It would be a moment of great joy to see the corrupt, arrogant, bloated carcass of Fifa and its officials who are an embodiment of that carcass, to be torn into and its secrets exposed.
Despite assurances this is not over, I fear I may be disappointed and this is about as good as it gets.
Today is one of the few times both the head of the FBI and the AG have been on the same platform for an indictment unsealing.
The DOJ is methodical, relentless and has infinite patience. They already have 6 guilty pleas. It won't be fast, but it will be thorough.
It would be a moment of great joy to see the corrupt, arrogant, bloated carcass of Fifa and its officials who are an embodiment of that carcass, to be torn into and its secrets exposed.
Despite assurances this is not over, I fear I may be disappointed and this is about as good as it gets.
Today is one of the few times both the head of the FBI and the AG have been on the same platform for an indictment unsealing.
The DOJ is methodical, relentless and has infinite patience. They already have 6 guilty pleas. It won't be fast, but it will be thorough.
This is just the beginning.
I wonder how the prospect of embarrassing Russia over how they secured the World Cup is going down in the White House, and in the DoS. Smirks and fist pumps all round, I'd imagine.
On FIFA, I've seen speculation elsewhere that their US sponsors could be forced to pull out, or face investigation for doing business with a corrupt organisation.
If this is true it gives the US considerable leverage over FIFA. Losing all sponsorship from US companies would be a major financial hit.
On FIFA, I've seen speculation elsewhere that their US sponsors could be forced to pull out, or face investigation for doing business with a corrupt organisation.
If this is true it gives the US considerable leverage over FIFA. Losing all sponsorship from US companies would be a major financial hit.
US anticorruption law has a long reach. It may extend to companies with a significant presence in the US, even if they're not listed or based there.
I think Mundell is trying to prove Malcom Bruce's point, I note Severin Carrell from the Guardian was watching the interview and indicated that Mundell had questions to answer, I wonder if Mr White will allow him to do his job:
On FIFA, I've seen speculation elsewhere that their US sponsors could be forced to pull out, or face investigation for doing business with a corrupt organisation.
If this is true it gives the US considerable leverage over FIFA. Losing all sponsorship from US companies would be a major financial hit.
US anticorruption law has a long reach. It may extend to companies with a significant presence in the US, even if they're not listed or based there.
The indictments are under RICO and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. If you have a meeting here, transfer money through the US banking system, or have a subsidiary here, you're fair game.
US authorities vs. Fifa is a bit like Hitler (already overused in this thread?) vs. Stalin - it's a shame they can't both lose. There will be swingeing fines at the end of it; this only happens when there's some money to be made for the pirate superpower.
US authorities vs. Fifa is a bit like Hitler (already overused in this thread?) vs. Stalin - it's a shame they can't both lose. There will be swingeing fines at the end of it; this only happens when there's some money to be made for the pirate superpower.
A lot of work for only a few billion here and there, not much for such a large nation, but every little helps I guess. I certainly hope it's more cost effective than the supposed £7.2million or whatever it took to catch that dastardly super villain Alistair Carmichael.
Still, I'm usually of the view that while motivations are not totally irrelevant, outcomes are most vital, so whatever their motivations hopefully Fifa can take a proper beating and something better within or without emerge.
I think Mundell is trying to prove Malcom Bruce's point, I note Severin Carrell from the Guardian was watching the interview and indicated that Mundell had questions to answer, I wonder if Mr White will allow him to do his job:
I recall that Carmichael said that it was the leak itself, not lying about it, which "would have required my resignation". Puts Mundell in an interesting position if he's found to have known about it.
US authorities vs. Fifa is a bit like Hitler (already overused in this thread?) vs. Stalin - it's a shame they can't both lose. There will be swingeing fines at the end of it; this only happens when there's some money to be made for the pirate superpower.
A lot of work for only a few billion here and there, not much for such a large nation, but every little helps I guess. I certainly hope it's more cost effective than the supposed £7.2million or whatever it took to catch that dastardly super villain Alistair Carmichael.
Still, I'm usually of the view that while motivations are not totally irrelevant, outcomes are most vital, so whatever their motivations hopefully Fifa can take a proper beating and something better within or without emerge.
The work of seeing who's been naughty goes on all the time anyway. The hold the US still has over the world's financial system means it can periodically take piranha-like chunks out of other countries' concerns with relative impunity, offsetting some of its vast and insoluable national debt.It does it to the UK more than most.
