You know what the irony is, the only aircraft carrier in the persian gulf at the moment is the George Bush, fancy being in Iraq awaiting for the planes from the Bush to start bombing.
unconfirmed twitter buzz: huge explosions rock Baghdad tonight and fighting reported in Tarimiya and Dora districts of the capital...
Last time I checked a few hours ago they where 15 miles away. We need a TV crew to broadcast the Battle of Bagdhad live, you know for the history books.
On topic, I'm already satisfied with the local by-elections for meeting my exacting standards of being slightly ridiculous, on average, even if they do not hold a candle to the pleasantly absurd naming conventions down here in the SW.
Keep that up and Danny Alexander's recent predictions were far too pessimistic, clearly.
I was thinking earlier on today, remember those heady days after the first debates, when the Lib Dems were in first place and Nick Clegg was the greatest and most popular politician since Churchill
Farage and UKIP face fines and Farage a possible prison sentence
Daily Telegraph article on Electoral Commission investigation into allegations that UKIP failed to declare more than £200,000 of donations to the party and that allowances paid by the EP were misappropriated.
A spokesman for the Electoral Commission said: “The donations in kind have been reported late. The party election finance team is now reviewing all of the information.
“Once that process is complete we will decide whether any action needs to be taken.
Kipper watchers should take careful note that Stuart Wheeler resigned as Treasurer of the Party with effect from July 1. Wheeler's three year stint as Treasurer did not co-incide with the period under investigation by the Electoral Commission and it is not known whether his resignation is connected to the allegations.
Farage doesn't face a jail sentence @AveryLP, so stop bigging it up. He may have to pay a fine and that depends how the law is interpreted.
I see Avery also failed to mention this bit:
"“Every year since 2001, Mr Farage has declared in his European Parliament Register of Interests the use of a rent-free office from J Longhurst Ltd. The premises has been used as his MEP office so the European Parliamentary register was the logical place for it to be declared."
I did link to it though and was very self-disciplined in not linking to the more detailed allegations of how Farage and UKIP may have misspent EP allowance money which have been widely published on the internet.
This from the man who proudly proclaimed he didn't care about facts, only politics.
We all know how much credence would should put to your posts these days Avery.
Keep that up and Danny Alexander's recent predictions were far too pessimistic, clearly.
I was thinking earlier on today, remember those heady days after the first debates, when the Lib Dems were in first place and Nick Clegg was the greatest and most popular politician since Churchill
Bubbles always burst, not always this calamitously though
It could just be that, as you can't vote from prison, you can't participate in polls.
That is not strictly true. A prisoner on remand, or under sentence for default or contempt has the same political rights as the ordinary citizen. A person convicted of an offence, and detained in prison, has no right to vote in elections. However, a person convicted of an offence, and sentenced to a term of imprisonment of less than one year, may stand for, and be returned at a parliamentary election (see sections 1 & 2 of the Representation of the People Act 1981, and section 3 of the Representation of the People Act 1983).
You Gov is getting to be a bit ridiculous with these sudden moves. they should poll at max twice a week like Populus. People don't change their mind in a trice like that, if anything the excellent unemployment figs should be a fillip for the Govt. They used to be, but what used to happen doesn't necessarily happen these days.
Most of the Tories are watching the Cricket, that's my theory anyway... getting 50p for filling in a online poll hardly seems worth the effort.
I was thinking earlier on today, remember those heady days after the first debates, when the Lib Dems were in first place and Nick Clegg was the greatest and most popular politician since Churchill
Indeed, see future footnotes on Farage, Nigel
At least Nick Clegg will get half a paragraph in the main text.
Keep that up and Danny Alexander's recent predictions were far too pessimistic, clearly.
I was thinking earlier on today, remember those heady days after the first debates, when the Lib Dems were in first place and Nick Clegg was the greatest and most popular politician since Churchill
I suspect if you asked people if they contributed to that perception, you would conclude from the answers that it could not possibly have happened, like historical revisionism taken too far.
Wow. Mail front page tmrw hammers Hague and Cameron #FiddlingWhileIraqAndUkraineAndSyriaBurn pic.twitter.com/cOpvCZr18c
Seems pretty harsh - what do they expect either of them to do, especially when a large section of the public would not countenance any action under any circumstances (even diplomatic action from the most extreme), another large section thinks we cannot do anything (again, diplomatic or otherwise), and other large sections might want to be in a position to do something but would not be willing to pay for it, economically or diplomatically.
Odd, according to the Beeb website tonight the number 1 world story tonight is a not unattractive lady with an unconventional décolleté opening some football tournament.
... and according to the Times, the number 1 world story is that Nigel Farage might have misfiled some office expenses.
It could just be that, as you can't vote from prison, you can't participate in polls.
