting, then fired him two years into a four-year term. Nine officials confirmed. Pentagon disputed nothing specific.
The fact that Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz and that gasoline in the US is now more than $4 a gallon is a very clear indicator that Trump's Folly in attacking Iran has failed. Lots of pain for little gain.
Now, Trump never accepts that he has lost, and so this has to be someone else's fault. And the someone else he has chosen is Europe, and Britain in particular. That's the only reason he keeps on going on about Europe reopening the Strait.
Now, normally, I would say that Trump has a very good chance of making this stick, because blaming other people for his fuckups is a core Trump competency. But the fly in the ointment this time is that gasoline is more than $4 a gallon, and if Trump could reopen the Strait and bring the price of gas down, why doesn't he get on and do it, instead of blaming the Europeans for not doing so?
He doesn't accept that the gas price is to with Hormuz as the US doesn't need their oil (in his words).
Absolute insanity at the Pentagon. Pete Hegseth is so triggered by Pope Leo's anti-war message that he literally banned Catholic services at the Pentagon on Good Friday! The Trump administration is now actively suppressing religious freedom to protect their war agenda. https://x.com/FurkanGozukara/status/2040247256075379142
Roman Catholics did vote for Trump by less than Protestant evangelicals did in 2024 and in 2020 most Roman Catholics even voted for Biden. They are not Trump regime inner core apart from Vance
What pray have army services got to do with being "regime inner core" ?
Only Southern Baptists and rightwing Pentecostals are deemed sufficiently Trump enthusiastic enough still to inspire the troops and to tell them Trump is still doing Christ's work
The Failing New York Times, whose lack of credibility, and their constant Fake News attacks on your favorite President, ME, has caused its circulation to absolutely PLUMMET, referred to our severely weakened and extremely unreliable "partner,"NATO, as the North American Treaty Organization. The correct name is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - A very interesting mistake! The hiring and educational standards have gone way down at the NYT. Bring back, "ALL THE NEWS THAT'S FIT TO PRINT" and, Make America Great Again! President DJT
The guy just rambles and shouts these days...
So, what are the odds being given on Trump's early departure from office? I think there is an increasing chance that either: he gets removed under the 25th amendment, or resigns to avoid that, or is impeached and resigns, or is impeached and convicted, or drops dead some time between now and January 20th 2029... 1021 more days for a man who is already 80 on June 14th...
Given how thoroughly vile he is as a man and how bad he is as a President I make no apology for a death watch on the evil slug.
I can't find odds on him not going full term. I'd be interested at anything like 4 or better.
Would the market be voided if he left office by dying? That seems the most likely way for him to stop being President prematurely.
Yes you'd have to check that point - but I'm not aware of any market on it (least not one I can access).
Further arrest made in connection with a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation into an arson attack on volunteer-led ambulances run by the Jewish community in Golders Green.
Met recognised the 19 year old man as he attended hearing of 3 suspects facing charges at court on Sat
What’s the criminal justice version of a Darwin Award? So the guy who got away decided to turn up to the courthouse where those that got nabbed were appearing, and got himself recognised by the coppers working the case!
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Using a nuclear weapon is a stretch too far even for the current craziness in the WH .
We’ll either get another delay as Trump makes up more imaginary talks with Iran or they’ll take out some energy infrastructure.
I hope you’re right. Indeed you probably are right
But this is Trump. Nothing is impossible
And it could be argued that nukes are the only way out now, for America, if they want to avoid a catastrophic ground invasion or a humiliating retreat leaving the Iranian regime intact and in control of the region
Using nukes will see the US become a total pariah state . I don’t see it .
Trump wants to enjoy his ballroom and using a nuke would surely even be too much for the current Congress !
The Failing New York Times, whose lack of credibility, and their constant Fake News attacks on your favorite President, ME, has caused its circulation to absolutely PLUMMET, referred to our severely weakened and extremely unreliable "partner,"NATO, as the North American Treaty Organization. The correct name is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - A very interesting mistake! The hiring and educational standards have gone way down at the NYT. Bring back, "ALL THE NEWS THAT'S FIT TO PRINT" and, Make America Great Again! President DJT
The guy just rambles and shouts these days...
So, what are the odds being given on Trump's early departure from office? I think there is an increasing chance that either: he gets removed under the 25th amendment, or resigns to avoid that, or is impeached and resigns, or is impeached and convicted, or drops dead some time between now and January 20th 2029... 1021 more days for a man who is already 80 on June 14th...