I think Mundell is trying to prove Malcom Bruce's point, I note Severin Carrell from the Guardian was watching the interview and indicated that Mundell had questions to answer, I wonder if Mr White will allow him to do his job:
I recall that Carmichael said that it was the leak itself, not lying about it, which "would have required my resignation". Puts Mundell in an interesting position if he's found to have known about it.
It's a very easy Yes/No question. By not answering Yes/No he does beg the question to be asked further.
It is little wonder that so few Christian clergymen wish to be associated with the modern Conservative Party. The latter adheres to a code of ethics totally at variance with their basic principles and their sense of human decency.
That would be the code of ethics based on the Bible where it says that if a man does not work than neither shall he eat? The one that is too decent for Tories. Righto.
It's a very easy Yes/No question. By not answering Yes/No he does beg the question to be asked further.
Surely it would've been wiser for him just to say No, and take the small risk that it may come back to bite him. It would've almost certainly removed him from the story entirely. By giving such a contrived answer, he's practically screaming "investigate me too".
probably it takes a country with an aggressive legal system which doesn't care that much if the world cup is cancelled?
(in reply to Tim_B)
Surely it wouldn't need to be canceled - any one of the last few host countries could step up with a few months notice, as they already have the infrastructure in place.
All it takes is a FIFA vote (plus presumably the usual bribes and kickbacks).
I'm surprised Butcher's not been on his feet condemning this investigation of FIFA as potentially harming FIFA's reputation.
RE Church of England, no surprise that the C of England is no longer the Tory party at prayer, You've got Archbishop very Wealthy preaching to us to vote Labour before that you had the Archdruid and of course there was the infamous Bishop of Durham who didn't really believe in god, or as as a de minimus thought the resurrection was a magic trick.
I think Mundell is trying to prove Malcom Bruce's point, I note Severin Carrell from the Guardian was watching the interview and indicated that Mundell had questions to answer, I wonder if Mr White will allow him to do his job:
Several folks saying that it's obvious there has been worldwide frustration with FIFA for many years, why did nobody else do anything before the US stepped up?
For some reason Fifa is too powerful for national governments it seems.
@PickardJE: Union official says the Tories have "started a bloody war".
"When we’re next in power we will make Tory donors jump through 100 hoops."
Umm, when exactly do the unions think they might be in power, ever?
Did they explain what is intrinsically wrong in asking people to make a positive decision to contribute financially to a union political fund rather than it being automatic?
Of course they did not. They know from the US, Wisconsin in particular, what happens when that question is asked and how calamitous it is for the unions' coffers (and membership). So it is a question that is not allowed to be considered.
"Our guest editor Amanda Palmer writes that we live in an age of endless, foaming outrage. She argues that the only answer is to try to feel empathy for other people, no matter who they are."
Blatter as Middle East peace envoy and Blair in charge of FIFA.
Blatter of Qatar has shown he knows how to get a deal done in the Gulf, *innocent face*. Blair wrote the book on bungs, pocket lining and sleaze.
It's the continuity ticket.
Unfortunately the US will steer well clear of investigating of TB for obvious reasons.
The same reasons I hope Chilcot doesn't end up in a whitewash.
Always did wonder how a non footballing nation like the US got the World Cup in 94. A disgrace.
Because they bid, and because the prize of America becoming a footballing nation was sufficiently great.
I would point out that Japan is hardly the greatest footballing nation on earth and they got it too.
Plausible deniability, that's where they went wrong with Qatar. They could have been less greedy and gone for Australia, the Aussies even employed Peter Hargitay as a consultant (after he left our whiter than white 2018 bid).
It's a very easy Yes/No question. By not answering Yes/No he does beg the question to be asked further.
Surely it would've been wiser for him just to say No, and take the small risk that it may come back to bite him. It would've almost certainly removed him from the story entirely. By giving such a contrived answer, he's practically screaming "investigate me too".
I think by the way he reacted he had certainly seen the memo before it was leaked, which isn't surprising as the guy who drafted it must have sent it round a distribution list. He's no doubt concerned that even admitting he was aware of the memo could bring him into the net of suspicion.
The other player in all of this is Willie Rennie, as the memo was leaked on 1st April and the story published with Rennie's quotes late on the 2nd April, it would be interesting to know when he first became aware of the memo.
"Our guest editor Amanda Palmer writes that we live in an age of endless, foaming outrage. She argues that the only answer is to try to feel empathy for other people, no matter who they are."
It is little wonder that so few Christian clergymen wish to be associated with the modern Conservative Party. The latter adheres to a code of ethics totally at variance with their basic principles and their sense of human decency.
That would be the code of ethics based on the Bible where it says that if a man does not work than neither shall he eat? The one that is too decent for Tories. Righto.
