Of course the overall majority of people arriving illegally on small boats are men - but not “north of 90%” as Reform claimed.
On @bbcquestiontime I shared a story from my visit to the Border Security Command about a dinghy that arrived mostly carrying women, children and babies who had suffered horrific burns.
I’m happy to clarify this given how this is now being misrepresented.
Labour committed new funding this week to secure our borders while Reform have voted against giving our police the powers needed to smash the gangs fuelling this vile trade.
What bit of “The majority of people in these boats are women, children and babies” was anecdote? As opposed to a straight falsehood.
You really think anybody will buy this pathetic attempt to explain the unexplainable? You see to have caught a bad dose of ‘starmerlies’ syndrome. It’s rampaging through your party.
The old I was misrepresented....to be shortly followed by the "I apologise...for those who misunderstood and were offended by my remarks"....
Of course the overall majority of people arriving illegally on small boats are men - but not “north of 90%” as Reform claimed.
On @bbcquestiontime I shared a story from my visit to the Border Security Command about a dinghy that arrived mostly carrying women, children and babies who had suffered horrific burns.
I’m happy to clarify this given how this is now being misrepresented.
Labour committed new funding this week to secure our borders while Reform have voted against giving our police the powers needed to smash the gangs fuelling this vile trade.
What bit of “The majority of people in these boats are women, children and babies” was anecdote? As opposed to a straight falsehood.
You really think anybody will buy this pathetic attempt to explain the unexplainable? You see to have caught a bad dose of ‘starmerlies’ syndrome. It’s rampaging through your party.
The old I was misrepresented....to be shortly followed by the "I apologise...for those who misunderstood and were offended by my remarks"....
When you are explaining you are losing, and highlighting his misspeak
Second wave of ballistics launched from Iran Things could get very messy at the oil refineries over the weekend
Time to cripple Iran completely. Knock out all the oil facilities not just the nuclear ones. Starve the beast.
Only downside is I'm sure Saudi Arabia will be sobbing all the way to the bank if that happens. And Russia will benefit too.
That would very likely the support for regime change in Iran.
The Israelis have clearly had very significant help from inside the country.
If there is one thing Iranians will not change their regime for, it is because their regime has been attacked by Israel
Indeed, the famous rally to the flat effect, plus no oil to fill your car.
Rally the the flag only lasts as long as you're fighting and showing you're able to fight.
If there's one thing that's fatal to dictatorships its being shown to be weak and humiliated.
Not to mention a sizeable portion of Iranians despise the regime
Precisely.
Only fear and repression keeps them in charge.
Defeat could remove the first, and defang the second.
This sounds familiar from the neocons' Iraq ideas, though.
Iran may be different, but destroying everyone's infrastructure and access ti patrol is unlikely to help. Opposition to the regime is concentrated in areas like Tehran, where a lot key infrastructure also happens to be.
The neocons did get regime change in Iraq though.
And then many other nations like Lybia followed.
Just a shame Iran hasn't been on the list . . . Yet.
Access to petrol, that should be there. Time to switch back to the laptop.
Lets just hope a random petrol station in London doesn't run dry and the BBC decide to announce it via their megaphone....last time they managed to cause a nationwide panic and a load of fake news about lack of drivers effecting supplies.
Access to petrol, that should be there. Time to switch back to the laptop.
Lets just hope a random petrol station in London doesn't run dry and the BBC decide to announce it via their megaphone....last time they managed to cause a nationwide panic and a load of fake news about lack of drivers effecting supplies.
Things like that make me so smug, the joys of being an electric vehicle driver.
Second wave of ballistics launched from Iran Things could get very messy at the oil refineries over the weekend
Time to cripple Iran completely. Knock out all the oil facilities not just the nuclear ones. Starve the beast.
Only downside is I'm sure Saudi Arabia will be sobbing all the way to the bank if that happens. And Russia will benefit too.
That would very likely the support for regime change in Iran.
The Israelis have clearly had very significant help from inside the country.