Given how thoroughly vile he is as a man and how bad he is as a President I make no apology for a death watch on the evil slug.
I can't find odds on him not going full term. I'd be interested at anything like 4 or better.
Would the market be voided if he left office by dying? That seems the most likely way for him to stop being President prematurely.
Method of departure would make an interesting market.
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Using a nuclear weapon is a stretch too far even for the current craziness in the WH .
We’ll either get another delay as Trump makes up more imaginary talks with Iran or they’ll take out some energy infrastructure.
I hope you’re right. Indeed you probably are right
But this is Trump. Nothing is impossible
And it could be argued that nukes are the only way out now, for America, if they want to avoid a catastrophic ground invasion or a humiliating retreat leaving the Iranian regime intact and in control of the region
Using nukes would also be humiliating and would have severe consequences.
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Using a nuclear weapon is a stretch too far even for the current craziness in the WH .
We’ll either get another delay as Trump makes up more imaginary talks with Iran or they’ll take out some energy infrastructure.
I hope you’re right. Indeed you probably are right
But this is Trump. Nothing is impossible
And it could be argued that nukes are the only way out now, for America, if they want to avoid a catastrophic ground invasion or a humiliating retreat leaving the Iranian regime intact and in control of the region
Using nukes will see the US become a total pariah state . I don’t see it .
Trump wants to enjoy his ballroom and using a nuke would surely even be too much for the current Congress !
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Using a nuclear weapon is a stretch too far even for the current craziness in the WH .
We’ll either get another delay as Trump makes up more imaginary talks with Iran or they’ll take out some energy infrastructure.
I hope you’re right. Indeed you probably are right
But this is Trump. Nothing is impossible
And it could be argued that nukes are the only way out now, for America, if they want to avoid a catastrophic ground invasion or a humiliating retreat leaving the Iranian regime intact and in control of the region
Using nukes will see the US become a total pariah state . I don’t see it .
Trump wants to enjoy his ballroom and using a nuke would surely even be too much for the current Congress !
I can see it. Using a nuke would be popular with his base because it's cheap, ends the war and is a big dick baller move.
It would also give VVP licence to put Ukraine back in its (pine) box by threatening or using a nuke. "Win/Win" as BartyBobs is fond of saying.
Isn't it really designed for Presidents in a coma?
The cabinet.
Yes, it is so designed, but it can be invoked separately. The catch is a non-comatose president can challenge it, and it requires 2/3 of both the gatherings of corrupt amoral scumbags, er, houses of Congress to negate such a challenge.
Would use of a nuke get rid of the regime? Presumably it would be used on cities? Thus wiping out the Regime's opponents. And leaving the countryside medievally intact.
Isn't it really designed for Presidents in a coma?
It was prompted by Kennedy's assassination, and new President LBJ's heart attack, to clarify the procedures around transfer of power. I don't think they even began to consider the case of a President who might or might not be mad.
The VP and a majority of the cabinet could, theoretically, declare him incapable/incapacitated.
But do you really think the mixture of sycophants, manipulators, and inadequates like Hegseth are going to provide that majority ?
The Failing New York Times, whose lack of credibility, and their constant Fake News attacks on your favorite President, ME, has caused its circulation to absolutely PLUMMET, referred to our severely weakened and extremely unreliable "partner,"NATO, as the North American Treaty Organization. The correct name is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - A very interesting mistake! The hiring and educational standards have gone way down at the NYT. Bring back, "ALL THE NEWS THAT'S FIT TO PRINT" and, Make America Great Again! President DJT
The guy just rambles and shouts these days...
So, what are the odds being given on Trump's early departure from office? I think there is an increasing chance that either: he gets removed under the 25th amendment, or resigns to avoid that, or is impeached and resigns, or is impeached and convicted, or drops dead some time between now and January 20th 2029... 1021 more days for a man who is already 80 on June 14th...
Given how thoroughly vile he is as a man and how bad he is as a President I make no apology for a death watch on the evil slug.
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Using a nuclear weapon is a stretch too far even for the current craziness in the WH .
We’ll either get another delay as Trump makes up more imaginary talks with Iran or they’ll take out some energy infrastructure.