I can't see any good reason why Christian clergy should associate with any political party. They're entitled to their political views, but their role, and the politicians' role, are quite separate.
IIRC, someone once said Render Unto Caesar that which is Caesar's.
"Our guest editor Amanda Palmer writes that we live in an age of endless, foaming outrage. She argues that the only answer is to try to feel empathy for other people, no matter who they are."
Never heard of her or the other guest editor, and gave up the NS years ago as too boringly predictable, but that summary looks remarkably good with nearly every article interestingly different. Perhaps time to give it another try.
"Our guest editor Amanda Palmer writes that we live in an age of endless, foaming outrage. She argues that the only answer is to try to feel empathy for other people, no matter who they are."
Never heard of her or the other guest editor, and gave up the NS years ago as too boringly predictable, but that summary looks remarkably good with nearly every article interestingly different. Perhaps time to give it another try.
Neil Gaiman is a fabulous author. My daughter was a huge, huge fan of "The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish"
probably it takes a country with an aggressive legal system which doesn't care that much if the world cup is cancelled?
(in reply to Tim_B)
Surely it wouldn't need to be canceled - any one of the last few host countries could step up with a few months notice, as they already have the infrastructure in place.
All it takes is a FIFA vote (plus presumably the usual bribes and kickbacks).
I'm surprised Butcher's not been on his feet condemning this investigation of FIFA as potentially harming FIFA's reputation.
It's an investigation, not an inquiry. An investigation does not have to lead to anything , and the information given does not generally have to be released as it does in a public inquiry. Therefore Burnham can have as many 'investigations' as he wants without harming the reputation of the organisations.
Except if it involves Liverpool, of course. In which case there should be inquiries and whoever made mistakes is GUILTY!!!
I'm someone who enjoys winding up the Kippers, but even I wouldn't go that far, especially with Carswell, to call him a racist, shows they don't know their arse from their elbows.
"Our guest editor Amanda Palmer writes that we live in an age of endless, foaming outrage. She argues that the only answer is to try to feel empathy for other people, no matter who they are."
Never heard of her or the other guest editor, and gave up the NS years ago as too boringly predictable, but that summary looks remarkably good with nearly every article interestingly different. Perhaps time to give it another try.
"Our guest editor Amanda Palmer writes that we live in an age of endless, foaming outrage. She argues that the only answer is to try to feel empathy for other people, no matter who they are."
Her music is pretty awesome. Can I recommend Who Killed Amanda Palmer
Surprising how no-one's mentioned Stoya, who has an article in the issue. I wasn't aware of the lady's work, but having performed a quick Google (fnarr!) I can say that she provides some interesting views (fnarr fnarr!).
You might not want to Google that from work, though. ;-)
In terms of the EU referendum, France and Germany have once again met in secret to decide the EU's direction without consulting Britain. They have decided to rule out treaty change, despite the PM of the EU's third largest member getting re-elected on a pledge to do just that. It is exactly this sort of behind-the-scenes stitch-up that makes me want to vote out. They have utter contempt for democracy.
On top of this, they want to push for higher immigration on the UK of unskilled migrants from the world's worst trouble spots, and start taking even more of our money with an EU corporation tax. I'm wondering whether EU reform is even possible. If there's one chance for it, it's David Cameron. Let's hope he doesn't back down from a demand for concrete treaty change.
Incidentally my wife was face-to-face polled by Ipsos MORI today, asked uk general election voting intention, how british/scottish/european/commonwealth she felt and a bunch of market research questions. Nothing on Holyrood or EuroRef.
In terms of the EU referendum, France and Germany have once again met in secret to decide the EU's direction without consulting Britain. They have decided to rule out treaty change, despite the PM of the EU's third largest member getting re-elected on a pledge to do just that.
So the press reports a detente between the UK & Russia over trying to deal with the Syria issues. In reality this is just a sign of something thats been happening for weeks. A few days ago I mentioned that there stories about communication between London & Damascus regarding the status of Bashar's wife and kids. In short, an indication from Damascus that she might at some point turn up in London and checking if this was viable.
Iran, despite publicly doubling down support for Assad, isn't reportedly giving him all the lines of credit he asked for.
Assad is also running out bodies to die for him leaving him increasingly strategically weak and dependent on imports from Hizbollah and Iranian controlled imported Shi'ite militias. In short, Iran now has the power to turn off the tap and enough strings attached to his government and local allies to make for an effective puppet show. Tensions over this have been simmering within the Ba'ath party now for months.