If there is one thing Iranians will not change their regime for, it is because their regime has been attacked by Israel
Indeed, the famous rally to the flat effect, plus no oil to fill your car.
Rally the the flag only lasts as long as you're fighting and showing you're able to fight.
If there's one thing that's fatal to dictatorships its being shown to be weak and humiliated.
Not to mention a sizeable portion of Iranians despise the regime
Precisely.
Only fear and repression keeps them in charge.
Defeat could remove the first, and defang the second.
This sounds familiar from the neocons' Iraq ideas, though.
Iran may be different, but destroying everyone's infrastructure and access ti patrol is unlikely to help. Opposition to the regime is concentrated in areas like Tehran, where a lot key infrastructure also happens to be.
The neocons did get regime change in Iraq though.
And then many other nations like Lybia followed.
Just a shame Iran hasn't been on the list . . . Yet.
Well, at the cost of huge chaos, and suffering. The precedents aren't good.
One for TSE...Sky just interviewed Aussie cricketer playing for Somerset in T20 after commenting on his knackered boots stated he had had a cracking BBL...
There's always something mawkish about the news channels in these situations when it's a case of "switch to the static shot of the skyline and see if anything goes kaboom".
Second wave of ballistics launched from Iran Things could get very messy at the oil refineries over the weekend
Time to cripple Iran completely. Knock out all the oil facilities not just the nuclear ones. Starve the beast.
Only downside is I'm sure Saudi Arabia will be sobbing all the way to the bank if that happens. And Russia will benefit too.
That would very likely the support for regime change in Iran.
The Israelis have clearly had very significant help from inside the country.
If there is one thing Iranians will not change their regime for, it is because their regime has been attacked by Israel
Indeed, the famous rally to the flat effect, plus no oil to fill your car.
Rally the the flag only lasts as long as you're fighting and showing you're able to fight.
If there's one thing that's fatal to dictatorships its being shown to be weak and humiliated.
Not to mention a sizeable portion of Iranians despise the regime
Precisely.
Only fear and repression keeps them in charge.
Defeat could remove the first, and defang the second.
This sounds familiar from the neocons' Iraq ideas, though.
Iran may be different, but destroying everyone's infrastructure and access ti patrol is unlikely to help. Opposition to the regime is concentrated in areas like Tehran, where a lot key infrastructure also happens to be.
The neocons did get regime change in Iraq though.
And then many other nations like Lybia followed.
Just a shame Iran hasn't been on the list . . . Yet.
Well, at the cost of huge chaos, and suffering. The precedents aren't good.
Chaos is better than stability of evil.
Chaos leads to evolution and the possibility (not guarantee) of improvement.
The opposite of chaos is stagnation.
The Iranian regime, like the regimes of Gaddafi and Hussein caused immense suffering.
You act as if there's a cost free option. There is not.
Of course the overall majority of people arriving illegally on small boats are men - but not “north of 90%” as Reform claimed.
On @bbcquestiontime I shared a story from my visit to the Border Security Command about a dinghy that arrived mostly carrying women, children and babies who had suffered horrific burns.
I’m happy to clarify this given how this is now being misrepresented.
Labour committed new funding this week to secure our borders while Reform have voted against giving our police the powers needed to smash the gangs fuelling this vile trade.
What bit of “The majority of people in these boats are women, children and babies” was anecdote? As opposed to a straight falsehood.
You really think anybody will buy this pathetic attempt to explain the unexplainable? You see to have caught a bad dose of ‘starmerlies’ syndrome. It’s rampaging through your party.
The old I was misrepresented....to be shortly followed by the "I apologise...for those who misunderstood and were offended by my remarks"....
When you are explaining you are losing, and highlighting his misspeak
In principle, regime change in Iran could be achieved through diplomacy, though I assume it would require the Teddy Roosevelt approach; in practice I don't see any way to do that, but I don't claim to be a genius.
Of course the overall majority of people arriving illegally on small boats are men - but not “north of 90%” as Reform claimed.