I hope you’re right. Indeed you probably are right
But this is Trump. Nothing is impossible
And it could be argued that nukes are the only way out now, for America, if they want to avoid a catastrophic ground invasion or a humiliating retreat leaving the Iranian regime intact and in control of the region
Using nukes will see the US become a total pariah state . I don’t see it .
Trump wants to enjoy his ballroom and using a nuke would surely even be too much for the current Congress !
I can see it. Using a nuke would be popular with his base because it's cheap, ends the war and is a big dick baller move.
It would also give VVP licence to put Ukraine back in its (pine) box by threatening or using a nuke. "Win/Win" as BartyBobs is fond of saying.
And what if it didn't end the war (which is entirely possible) ?
Isn't it really designed for Presidents in a coma?
It was prompted by Kennedy's assassination, and new President LBJ's heart attack, to clarify the procedures around transfer of power. I don't think they even began to consider the case of a President who might or might not be mad.
The VP and a majority of the cabinet could, theoretically, declare him incapable/incapacitated.
But do you really think the mixture of sycophants, manipulators, and inadequates like Hegseth are going to provide that majority ?
Although ironically it was considered for Johnson's successor on the grounds of insanity.
Instead, the SecDef just settled for ordering the military not to action a nuclear launch without the additional authorisation of either himself or Henry Kissinger.
Isn't it really designed for Presidents in a coma?
It was prompted by Kennedy's assassination, and new President LBJ's heart attack, to clarify the procedures around transfer of power. I don't think they even began to consider the case of a President who might or might not be mad.
The VP and a majority of the cabinet could, theoretically, declare him incapable/incapacitated.
But do you really think the mixture of sycophants, manipulators, and inadequates like Hegseth are going to provide that majority ?
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Using a nuclear weapon is a stretch too far even for the current craziness in the WH .
We’ll either get another delay as Trump makes up more imaginary talks with Iran or they’ll take out some energy infrastructure.
I hope you’re right. Indeed you probably are right
But this is Trump. Nothing is impossible
And it could be argued that nukes are the only way out now, for America, if they want to avoid a catastrophic ground invasion or a humiliating retreat leaving the Iranian regime intact and in control of the region
Using nukes will see the US become a total pariah state . I don’t see it .
Trump wants to enjoy his ballroom and using a nuke would surely even be too much for the current Congress !
I can see it. Using a nuke would be popular with his base because it's cheap, ends the war and is a big dick baller move.
It would also give VVP licence to put Ukraine back in its (pine) box by threatening or using a nuke. "Win/Win" as BartyBobs is fond of saying.
Your obsession with destroying Ukraine is becoming unhealthy.
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Using a nuclear weapon is a stretch too far even for the current craziness in the WH .
We’ll either get another delay as Trump makes up more imaginary talks with Iran or they’ll take out some energy infrastructure.
I hope you’re right. Indeed you probably are right
But this is Trump. Nothing is impossible
And it could be argued that nukes are the only way out now, for America, if they want to avoid a catastrophic ground invasion or a humiliating retreat leaving the Iranian regime intact and in control of the region
Using nukes will see the US become a total pariah state . I don’t see it .
Trump wants to enjoy his ballroom and using a nuke would surely even be too much for the current Congress !
Congress wouldn't do jack shit
Wiping out hundreds of thousands of people would be a step too far even for this Congress. Not sure even the current bunch of sycophants in the Pentagon would obey this order .
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Using a nuclear weapon is a stretch too far even for the current craziness in the WH .
We’ll either get another delay as Trump makes up more imaginary talks with Iran or they’ll take out some energy infrastructure.
I hope you’re right. Indeed you probably are right
But this is Trump. Nothing is impossible
And it could be argued that nukes are the only way out now, for America, if they want to avoid a catastrophic ground invasion or a humiliating retreat leaving the Iranian regime intact and in control of the region
Using nukes would also be humiliating and would have severe consequences.
Those are rational objections. We're discussing the completely irrational.
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Using a nuclear weapon is a stretch too far even for the current craziness in the WH .
We’ll either get another delay as Trump makes up more imaginary talks with Iran or they’ll take out some energy infrastructure.
I hope you’re right. Indeed you probably are right
But this is Trump. Nothing is impossible
And it could be argued that nukes are the only way out now, for America, if they want to avoid a catastrophic ground invasion or a humiliating retreat leaving the Iranian regime intact and in control of the region
Using nukes will see the US become a total pariah state . I don’t see it .