Perhaps most notable of all was John Kerry talking to Putin and apparently asking the latter again to consider that maybe Assad isn't the individual horse to back but someone else may be, someone that a lot of international players could rally round.
Militarily Assad is in deep do. His forces have abandoned their last big hub in the IS dominated eastern region at Deir ez Zour and in doing so takes away both a presence and a major location for launching air and artillery attacks. The 'army in all corners' strategy, designed to show Assad still with his flag all over the country, and therefore lending legitimacy, has pretty much gone down the plughole. Its now core defence in the more urbanised west and south (where IS aren't really in strength yet but other rebels most definitely are) but in doing so he leaves other locations open to approach by not having the screen that some of these outposts, now withdrawn from, can provide.
"Our guest editor Amanda Palmer writes that we live in an age of endless, foaming outrage. She argues that the only answer is to try to feel empathy for other people, no matter who they are."
Never heard of her or the other guest editor, and gave up the NS years ago as too boringly predictable, but that summary looks remarkably good with nearly every article interestingly different. Perhaps time to give it another try.
I think Mundell is trying to prove Malcom Bruce's point, I note Severin Carrell from the Guardian was watching the interview and indicated that Mundell had questions to answer, I wonder if Mr White will allow him to do his job:
Blatter as Middle East peace envoy and Blair in charge of FIFA.
Blatter of Qatar has shown he knows how to get a deal done in the Gulf, *innocent face*. Blair wrote the book on bungs, pocket lining and sleaze.
It's the continuity ticket.
Unfortunately the US will steer well clear of investigating of TB for obvious reasons.
The same reasons I hope Chilcot doesn't end up in a whitewash.
Always did wonder how a non footballing nation like the US got the World Cup in 94. A disgrace.
Because they bid, and because the prize of America becoming a footballing nation was sufficiently great.
I would point out that Japan is hardly the greatest footballing nation on earth and they got it too.
Plausible deniability, that's where they went wrong with Qatar. They could have been less greedy and gone for Australia, the Aussies even employed Peter Hargitay as a consultant (after he left our whiter than white 2018 bid).
Nothing wrong with non-footballing nations getting a turn, nor countries outside of Europe and Latin America. Football ('soccer') is a popular and growing sport in the US and Canada, both in terms of participation and watching (higher average attendance at MLS games than in Brazilian top flight, for example).
And while Japan aren't great, the aren't bad either and underperformed pretty badly in the last World Cup.
I'd be utterly staggered if Qatar and Russia don't turn out to have been completely bent though.
Agree that Qatar was a bridge too far, credibility-wise.
Salmond annoying les petite Rosbifs, while Sturgeon judiciously standing up for Scotland and ignoring irrelevant Tories. What a tag team.
'The event was a pleasure to attend for most people but you had to feel sorry for the Daily Telegraph’s Scottish political editor, Simon Johnson, who had clearly been sent along to ask a nuisance question about whether the First Minister would appear on a pro-Europe platform with like-minded Conservatives. Johnson, of course, was one of the two Telegraph reporters involved in the Frenchgate leak debacle which would never have surfaced if either had bothered to check whether the memo was accurate. If looks could kill, Johnson would have been heading for the city mortuary made famous in Ian Rankin’s Rebus novels. Yet the First Minister dealt with the question courteously: “I have no plans to share a platform – I will be making a case as the SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland for the positive case for Scotland and the UK’s future within the European Union.”'
In terms of the EU referendum, France and Germany have once again met in secret to decide the EU's direction without consulting Britain. They have decided to rule out treaty change, despite the PM of the EU's third largest member getting re-elected on a pledge to do just that.
Hardly a secret nor a surprise.
Sadly, that may be the truth. Why on Earth do France and Germany think it is acceptable for two of the big three to get together to agree on a direction that everyone else has to rubber stamp? No wonder the UK is fed up with the damn thing. One of the things Cameron should have as a red line is for the UK to be included in the Franco-German summits before each EU summit.
I was very surprised to read that Tavish Scott, Shetland's MSP, told the Shetland News that he became aware of Carmichael's role on Sunday, 10th May:
" Scott said he was only informed of his colleague’s role in leaking the memo by Carmichael himself on the Sunday following the 7 May election. "
The timeline on all of this is starting to look interesting, why Tavish did not advise Carmichael to inform their constituents is a question which needs answering. If Carmichael had started telling colleagues about his role, had the Cabinet Office already caught him?
I'm in Croatia currently, an old boy has just hobbled past muttering ed Miliband won't be prime minister and then he let rip a trumpet trouser ripper that shook the hotel foyer in its volume... it couldn't be...