On @bbcquestiontime I shared a story from my visit to the Border Security Command about a dinghy that arrived mostly carrying women, children and babies who had suffered horrific burns.
I’m happy to clarify this given how this is now being misrepresented.
Labour committed new funding this week to secure our borders while Reform have voted against giving our police the powers needed to smash the gangs fuelling this vile trade.
What bit of “The majority of people in these boats are women, children and babies” was anecdote? As opposed to a straight falsehood.
You really think anybody will buy this pathetic attempt to explain the unexplainable? You see to have caught a bad dose of ‘starmerlies’ syndrome. It’s rampaging through your party.
The old I was misrepresented....to be shortly followed by the "I apologise...for those who misunderstood and were offended by my remarks"....
When you are explaining you are losing, and highlighting his misspeak
He is lucky there is much bigger things going on.
He certainly chose a good day to have his comments buried.
Access to petrol, that should be there. Time to switch back to the laptop.
Lets just hope a random petrol station in London doesn't run dry and the BBC decide to announce it via their megaphone....last time they managed to cause a nationwide panic and a load of fake news about lack of drivers effecting supplies.
yes i remember that - quite why the BBC was not taken to task on it i dont know
Of course the overall majority of people arriving illegally on small boats are men - but not “north of 90%” as Reform claimed.
On @bbcquestiontime I shared a story from my visit to the Border Security Command about a dinghy that arrived mostly carrying women, children and babies who had suffered horrific burns.
I’m happy to clarify this given how this is now being misrepresented.
Labour committed new funding this week to secure our borders while Reform have voted against giving our police the powers needed to smash the gangs fuelling this vile trade.
What bit of “The majority of people in these boats are women, children and babies” was anecdote? As opposed to a straight falsehood.
You really think anybody will buy this pathetic attempt to explain the unexplainable? You see to have caught a bad dose of ‘starmerlies’ syndrome. It’s rampaging through your party.
The old I was misrepresented....to be shortly followed by the "I apologise...for those who misunderstood and were offended by my remarks"....
That is truly incredible. He is just a complete & utter liar. People who voted for change want straight talking and honesty as much as anything else, Starmer himself promised change of this kind. My Flabber has been gasted
Second wave of ballistics launched from Iran Things could get very messy at the oil refineries over the weekend
Time to cripple Iran completely. Knock out all the oil facilities not just the nuclear ones. Starve the beast.
Only downside is I'm sure Saudi Arabia will be sobbing all the way to the bank if that happens. And Russia will benefit too.
That would very likely the support for regime change in Iran.
The Israelis have clearly had very significant help from inside the country.
If there is one thing Iranians will not change their regime for, it is because their regime has been attacked by Israel
Indeed, the famous rally to the flat effect, plus no oil to fill your car.
Rally the the flag only lasts as long as you're fighting and showing you're able to fight.
If there's one thing that's fatal to dictatorships its being shown to be weak and humiliated.
Not to mention a sizeable portion of Iranians despise the regime
Precisely.
Only fear and repression keeps them in charge.
Defeat could remove the first, and defang the second.
This sounds familiar from the neocons' Iraq ideas, though.
Iran may be different, but destroying everyone's infrastructure and access ti patrol is unlikely to help. Opposition to the regime is concentrated in areas like Tehran, where a lot key infrastructure also happens to be.
The neocons did get regime change in Iraq though.
And then many other nations like Lybia followed.
Just a shame Iran hasn't been on the list . . . Yet.
Well, at the cost of huge chaos, and suffering. The precedents aren't good.
Chaos is better than stability of evil.
Chaos leads to evolution and the possibility (not guarantee) of improvement.
The opposite of chaos is stagnation.
The Iranian regime, like the regimes of Gaddafi and Hussein caused immense suffering.
You act as if there's a cost free option. There is not.
If Iran experiences a Libyan or Iraqi future, there will be absolutely no doubt that there will be more suffering, and more instabiility for surrounding countries, than if this had not happened.