Trump wants to enjoy his ballroom and using a nuke would surely even be too much for the current Congress !
I can see it. Using a nuke would be popular with his base because it's cheap, ends the war and is a big dick baller move.
It would also give VVP licence to put Ukraine back in its (pine) box by threatening or using a nuke. "Win/Win" as BartyBobs is fond of saying.
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Using a nuclear weapon is a stretch too far even for the current craziness in the WH .
We’ll either get another delay as Trump makes up more imaginary talks with Iran or they’ll take out some energy infrastructure.
I hope you’re right. Indeed you probably are right
But this is Trump. Nothing is impossible
And it could be argued that nukes are the only way out now, for America, if they want to avoid a catastrophic ground invasion or a humiliating retreat leaving the Iranian regime intact and in control of the region
Using nukes will see the US become a total pariah state . I don’t see it .
Trump wants to enjoy his ballroom and using a nuke would surely even be too much for the current Congress !
I can see it. Using a nuke would be popular with his base because it's cheap, ends the war and is a big dick baller move.
It would also give VVP licence to put Ukraine back in its (pine) box by threatening or using a nuke. "Win/Win" as BartyBobs is fond of saying.
And what if it didn't end the war (which is entirely possible) ?
It would end the war because Iran would surrender
Trump would presumably drop a couple of tactical nukes on military bases to encourage Iran to yield. With the clear implication that he will drop more and more bombs, on ever larger cities, until they DO surrender
They would surrender. As they don’t have nukes of their own and no nuclear power would come to their aid
It would be the same logic that applied to Japan. There is no point in fighting if all it means is certain defeat AND the deaths of many millions and the end of your civilisation
What the global consequences would be of Trump doing this - I have no clue. It would be a singularity. With an event horizon
Comments
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjd8275jrrko
A French-owned ship has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, more than a month after the US-Israeli war with Iran effectively closed the vital transport route.
The Malta-flagged container ship owned by French company CMA CGM crossed the strait, media organisation BFM TV - which is owned by the shipping company - confirmed on Friday. CMA CGM declined to comment.
It is the first ship owned by a major Western European firm to go through the strait since the conflict began, shipping analysts Kpler confirmed.
While Iran has said "non-hostile vessels" can use the waterway, the ongoing conflict - in which several ships have been attacked - has halted normal transport activity.
Tracking data showed the French-owned ship passed close to the coast of Oman on the opposite side of the waterway to Iran. It is unclear what the ship was carrying.
A Japanese ship carrying natural gas also made it out of the Strait of Hormuz, Japanese shipping giant MOL confirmed.
"The safety of the vessel and all crew members have been confirmed," MOL said. "We will continue to place the highest priority on ensuring the safety of our crew, cargo, and vessels as operations proceed."
Several ships that made the journey through the strait on Thursday hugged "unusually close", external to the coast of Oman, according to maritime news and intelligence service Lloyd's List...
@nickturse.bsky.social
Iran's latest salvo in the meme war...
https://bsky.app/profile/nickturse.bsky.social/post/3miodkmesb22i
The Failing New York Times, whose lack of credibility, and their constant Fake News attacks on your favorite President, ME, has caused its circulation to absolutely PLUMMET, referred to our severely weakened and extremely unreliable "partner,"NATO, as the North American Treaty Organization. The correct name is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - A very interesting mistake! The hiring and educational standards have gone way down at the NYT. Bring back, "ALL THE NEWS THAT'S FIT TO PRINT" and, Make America Great Again! President DJT
https://bsky.app/profile/shipwreck75.bsky.social/post/3miofy3b5622p
A bit pally at the moment. If you listen to the extended episodes he offers them tea at the end.
In some respects it seems rather more the US than Iran which is now keeping the strait blocked.
There is definitely some culture war stuff here with some supporters of Reform and Restore thinking the King is too close to Islam and not Christian nationalist enough.
For example on the latest Yougov monarchy poll the King has only a 61% favourable rating with Reform voters, far lower than the 87% favourable rating Reform voters give Prince William. Indeed while the King still has his highest favourable rating with Tories, at 87%, on a net favourable basis the King even does slightly better with LDs, at +30% than he does with Reform voters who only give him a +28% rating, the same as the +28% Labour voters give him
https://ygo-assets-websites-editorial-emea.yougov.net/documents/Internal_RoyalFamilyTracker_260109.pdf
When it comes to the men's race perhaps next year they should let Oxford Brookes replace the University of Oxford to make it competitive.