That is not strictly true. A prisoner on remand, or under sentence for default or contempt has the same political rights as the ordinary citizen. A person convicted of an offence, and detained in prison, has no right to vote in elections. However, a person convicted of an offence, and sentenced to a term of imprisonment of less than one year, may stand for, and be returned at a parliamentary election (see sections 1 & 2 of the Representation of the People Act 1981, and section 3 of the Representation of the People Act 1983).
Odd, according to the Beeb website tonight the number 1 world story tonight is a not unattractive lady with an unconventional décolleté opening some football tournament.
That's J-Lo, I don't think I've done a J-Lo themed nighthawks yet.
Wow. Mail front page tmrw hammers Hague and Cameron #FiddlingWhileIraqAndUkraineAndSyriaBurn pic.twitter.com/cOpvCZr18c
Seems pretty harsh - what do they expect either of them to do, especially when a large section of the public would not countenance any action under any circumstances (even diplomatic action from the most extreme), another large section thinks we cannot do anything (again, diplomatic or otherwise), and other large sections might want to be in a position to do something but would not be willing to pay for it, economically or diplomatically.
But obviously Hague should have cancelled the international conference on rape as a weapon of war to wring his hands a bit in public.
(FAOD, this is an ironic comment about the Mail's priorities)
Odd, according to the Beeb website tonight the number 1 world story tonight is a not unattractive lady with an unconventional décolleté opening some football tournament.
That's J-Lo, I don't think I've done a J-Lo themed nighthawks yet.
Does she have any other talents, beyond the décolleté?
Wow. Mail front page tmrw hammers Hague and Cameron #FiddlingWhileIraqAndUkraineAndSyriaBurn pic.twitter.com/cOpvCZr18c
Seems pretty harsh - what do they expect either of them to do, especially when a large section of the public would not countenance any action under any circumstances (even diplomatic action from the most extreme), another large section thinks we cannot do anything (again, diplomatic or otherwise), and other large sections might want to be in a position to do something but would not be willing to pay for it, economically or diplomatically.
I think it's a pathetic front page,what hague as done for action on sexual violence in war zones,the man should be congratulated.
Odd, according to the Beeb website tonight the number 1 world story tonight is a not unattractive lady with an unconventional décolleté opening some football tournament.
That's J-Lo, I don't think I've done a J-Lo themed nighthawks yet.
Does she have any other talents, beyond the décolleté?
Wow. Mail front page tmrw hammers Hague and Cameron #FiddlingWhileIraqAndUkraineAndSyriaBurn pic.twitter.com/cOpvCZr18c
Both obeying Reagan's admirable dictum "Don't do something, just stand there" then. And moronic hashtag - Nero was both in, and in charge of, Rome while it burned.
"After U.S.-trained security forces dropped their weapons and fled their posts in Mosul, the regime in Baghdad has reason to fear for its survival, an intelligence official said. “Baghdad is going to be overrun," he said. "The Green Zone is going down.”
Friday's Times front page - "Farage faces jail threat over £200,000 donations" #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers
pic.twitter.com/aKleEPcqHc
For the first time in 100 years a non-establishment party wins a national election, and then a few weeks later the leader of that party faces a jail threat. A lot of people will be nodding slowly when they think about that sequence of events.
Odd, according to the Beeb website tonight the number 1 world story tonight is a not unattractive lady with an unconventional décolleté opening some football tournament.
That's J-Lo, I don't think I've done a J-Lo themed nighthawks yet.
Does she have any other talents, beyond the décolleté?
"After U.S.-trained security forces dropped their weapons and fled their posts in Mosul, the regime in Baghdad has reason to fear for its survival, an intelligence official said. “Baghdad is going to be overrun," he said. "The Green Zone is going down.”
Goodness knows what all those troops would be like without all that training. No substitute for raw, fanatical devotion I guess, at least when it comes to swift and decisive action at any rate, even if it doesn't work in the long run without someone with a head for strategy and tactics.
Friday's Times front page - "Farage faces jail threat over £200,000 donations" #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers
pic.twitter.com/aKleEPcqHc
For the first time in 100 years a non-establishment party wins a national election, and then a few weeks later the leader of that party faces a jail threat. A lot of people will be nodding slowly when they think about that sequence of events.
Gerry Adams got a poll boost when he was arrested for a few days before the euros.
Odd, according to the Beeb website tonight the number 1 world story tonight is a not unattractive lady with an unconventional décolleté opening some football tournament.
That's J-Lo, I don't think I've done a J-Lo themed nighthawks yet.
When you do one do it well, and give it all you have, so that we feel that we have been waiting for tonight.
Friday's Times front page - "Farage faces jail threat over £200,000 donations" #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers
pic.twitter.com/aKleEPcqHc
For the first time in 100 years a non-establishment party wins a national election, and then a few weeks later the leader of that party faces a jail threat. A lot of people will be nodding slowly when they think about that sequence of events.