If the Israelis want to change the regime from the inside, attacking petrol supllies is unlikely to help. But Netanyahu also wants to satisfy his religious extremist base, so that's unlikely to be the only consideration.
Access to petrol, that should be there. Time to switch back to the laptop.
Lets just hope a random petrol station in London doesn't run dry and the BBC decide to announce it via their megaphone....last time they managed to cause a nationwide panic and a load of fake news about lack of drivers effecting supplies.
yes i remember that - quite why the BBC was not taken to task on it i dont know
I was the most incredible bit of fake news. The petrol station was simply changing over to the new formulation of petrol with higher concentration of ethanol.
Not quite Prof Peston levels of causing a run on a bank mind you.
Second wave of ballistics launched from Iran Things could get very messy at the oil refineries over the weekend
Time to cripple Iran completely. Knock out all the oil facilities not just the nuclear ones. Starve the beast.
Only downside is I'm sure Saudi Arabia will be sobbing all the way to the bank if that happens. And Russia will benefit too.
That would very likely the support for regime change in Iran.
The Israelis have clearly had very significant help from inside the country.
If there is one thing Iranians will not change their regime for, it is because their regime has been attacked by Israel
Indeed, the famous rally to the flat effect, plus no oil to fill your car.
Rally the the flag only lasts as long as you're fighting and showing you're able to fight.
If there's one thing that's fatal to dictatorships its being shown to be weak and humiliated.
Not to mention a sizeable portion of Iranians despise the regime
Precisely.
Only fear and repression keeps them in charge.
Defeat could remove the first, and defang the second.
This sounds familiar from the neocons' Iraq ideas, though.
Iran may be different, but destroying everyone's infrastructure and access ti patrol is unlikely to help. Opposition to the regime is concentrated in areas like Tehran, where a lot key infrastructure also happens to be.
The neocons did get regime change in Iraq though.
And then many other nations like Lybia followed.
Just a shame Iran hasn't been on the list . . . Yet.
Well, at the cost of huge chaos, and suffering. The precedents aren't good.
Chaos is better than stability of evil.
Chaos leads to evolution and the possibility (not guarantee) of improvement.
The opposite of chaos is stagnation.
The Iranian regime, like the regimes of Gaddafi and Hussein caused immense suffering.
You act as if there's a cost free option. There is not.
If Iran experiences a Libyan or Iraqi future, there will be absolutely no doubt that there will be more suffering, and more instabiility for surrounding countries, than if this had not happened.
If the Israelis want to change the regime from the inside, attacking petrol supllies is unlikely to help. But Netanyahu also wants to satisfy his religious extremist base, so that's unlikely to be the only consideration.
A Lybian or Iraqi style future would be an improvement on the status quo with Iran funding and weaponising the Houthis, Hezbollah and Hamas while seeking nuclear weapons.
Of course the overall majority of people arriving illegally on small boats are men - but not “north of 90%” as Reform claimed.
On @bbcquestiontime I shared a story from my visit to the Border Security Command about a dinghy that arrived mostly carrying women, children and babies who had suffered horrific burns.
I’m happy to clarify this given how this is now being misrepresented.
Labour committed new funding this week to secure our borders while Reform have voted against giving our police the powers needed to smash the gangs fuelling this vile trade.
What bit of “The majority of people in these boats are women, children and babies” was anecdote? As opposed to a straight falsehood.
You really think anybody will buy this pathetic attempt to explain the unexplainable? You see to have caught a bad dose of ‘starmerlies’ syndrome. It’s rampaging through your party.
The old I was misrepresented....to be shortly followed by the "I apologise...for those who misunderstood and were offended by my remarks"....
That is truly incredible. He is just a complete & utter liar. People who voted for change want straight talking and honesty as much as anything else, Starmer himself promised change of this kind. My Flabber has been gasted
To quote Jimmy Carr again, the Tories are lying c##ts and they realise people think they are, Labour believe that people don't think they are while everybody already knows it.