Salmond annoying les petite Rosbifs, while Sturgeon judiciously standing up for Scotland and ignoring irrelevant Tories. What a tag team.
'The event was a pleasure to attend for most people but you had to feel sorry for the Daily Telegraph’s Scottish political editor, Simon Johnson, who had clearly been sent along to ask a nuisance question about whether the First Minister would appear on a pro-Europe platform with like-minded Conservatives. Johnson, of course, was one of the two Telegraph reporters involved in the Frenchgate leak debacle which would never have surfaced if either had bothered to check whether the memo was accurate. If looks could kill, Johnson would have been heading for the city mortuary made famous in Ian Rankin’s Rebus novels. Yet the First Minister dealt with the question courteously: “I have no plans to share a platform – I will be making a case as the SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland for the positive case for Scotland and the UK’s future within the European Union.”'
So the press reports a detente between the UK & Russia over trying to deal with the Syria issues. In reality this is just a sign of something thats been happening for weeks. A few days ago I mentioned that there stories about communication between London & Damascus regarding the status of Bashar's wife and kids. In short, an indication from Damascus that she might at some point turn up in London and checking if this was viable.
Iran, despite publicly doubling down support for Assad, isn't reportedly giving him all the lines of credit he asked for.
Assad is also running out bodies to die for him leaving him increasingly strategically weak and dependent on imports from Hizbollah and Iranian controlled imported Shi'ite militias. In short, Iran now has the power to turn off the tap and enough strings attached to his government and local allies to make for an effective puppet show. Tensions over this have been simmering within the Ba'ath party now for months.
Perhaps most notable of all was John Kerry talking to Putin and apparently asking the latter again to consider that maybe Assad isn't the individual horse to back but someone else may be, someone that a lot of international players could rally round.
Militarily Assad is in deep do. His forces have abandoned their last big hub in the IS dominated eastern region at Deir ez Zour and in doing so takes away both a presence and a major location for launching air and artillery attacks. The 'army in all corners' strategy, designed to show Assad still with his flag all over the country, and therefore lending legitimacy, has pretty much gone down the plughole. Its now core defence in the more urbanised west and south (where IS aren't really in strength yet but other rebels most definitely are) but in doing so he leaves other locations open to approach by not having the screen that some of these outposts, now withdrawn from, can provide.
Not great right now for young Bashar.
Thanks, as always, for an informative update. My guess is that, if Asma is thinking of bringing the kids to London, Bashar has already decided the gig is up. And that means that either the Russians told him it is, or the Russians have now figured out Assad has given up. So they will seek to make virtue out of necessity, and extract concessions/favours from the US for their own tactical retreat. And the US will fall for it.
Salmond annoying les petite Rosbifs, while Sturgeon judiciously standing up for Scotland and ignoring irrelevant Tories. What a tag team.
'The event was a pleasure to attend for most people but you had to feel sorry for the Daily Telegraph’s Scottish political editor, Simon Johnson, who had clearly been sent along to ask a nuisance question about whether the First Minister would appear on a pro-Europe platform with like-minded Conservatives. Johnson, of course, was one of the two Telegraph reporters involved in the Frenchgate leak debacle which would never have surfaced if either had bothered to check whether the memo was accurate. If looks could kill, Johnson would have been heading for the city mortuary made famous in Ian Rankin’s Rebus novels. Yet the First Minister dealt with the question courteously: “I have no plans to share a platform – I will be making a case as the SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland for the positive case for Scotland and the UK’s future within the European Union.”'
Good for Sturgeon. You don't need a "shared platform" and you don't need a "campaign" fronted by a has-been/never-was, you need individual leaders to say what they, individually, think.
So the press reports a detente between the UK & Russia over trying to deal with the Syria issues. In reality this is just a sign of something thats been happening for weeks. A few days ago I mentioned that there stories about communication between London & Damascus regarding the status of Bashar's wife and kids. In short, an indication from Damascus that she might at some point turn up in London and checking if this was viable.
Iran, despite publicly doubling down support for Assad, isn't reportedly giving him all the lines of credit he asked for.
Assad is also running out bodies to die for him leaving him increasingly strategically weak and dependent on imports from Hizbollah and Iranian controlled imported Shi'ite militias. In short, Iran now has the power to turn off the tap and enough strings attached to his government and local allies to make for an effective puppet show. Tensions over this have been simmering within the Ba'ath party now for months.
Perhaps most notable of all was John Kerry talking to Putin and apparently asking the latter again to consider that maybe Assad isn't the individual horse to back but someone else may be, someone that a lot of international players could rally round.