Gerry Adams got a poll boost when he was arrested for a few days before the euros.
Didn't Rob Ford get a poll boost when he admitted to smoking Crack as well (the first time that is)?
I hope we get a thread on his chances at some point, if he still hasn't dropped out of the race for Toronto Mayor yet.
Wow. Mail front page tmrw hammers Hague and Cameron #FiddlingWhileIraqAndUkraineAndSyriaBurn pic.twitter.com/cOpvCZr18c
Seems pretty harsh - what do they expect either of them to do, especially when a large section of the public would not countenance any action under any circumstances (even diplomatic action from the most extreme), another large section thinks we cannot do anything (again, diplomatic or otherwise), and other large sections might want to be in a position to do something but would not be willing to pay for it, economically or diplomatically.
Presumably they want David Davis as PM - so they take an action which they think will help lead to that - and instead of course they will get Ed Miliband. Who will then do the precise opposite of everything the Daily Mail supposedly wants.
It's a bit like people wanting an EU referendum voting UKIP.
In fact it's not a bit like it - it's exactly like it - people winding themselves up into a frenzy and lashing out wildly in all directions - resulting in a worse result than if they did nothing.
But I guess it's human nature - because it makes people feel better if they lash out - because they think they're doing something.
"After U.S.-trained security forces dropped their weapons and fled their posts in Mosul, the regime in Baghdad has reason to fear for its survival, an intelligence official said. “Baghdad is going to be overrun," he said. "The Green Zone is going down.”
Goodness knows what all those troops would be like without all that training. No substitute for raw, fanatical devotion I guess, at least when it comes to swift and decisive action at any rate, even if it doesn't work in the long run without someone with a head for strategy and tactics.
My guess is the ones from the north don't want to live under a shia government anyway so aren't going to die for it whereas the ones from the south will fight to defend the south but not the north so they'll regroup when they're on home turf.
Friday's Times front page - "Farage faces jail threat over £200,000 donations" #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers
pic.twitter.com/aKleEPcqHc
For the first time in 100 years a non-establishment party wins a national election, and then a few weeks later the leader of that party faces a jail threat. A lot of people will be nodding slowly when they think about that sequence of events.
Gerry Adams got a poll boost when he was arrested for a few days before the euros.
Didn't Rob Ford get a poll boost when he admitted to smoking Crack as well (the first time that is)?
I hope we get a thread on his chances at some point, if he still hasn't dropped out of the race for Toronto Mayor yet.
Yeah Rob Ford got a boost because he did a good job dealing with Toronto's problems despite his personal problems, however since his behaviour is still going down hill he has become the most serious problem for Toronto.
Not surprised the Croatia equilizer disallowed, in international matches they give fouls if someone so much as sneezes next to a goalkeeper, but in conjunction with the penalty nonsense, a very poor game indeed.
Wow. Mail front page tmrw hammers Hague and Cameron #FiddlingWhileIraqAndUkraineAndSyriaBurn pic.twitter.com/cOpvCZr18c
Seems pretty harsh - what do they expect either of them to do, especially when a large section of the public would not countenance any action under any circumstances (even diplomatic action from the most extreme), another large section thinks we cannot do anything (again, diplomatic or otherwise), and other large sections might want to be in a position to do something but would not be willing to pay for it, economically or diplomatically.
Presumably they want David Davis as PM - so they take an action which they think will help lead to that - and instead of course they will get Ed Miliband. Who will then do the precise opposite of everything the Daily Mail supposedly wants.
It's a bit like people wanting an EU referendum voting UKIP.
In fact it's not a bit like it - it's exactly like it - people winding themselves up into a frenzy and lashing out wildly in all directions - resulting in a worse result than if they did nothing.
The Tories have certainly excelled in making sure they never have too many positive moments in a row this parliament, there is so much division in the party its press or its members lash out sooner or later.
@SusanCalman: Pickle demonstrates how easily the Brazilian player went down for the penalty. She got Croatia in the flat sweepstake http://t.co/KroMlbPKGj
Odd, according to the Beeb website tonight the number 1 world story tonight is a not unattractive lady with an unconventional décolleté opening some football tournament.
That's J-Lo, I don't think I've done a J-Lo themed nighthawks yet.
When you do one do it well, and give it all you have, so that we feel that we have been waiting for tonight.
yeah the question is whether it's a company of hard lads or actual brigades on the move
if Maliki throws in with Iran to avoid getting Gadaffied with a bayonet then it'll be brigades and the US state department will have blood flowing out the doors
shouldn't laugh really as it's serious but in terms of unintended consequences this has the possibility of taking the world record
then again maybe he'll just panic and run and the Isis people take over in the chaos
Rumours now Baghdad International Airport is now closed after some iraqi lawmakers took flights to Jordan. And yes there seems to be fighting on the south side of Baghdad.