As an aside, not really a fan of his comedy persona or his jokes. Real life Jimmy Carr is actually really interesting, incredibly well read and thoughtful. How the same bloke just does 4hrs a night of dick jokes I don't know.
Israel/Iran, tropes, myths and unanswered questions.
1. ''This will only make the Iranian citizens who are not fans of the regime support the Mullahs. '. Expecting your government to respond to external.threat is not suddenly supporting a regime you hate.
2. 'Iran has thousands of missiles'. They do but its not the missiles, its the launchers and the opportunity.
3 'Iran was planning a massive attack on Israel'. Or words ro that effect from the Israeli ambassador to the UN. Really, we're they? That needs some verification.
Unanswered questions
1. Are the Israelis overflying Iranian territory? Generally they haven't though they did flatten large parts of the Iranian AD system months ago. If they are, Iran's potential conventional counterstrike capacity might be seriously constrained
2. How long can israel maintain this tempo? What we saw in the 1st wave may well be an accurate assessment of Israel's single strike max commitment. The reported 200 aircraft involved weren't all launching at Iran. Running missions at that level further from home has a limit.
3. How much single max missile strike capacity has Iran? It will need to get that launched soon as its in danger of being degraded every day this goes on. The Iranian conventional strike tactic will rely heavily on overwhelming Israel missile defences so they need it out there, and exposed.
4. What are Irans missile targets? They have been careful not to go too much after non military targets in missiles strikes previously but things may necessitate a change to target infrastructure.
5. How much Iranian C4 is operational in an integrated manner?
6. Does Iran seek.to cause disruption in the Gulf? Bad idea but a likely course.
Israel/Iran, tropes, myths and unanswered questions.
1. ''This will only make the Iranian citizens who are not fans of the regime support the Mullahs. '. Expecting your government to respond to external.threat is not suddenly supporting a regime you hate.
2. 'Iran has thousands of missiles'. They do but its not the missiles, its the launchers and the opportunity.
3 'Iran was planning a massive attack on Israel'. Or words ro that effect from the Israeli ambassador to the UN. Really, we're they? That needs some verification.
Unanswered questions
1. Are the Israelis overflying Iranian territory? Generally they haven't though they did flatten large parts of the Iranian AD system months ago. If they are, Iran's potential conventional counterstrike capacity might be seriously constrained
2. How long can israel maintain this tempo? What we saw in the 1st wave may well be an accurate assessment of Israel's single strike max commitment. The reported 200 aircraft involved weren't all launching at Iran. Running missions at that level further from home has a limit.
3. How much single max missile strike capacity has Iran? It will need to get that launched soon as its in danger of being degraded every day this goes on. The Iranian conventional strike tactic will rely heavily on overwhelming Israel missile defences so they need it out there, and exposed.
4. What are Irans missile targets? They have been careful not to go too much after non military targets in missiles strikes previously but things may necessitate a change to target infrastructure.
5. How much Iranian C4 is operational in an integrated manner?
6. Does Iran seek.to cause disruption in the Gulf? Bad idea but a likely course.
Does Iran really own C4? It would explain a lot.
Naked Attraction certainly made me despise the West.
Israel/Iran, tropes, myths and unanswered questions.
1. ''This will only make the Iranian citizens who are not fans of the regime support the Mullahs. '. Expecting your government to respond to external.threat is not suddenly supporting a regime you hate.
2. 'Iran has thousands of missiles'. They do but its not the missiles, its the launchers and the opportunity.
3 'Iran was planning a massive attack on Israel'. Or words ro that effect from the Israeli ambassador to the UN. Really, we're they? That needs some verification.
Unanswered questions
1. Are the Israelis overflying Iranian territory? Generally they haven't though they did flatten large parts of the Iranian AD system months ago. If they are, Iran's potential conventional counterstrike capacity might be seriously constrained
2. How long can israel maintain this tempo? What we saw in the 1st wave may well be an accurate assessment of Israel's single strike max commitment. The reported 200 aircraft involved weren't all launching at Iran. Running missions at that level further from home has a limit.