Militarily Assad is in deep do. His forces have abandoned their last big hub in the IS dominated eastern region at Deir ez Zour and in doing so takes away both a presence and a major location for launching air and artillery attacks. The 'army in all corners' strategy, designed to show Assad still with his flag all over the country, and therefore lending legitimacy, has pretty much gone down the plughole. Its now core defence in the more urbanised west and south (where IS aren't really in strength yet but other rebels most definitely are) but in doing so he leaves other locations open to approach by not having the screen that some of these outposts, now withdrawn from, can provide.
Not great right now for young Bashar.
Thanks, as always, for an informative update. My guess is that, if Asma is thinking of bringing the kids to London, Bashar has already decided the gig is up. And that means that either the Russians told him it is, or the Russians have now figured out Assad has given up. So they will seek to make virtue out of necessity, and extract concessions/favours from the US for their own tactical retreat. And the US will fall for it.
Well it would be long overdue, his evil and despised regime has been on the point of collapse for how long now?
Nothing wrong with non-footballing nations getting a turn, nor countries outside of Europe and Latin America. Football ('soccer') is a popular and growing sport in the US and Canada, both in terms of participation and watching (higher average attendance at MLS games than in Brazilian top flight, for example).
And while Japan aren't great, the aren't bad either and underperformed pretty badly in the last World Cup.
I'd be utterly staggered if Qatar and Russia don't turn out to have been completely bent though.
Agree that Qatar was a bridge too far, credibility-wise.
Agreed. The US even have the phrase "soccer moms" now as football has grown so much in popularity now since 1994. Mission accomplished.
“I have no plans to share a platform – I will be making a case as the SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland for the positive case for Scotland and the UK’s future within the European Union.”'
If not sharing the same platform also means that they will not be collaborating behind the scenes on agreeing the best lines to take, it will be extremely helpful to have two independent views of the case for staying in Europe.
I look forward to hearing Ms Sturgeon's pitch to the rUK.
In terms of the EU referendum, France and Germany have once again met in secret to decide the EU's direction without consulting Britain. They have decided to rule out treaty change, despite the PM of the EU's third largest member getting re-elected on a pledge to do just that.
Hardly a secret nor a surprise.
If Cameron meets with Merkel to discuss the future of the EU, that's good. If Hollande meets with Merkel to discuss the future of the EU, then that's the damned continentals ganging up on us.
Word reaches Uncut that all is not well in the Burnham camp. Despite being the bookies’ favourite, worries about Andy Burnham’s strategy and performance have started to bubble to the surface among his supporters.
Doubts are being raised about what has been dubbed the ‘inevitability strategy’.
Immediately following the general election defeat, Andy Burnham’s campaign mobilised, rolling out endorsements from across the PLP to establish him as the runaway favourite, suck away nominations from potential rivals and make his victory seem assured.
Blatter as Middle East peace envoy and Blair in charge of FIFA.
Blatter of Qatar has shown he knows how to get a deal done in the Gulf, *innocent face*. Blair wrote the book on bungs, pocket lining and sleaze.
It's the continuity ticket.
Unfortunately the US will steer well clear of investigating of TB for obvious reasons.
The same reasons I hope Chilcot doesn't end up in a whitewash.
Always did wonder how a non footballing nation like the US got the World Cup in 94. A disgrace.
Because they bid, and because the prize of America becoming a footballing nation was sufficiently great.
I would point out that Japan is hardly the greatest footballing nation on earth and they got it too.
Plausible deniability, that's where they went wrong with Qatar. They could have been less greedy and gone for Australia, the Aussies even employed Peter Hargitay as a consultant (after he left our whiter than white 2018 bid).
Nothing wrong with non-footballing nations getting a turn, nor countries outside of Europe and Latin America. Football ('soccer') is a popular and growing sport in the US and Canada, both in terms of participation and watching (higher average attendance at MLS games than in Brazilian top flight, for example).
And while Japan aren't great, the aren't bad either and underperformed pretty badly in the last World Cup.
I'd be utterly staggered if Qatar and Russia don't turn out to have been completely bent though.
Agree that Qatar was a bridge too far, credibility-wise.
Although isn't Brazil a bit odd, in that there are a huge number of local (top flight) leagues, so that you see games with 100 fans in attendance in the same league as games with 40,000 in attendance.
Word reaches Uncut that all is not well in the Burnham camp. Despite being the bookies’ favourite, worries about Andy Burnham’s strategy and performance have started to bubble to the surface among his supporters.