ConflictReporter @MiddleEast_BRK · 38m #BreakingNews Limited clashes between Sunni rebels and Iraqi security forces broke out in the southern #Baghdad district of #Doura. #Iraq
yeah the question is whether it's a company of hard lads or actual brigades on the move
if Maliki throws in with Iran to avoid getting Gadaffied with a bayonet then it'll be brigades and the US state department will have blood flowing out the doors
shouldn't laugh really as it's serious but in terms of unintended consequences this has the possibility of taking the world record
then again maybe he'll just panic and run and the Isis people take over in the chaos
Comments
We need a TV crew to broadcast the Battle of Bagdhad live, you know for the history books.
We all know how much credence would should put to your posts these days Avery.
Both teams far better than England.
Nick Sutton @suttonnick 47s
Friday's Daily Mail front page - "Starstruck" #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers
pic.twitter.com/wArNsOq9sE
Nick Sutton @suttonnick · 1 min
Friday's Daily Mail front page - "Starstruck" #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/wArNsOq9sE
Lately the mail seems to see the tories as target number one.
People don't change their mind in a trice like that, if anything the excellent unemployment figs should be a fillip for the Govt. They used to be, but what used to happen doesn't necessarily happen these days.
Most of the Tories are watching the Cricket, that's my theory anyway... getting 50p for filling in a online poll hardly seems worth the effort.
At least Nick Clegg will get half a paragraph in the main text.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2655977/ISIS-militants-march-Baghdad-trademark-bullet-head-gets-way-control-north.html
Tim Montgomerie ✔ @TimMontgomerie
Wow. Mail front page tmrw hammers Hague and Cameron #FiddlingWhileIraqAndUkraineAndSyriaBurn pic.twitter.com/cOpvCZr18c
http://amanpour.blogs.cnn.com/2014/06/12/former-iraqi-prime-minister-ayad-allawi-the-belt-of-baghdad-has-fallen/?sr=sharebar_twitter
Friday's Times front page - "Farage faces jail threat over £200,000 donations" #tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers
pic.twitter.com/aKleEPcqHc
... and according to the Times, the number 1 world story is that Nigel Farage might have misfiled some office expenses.
It really is a funny old world, isn't it?
green is shia bits, red is sunni bits
hard to see the shia bits letting them through without a fight (assuming the locals are all still armed to the teeth?)
so that looks like coming from the west or not at all?
You should take instructions from College and his party.
They are going to need your help and there are plenty of EP allowances to pay your fees.
(FAOD, this is an ironic comment about the Mail's priorities)
http://amanpour.blogs.cnn.com/2014/06/12/former-iraqi-prime-minister-ayad-allawi-the-belt-of-baghdad-has-fallen/
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/06/12/as-jihadists-take-aim-at-baghdad-iran-steps-in-to-help-historical-foe/
"After U.S.-trained security forces dropped their weapons and fled their posts in Mosul, the regime in Baghdad has reason to fear for its survival, an intelligence official said.
“Baghdad is going to be overrun," he said. "The Green Zone is going down.”
Tony Gallagher @gallaghereditor · 5h
Am enjoying passport twists & turns of Theresa May immensely. The story will linger in the memory far longer than May v Gove spat
Baghdad is full of millions of people with AK47s who are fanatically hostile to the AQ type bods like Saigon wasn't.
I hope we get a thread on his chances at some point, if he still hasn't dropped out of the race for Toronto Mayor yet.
Oh wait.
Brasil go one down to unfancied European team.
In return they get a twelth man.
Is there a market on the number of penalties in the WC ?
Because if that's going to be the standard we should see at least one a game.
It's a bit like people wanting an EU referendum voting UKIP.
In fact it's not a bit like it - it's exactly like it - people winding themselves up into a frenzy and lashing out wildly in all directions - resulting in a worse result than if they did nothing.
But I guess it's human nature - because it makes people feel better if they lash out - because they think they're doing something.
de facto partition developing.
If we do get a new regime there could they ask for Blair's extradition as a war criminal ?
Referee 2 Croatia 1 #worldcup
Small mercies.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/10896670/Obama-ponders-as-Iran-sends-troops-to-Iraq.html
if Maliki throws in with Iran to avoid getting Gadaffied with a bayonet then it'll be brigades and the US state department will have blood flowing out the doors
shouldn't laugh really as it's serious but in terms of unintended consequences this has the possibility of taking the world record
then again maybe he'll just panic and run and the Isis people take over in the chaos
And yes there seems to be fighting on the south side of Baghdad.
ConflictReporter @MiddleEast_BRK · 38m
#BreakingNews Limited clashes between Sunni rebels and Iraqi security forces broke out in the southern #Baghdad district of #Doura. #Iraq
The election is on a Thursday