3. How much single max missile strike capacity has Iran? It will need to get that launched soon as its in danger of being degraded every day this goes on. The Iranian conventional strike tactic will rely heavily on overwhelming Israel missile defences so they need it out there, and exposed.
4. What are Irans missile targets? They have been careful not to go too much after non military targets in missiles strikes previously but things may necessitate a change to target infrastructure.
5. How much Iranian C4 is operational in an integrated manner?
6. Does Iran seek.to cause disruption in the Gulf? Bad idea but a likely course.
Does Iran really own C4? It would explain a lot.
If Mad Nad had had her way could have been the case....Ch4 News presenters would have been interesting, George Galloway, Red Ken and Jezza Corbyn....only marginally to the left of the current line-up.
Netanyahu calling for regime change in Iran. Good!
During the address, he said that Israel's fight is not with the Iranian people, but against Iran's leadership.
He listed Iranian targets that have been hit by Israel, including military and nuclear sites, and adds: "More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker.
"This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard," he tells the Iranian people.
He reiterates that Israel's objective is to thwart what he describes as Iran's nuclear and missile "threat".
"As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom," he says, adding: "The time has come for the Iranian people to unite around its flag and its historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from the evil and oppressive regime.
Israel/Iran, tropes, myths and unanswered questions.
1. ''This will only make the Iranian citizens who are not fans of the regime support the Mullahs. '. Expecting your government to respond to external.threat is not suddenly supporting a regime you hate.
2. 'Iran has thousands of missiles'. They do but its not the missiles, its the launchers and the opportunity.
3 'Iran was planning a massive attack on Israel'. Or words ro that effect from the Israeli ambassador to the UN. Really, we're they? That needs some verification.
Unanswered questions
1. Are the Israelis overflying Iranian territory? Generally they haven't though they did flatten large parts of the Iranian AD system months ago. If they are, Iran's potential conventional counterstrike capacity might be seriously constrained
2. How long can israel maintain this tempo? What we saw in the 1st wave may well be an accurate assessment of Israel's single strike max commitment. The reported 200 aircraft involved weren't all launching at Iran. Running missions at that level further from home has a limit.
3. How much single max missile strike capacity has Iran? It will need to get that launched soon as its in danger of being degraded every day this goes on. The Iranian conventional strike tactic will rely heavily on overwhelming Israel missile defences so they need it out there, and exposed.
4. What are Irans missile targets? They have been careful not to go too much after non military targets in missiles strikes previously but things may necessitate a change to target infrastructure.
5. How much Iranian C4 is operational in an integrated manner?
6. Does Iran seek.to cause disruption in the Gulf? Bad idea but a likely course.
Does Iran really own C4? It would explain a lot.
Naked Attraction certainly made me despise the West.
Israel/Iran, tropes, myths and unanswered questions.
1. ''This will only make the Iranian citizens who are not fans of the regime support the Mullahs. '. Expecting your government to respond to external.threat is not suddenly supporting a regime you hate.
2. 'Iran has thousands of missiles'. They do but its not the missiles, its the launchers and the opportunity.
3 'Iran was planning a massive attack on Israel'. Or words ro that effect from the Israeli ambassador to the UN. Really, we're they? That needs some verification.
Unanswered questions
1. Are the Israelis overflying Iranian territory? Generally they haven't though they did flatten large parts of the Iranian AD system months ago. If they are, Iran's potential conventional counterstrike capacity might be seriously constrained
2. How long can israel maintain this tempo? What we saw in the 1st wave may well be an accurate assessment of Israel's single strike max commitment. The reported 200 aircraft involved weren't all launching at Iran. Running missions at that level further from home has a limit.
3. How much single max missile strike capacity has Iran? It will need to get that launched soon as its in danger of being degraded every day this goes on. The Iranian conventional strike tactic will rely heavily on overwhelming Israel missile defences so they need it out there, and exposed.