Doubts are being raised about what has been dubbed the ‘inevitability strategy’.
Immediately following the general election defeat, Andy Burnham’s campaign mobilised, rolling out endorsements from across the PLP to establish him as the runaway favourite, suck away nominations from potential rivals and make his victory seem assured.
Salmond annoying les petite Rosbifs, while Sturgeon judiciously standing up for Scotland and ignoring irrelevant Tories. What a tag team.
'The event was a pleasure to attend for most people but you had to feel sorry for the Daily Telegraph’s Scottish political editor, Simon Johnson, who had clearly been sent along to ask a nuisance question about whether the First Minister would appear on a pro-Europe platform with like-minded Conservatives. Johnson, of course, was one of the two Telegraph reporters involved in the Frenchgate leak debacle which would never have surfaced if either had bothered to check whether the memo was accurate. If looks could kill, Johnson would have been heading for the city mortuary made famous in Ian Rankin’s Rebus novels. Yet the First Minister dealt with the question courteously: “I have no plans to share a platform – I will be making a case as the SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland for the positive case for Scotland and the UK’s future within the European Union.”'
“I have no plans to share a platform – I will be making a case as the SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland for the positive case for Scotland and the UK’s future within the European Union.”'
If not sharing the same platform also means that they will not be collaborating behind the scenes on agreeing the best lines to take, it will be extremely helpful to have two independent views of the case for staying in Europe.
I look forward to hearing Ms Sturgeon's pitch to the rUK.
"I have no plans "... she is really breaking the mould with that one.
I was very surprised to read that Tavish Scott, Shetland's MSP, told the Shetland News that he became aware of Carmichael's role on Sunday, 10th May:
" Scott said he was only informed of his colleague’s role in leaking the memo by Carmichael himself on the Sunday following the 7 May election. "
The timeline on all of this is starting to look interesting, why Tavish did not advise Carmichael to inform their constituents is a question which needs answering. If Carmichael had started telling colleagues about his role, had the Cabinet Office already caught him?
"just catching up"? Ha ha ha ha ha ha. No really, you are very very funny.
Comments
The DOJ is methodical, relentless and has infinite patience. They already have 6 guilty pleas. It won't be fast, but it will be thorough.
This is just the beginning.
There's a huge difference between disagreeing with someone, even fervently disagreeing - and considering them equivalent to genocide and gas chambers.
If this is true it gives the US considerable leverage over FIFA. Losing all sponsorship from US companies would be a major financial hit.
Cracking job he did with that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcJWcjwYMfc
No doubt whoever they replace him with, if they do, will somehow be even more ill-suited.
Someone more ill-suited? Only if they resurrect Richard the Lionheart.
Mr. kle4, Tamerlane, perhaps.
'I see no ships flying the Reichkriegsflagge.'
Still, I'm usually of the view that while motivations are not totally irrelevant, outcomes are most vital, so whatever their motivations hopefully Fifa can take a proper beating and something better within or without emerge.
I recall that Carmichael said that it was the leak itself, not lying about it, which "would have required my resignation". Puts Mundell in an interesting position if he's found to have known about it.
Blatter as Middle East peace envoy and Blair in charge of FIFA.
Blatter of Qatar has shown he knows how to get a deal done in the Gulf, *innocent face*. Blair wrote the book on bungs, pocket lining and sleaze.
It's the continuity ticket.
That would be the code of ethics based on the Bible where it says that if a man does not work than neither shall he eat?
The one that is too decent for Tories. Righto.
The same reasons I hope Chilcot doesn't end up in a whitewash.
Always did wonder how a non footballing nation like the US got the World Cup in 94. A disgrace.
http://vote-2012.proboards.com/post/257717/thread
I would point out that Japan is hardly the greatest footballing nation on earth and they got it too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yxBi-Ur2mE
Certainly worse off without a decent LD presence.
http://www.newstatesman.com/2015/05/weeks-magazine-neil-gaiman-and-amanda-palmer-guest-edit-saying-unsayable
The other player in all of this is Willie Rennie, as the memo was leaked on 1st April and the story published with Rennie's quotes late on the 2nd April, it would be interesting to know when he first became aware of the memo.
http://newstonoone.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/2020-geography-of-labours-next-campaign.html
A far more worthwhile read than the 'experts' who infest the media.
IIRC, someone once said Render Unto Caesar that which is Caesar's.
http://bit.ly/1Bpu60u
Except if it involves Liverpool, of course. In which case there should be inquiries and whoever made mistakes is GUILTY!!!