So, what are the odds being given on Trump's early departure from office? I think there is an increasing chance that either: he gets removed under the 25th amendment, or resigns to avoid that, or is impeached and resigns, or is impeached and convicted, or drops dead some time between now and January 20th 2029... 1021 more days for a man who is already 80 on June 14th...
Given how thoroughly vile he is as a man and how bad he is as a President I make no apology for a death watch on the evil slug.
That’s the Queen at the Maundy service in 1955. Disgracefully, she didn’t tweet or say anything on Instagram about Easter that year.
That said I posted as a matter of interest not because I actually think he has done anything wrong.
Absolute insanity at the Pentagon. Pete Hegseth is so triggered by Pope Leo's anti-war message that he literally banned Catholic services at the Pentagon on Good Friday! The Trump administration is now actively suppressing religious freedom to protect their war agenda.
https://x.com/FurkanGozukara/status/2040247256075379142
I think William and Kate will be far better.
Reportedly, there have previously been Catholic masses.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/03/us/politics/liberal-billionaires-dark-money.html
Trump would for once have been better off highting a serious piece of investigative journalism rather than trashing the paper that published it. GOP activists definitely won’t be happy with the President!
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
The guy is gaga; it could mean anything.
Or nothing.
Met recognised the 19 year old man as he attended hearing of 3 suspects facing charges at court on Sat
https://x.com/lmharpin/status/2040432798851350573
Now, Trump never accepts that he has lost, and so this has to be someone else's fault. And the someone else he has chosen is Europe, and Britain in particular. That's the only reason he keeps on going on about Europe reopening the Strait.
Now, normally, I would say that Trump has a very good chance of making this stick, because blaming other people for his fuckups is a core Trump competency. But the fly in the ointment this time is that gasoline is more than $4 a gallon, and if Trump could reopen the Strait and bring the price of gas down, why doesn't he get on and do it, instead of blaming the Europeans for not doing so?
Why would you do that in the middle of a war? The only possible reason is because there are generals and admirals who are refusing to obey. This could be because they quite wisely foresee a ground invasion as a total disaster. Or it could be because they refuse to drop the bomb
We’ll either get another delay as Trump makes up more imaginary talks with Iran or they’ll take out some energy infrastructure.
But this is Trump. Nothing is impossible
And it could be argued that nukes are the only way out now, for America, if they want to avoid a catastrophic ground invasion or a humiliating retreat leaving the Iranian regime intact and in control of the region
In any event, this seems pretty clear. It was about the purge of black and women officers.
https://x.com/micyoung75/status/2040353933567422875
Driscoll refused to pull the names for months. Hegseth did it himself, likely illegally. George asked to discuss it. Hegseth refused the meeting, then fired him two years into a four-year term. Nine officials confirmed. Pentagon disputed nothing specific.
Isn't it really designed for Presidents in a coma?
Trump wants to enjoy his ballroom and using a nuke would surely even be too much for the current Congress !
It would also give VVP licence to put Ukraine back in its (pine) box by threatening or using a nuke. "Win/Win" as BartyBobs is fond of saying.
Yes, it is so designed, but it can be invoked separately. The catch is a non-comatose president can challenge it, and it requires 2/3 of both the gatherings of corrupt amoral scumbags, er, houses of Congress to negate such a challenge.
Presumably it would be used on cities?
Thus wiping out the Regime's opponents. And leaving the countryside medievally intact.
I don't think they even began to consider the case of a President who might or might not be mad.
The VP and a majority of the cabinet could, theoretically, declare him incapable/incapacitated.
But do you really think the mixture of sycophants, manipulators, and inadequates like Hegseth are going to provide that majority ?
Instead, the SecDef just settled for ordering the military not to action a nuclear launch without the additional authorisation of either himself or Henry Kissinger.
It would give me conflicting loyalties.
We're discussing the completely irrational.
Trump would presumably drop a couple of tactical nukes on military bases to encourage Iran to yield. With the clear implication that he will drop more and more bombs, on ever larger cities, until they DO surrender
They would surrender. As they don’t have nukes of their own and no nuclear power would come to their aid
It would be the same logic that applied to Japan. There is no point in fighting if all it means is certain defeat AND the deaths of many millions and the end of your civilisation
What the global consequences would be of Trump doing this - I have no clue. It would be a singularity. With an event horizon