4. What are Irans missile targets? They have been careful not to go too much after non military targets in missiles strikes previously but things may necessitate a change to target infrastructure.
5. How much Iranian C4 is operational in an integrated manner?
6. Does Iran seek.to cause disruption in the Gulf? Bad idea but a likely course.
Does Iran really own C4? It would explain a lot.
Naked Attraction certainly made me despise the West.
I'm not that bothered by it. Something about the way Anna Richardson presents it, lol.
Israel/Iran, tropes, myths and unanswered questions.
1. ''This will only make the Iranian citizens who are not fans of the regime support the Mullahs. '. Expecting your government to respond to external.threat is not suddenly supporting a regime you hate.
2. 'Iran has thousands of missiles'. They do but its not the missiles, its the launchers and the opportunity.
3 'Iran was planning a massive attack on Israel'. Or words ro that effect from the Israeli ambassador to the UN. Really, we're they? That needs some verification.
Unanswered questions
1. Are the Israelis overflying Iranian territory? Generally they haven't though they did flatten large parts of the Iranian AD system months ago. If they are, Iran's potential conventional counterstrike capacity might be seriously constrained
2. How long can israel maintain this tempo? What we saw in the 1st wave may well be an accurate assessment of Israel's single strike max commitment. The reported 200 aircraft involved weren't all launching at Iran. Running missions at that level further from home has a limit.
3. How much single max missile strike capacity has Iran? It will need to get that launched soon as its in danger of being degraded every day this goes on. The Iranian conventional strike tactic will rely heavily on overwhelming Israel missile defences so they need it out there, and exposed.
4. What are Irans missile targets? They have been careful not to go too much after non military targets in missiles strikes previously but things may necessitate a change to target infrastructure.
5. How much Iranian C4 is operational in an integrated manner?
6. Does Iran seek.to cause disruption in the Gulf? Bad idea but a likely course.
Does Iran really own C4? It would explain a lot.
Naked Attraction certainly made me despise the West.
I'm not that bothered by it. Something about the way Anna Richardson presents it, lol.
Unfortunately it was cancelled earlier in the year. Twelve seasons of nuddy and daft banter.
Netanyahu calling for regime change in Iran. Good!
During the address, he said that Israel's fight is not with the Iranian people, but against Iran's leadership.
He listed Iranian targets that have been hit by Israel, including military and nuclear sites, and adds: "More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker.
"This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard," he tells the Iranian people.
He reiterates that Israel's objective is to thwart what he describes as Iran's nuclear and missile "threat".
"As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom," he says, adding: "The time has come for the Iranian people to unite around its flag and its historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from the evil and oppressive regime.
Regime change, unless you - or some other army - is prepared to occupy the enemy country, is a complete red herring. Good though the end of the Iranian regime would be, I find it odd that it is dominating the discourse so much, since there is no army willing and able to occupy Iran.
Of course the overall majority of people arriving illegally on small boats are men - but not “north of 90%” as Reform claimed.
On @bbcquestiontime I shared a story from my visit to the Border Security Command about a dinghy that arrived mostly carrying women, children and babies who had suffered horrific burns.
I’m happy to clarify this given how this is now being misrepresented.
Labour committed new funding this week to secure our borders while Reform have voted against giving our police the powers needed to smash the gangs fuelling this vile trade.
What bit of “The majority of people in these boats are women, children and babies” was anecdote? As opposed to a straight falsehood.
You really think anybody will buy this pathetic attempt to explain the unexplainable? You see to have caught a bad dose of ‘starmerlies’ syndrome. It’s rampaging through your party.
The old I was misrepresented....to be shortly followed by the "I apologise...for those who misunderstood and were offended by my remarks"....
When you are explaining you are losing, and highlighting his misspeak
Of course the overall majority of people arriving illegally on small boats are men - but not “north of 90%” as Reform claimed.
On @bbcquestiontime I shared a story from my visit to the Border Security Command about a dinghy that arrived mostly carrying women, children and babies who had suffered horrific burns.