You might not want to Google that from work, though. ;-)
On top of this, they want to push for higher immigration on the UK of unskilled migrants from the world's worst trouble spots, and start taking even more of our money with an EU corporation tax. I'm wondering whether EU reform is even possible. If there's one chance for it, it's David Cameron. Let's hope he doesn't back down from a demand for concrete treaty change.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-05-26/french-german-euro-plan-snubs-cameron-s-demand-for-treaty-change
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/25/germany-france-eurozone-integration-no-lisbon-treaty-change-david-cameron
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/11630468/France-and-Germany-behind-plans-for-common-EU-corporation-tax.html
So the press reports a detente between the UK & Russia over trying to deal with the Syria issues. In reality this is just a sign of something thats been happening for weeks. A few days ago I mentioned that there stories about communication between London & Damascus regarding the status of Bashar's wife and kids. In short, an indication from Damascus that she might at some point turn up in London and checking if this was viable.
Iran, despite publicly doubling down support for Assad, isn't reportedly giving him all the lines of credit he asked for.
Assad is also running out bodies to die for him leaving him increasingly strategically weak and dependent on imports from Hizbollah and Iranian controlled imported Shi'ite militias. In short, Iran now has the power to turn off the tap and enough strings attached to his government and local allies to make for an effective puppet show. Tensions over this have been simmering within the Ba'ath party now for months.
Perhaps most notable of all was John Kerry talking to Putin and apparently asking the latter again to consider that maybe Assad isn't the individual horse to back but someone else may be, someone that a lot of international players could rally round.
Militarily Assad is in deep do. His forces have abandoned their last big hub in the IS dominated eastern region at Deir ez Zour and in doing so takes away both a presence and a major location for launching air and artillery attacks. The 'army in all corners' strategy, designed to show Assad still with his flag all over the country, and therefore lending legitimacy, has pretty much gone down the plughole. Its now core defence in the more urbanised west and south (where IS aren't really in strength yet but other rebels most definitely are) but in doing so he leaves other locations open to approach by not having the screen that some of these outposts, now withdrawn from, can provide.
Not great right now for young Bashar.
And while Japan aren't great, the aren't bad either and underperformed pretty badly in the last World Cup.
I'd be utterly staggered if Qatar and Russia don't turn out to have been completely bent though.
Agree that Qatar was a bridge too far, credibility-wise.
'The event was a pleasure to attend for most people but you had to feel sorry for the Daily Telegraph’s Scottish political editor, Simon Johnson, who had clearly been sent along to ask a nuisance question about whether the First Minister would appear on a pro-Europe platform with like-minded Conservatives.
Johnson, of course, was one of the two Telegraph reporters involved in the Frenchgate leak debacle which would never have surfaced if either had bothered to check whether the memo was accurate.
If looks could kill, Johnson would have been heading for the city mortuary made famous in Ian Rankin’s Rebus novels. Yet the First Minister dealt with the question courteously: “I have no plans to share a platform – I will be making a case as the SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland for the positive case for Scotland and the UK’s future within the European Union.”'
http://t.co/LQEOtmNlwz
yvette for LotO.
I endorse this thread...
http://www.shetnews.co.uk/news/10745-protesters-anger-at-mp-far-wider-than-just-snp
I was very surprised to read that Tavish Scott, Shetland's MSP, told the Shetland News that he became aware of Carmichael's role on Sunday, 10th May:
" Scott said he was only informed of his colleague’s role in leaking the memo by Carmichael himself on the Sunday following the 7 May election. "
The timeline on all of this is starting to look interesting, why Tavish did not advise Carmichael to inform their constituents is a question which needs answering. If Carmichael had started telling colleagues about his role, had the Cabinet Office already caught him?
Qatar though was inexcusable.
I look forward to hearing Ms Sturgeon's pitch to the rUK.
https://twitter.com/TSEofPB/status/603646105147056128
If Hollande meets with Merkel to discuss the future of the EU, then that's the damned continentals ganging up on us.
Cracks appearing in team Burnham
Word reaches Uncut that all is not well in the Burnham camp. Despite being the bookies’ favourite, worries about Andy Burnham’s strategy and performance have started to bubble to the surface among his supporters.
Doubts are being raised about what has been dubbed the ‘inevitability strategy’.
Immediately following the general election defeat, Andy Burnham’s campaign mobilised, rolling out endorsements from across the PLP to establish him as the runaway favourite, suck away nominations from potential rivals and make his victory seem assured.
http://bit.ly/1dyrB71
Liz Kendall speaking in 2011 on why she became an MP, and why she supports good schools. Doesn't sound particularly Tory to me...
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