I’m happy to clarify this given how this is now being misrepresented.
Labour committed new funding this week to secure our borders while Reform have voted against giving our police the powers needed to smash the gangs fuelling this vile trade.
What bit of “The majority of people in these boats are women, children and babies” was anecdote? As opposed to a straight falsehood.
You really think anybody will buy this pathetic attempt to explain the unexplainable? You see to have caught a bad dose of ‘starmerlies’ syndrome. It’s rampaging through your party.
The old I was misrepresented....to be shortly followed by the "I apologise...for those who misunderstood and were offended by my remarks"....
That is truly incredible. He is just a complete & utter liar. People who voted for change want straight talking and honesty as much as anything else, Starmer himself promised change of this kind. My Flabber has been gasted
To quote Jimmy Carr again, the Tories are lying c##ts and they realise people think they are, Labour believe that people don't think they are while everybody already knows it.
As an aside, not really a fan of his comedy persona or his jokes. Real life Jimmy Carr is actually really interesting, incredibly well read and thoughtful. How the same bloke just does 4hrs a night of dick jokes I don't know.
He did the best recovery from a career wrecking scandal I have ever seen. Took it entirely on the chin, played it straight, took the knocks, and got on with it. I'm convinced he's the natural successor to Bob Monkhouse.
Uncertain times and if this is the beginning of the end of the Iranian theocracy, something positive will have resulted.
However, we cannot assume any post-theocratic Government in Tehran will be allies or even friends. The opposition may talk a lot about freedom and that will undoubtedly be social and cultural freedom but we know very little except Iran is a young country and it could be the new leaders will be a complete contrast to the religious gerontocracy currently in charge.
Upheaval and instability in that corner of southwest Asia impacts on other states - Russia, Pakistan and Afghanistan to name but three - and of course threatens Western oil supplies so nuanced and careful diplomacy if and when the Mullahs are ousted would seem sensible.
The age-old Shia-Sunni conflict won’t end with a new regime in Tehran either.
Of course the overall majority of people arriving illegally on small boats are men - but not “north of 90%” as Reform claimed.
On @bbcquestiontime I shared a story from my visit to the Border Security Command about a dinghy that arrived mostly carrying women, children and babies who had suffered horrific burns.
I’m happy to clarify this given how this is now being misrepresented.
Labour committed new funding this week to secure our borders while Reform have voted against giving our police the powers needed to smash the gangs fuelling this vile trade.
What bit of “The majority of people in these boats are women, children and babies” was anecdote? As opposed to a straight falsehood.
You really think anybody will buy this pathetic attempt to explain the unexplainable? You see to have caught a bad dose of ‘starmerlies’ syndrome. It’s rampaging through your party.
The old I was misrepresented....to be shortly followed by the "I apologise...for those who misunderstood and were offended by my remarks"....
That is truly incredible. He is just a complete & utter liar. People who voted for change want straight talking and honesty as much as anything else, Starmer himself promised change of this kind. My Flabber has been gasted
To quote Jimmy Carr again, the Tories are lying c##ts and they realise people think they are, Labour believe that people don't think they are while everybody already knows it.
As an aside, not really a fan of his comedy persona or his jokes. Real life Jimmy Carr is actually really interesting, incredibly well read and thoughtful. How the same bloke just does 4hrs a night of dick jokes I don't know.
He did the best recovery from a career wrecking scandal I have ever seen. Took it entirely on the chin, played it straight, took the knocks, and got on with it. I'm convinced he's the natural successor to Bob Monkhouse.
He didn’t actually do anything illegal, did he?
I suspect the people that were angry about his tax avoidance wouldn’t like him anyway.
No one seems to be considering at all what happens if Israel doesn't win quickly. It's the Russian invasion of Ukraine again. Regime change is a double edged sword.
Netanyahu calling for regime change in Iran. Good!
During the address, he said that Israel's fight is not with the Iranian people, but against Iran's leadership.
He listed Iranian targets that have been hit by Israel, including military and nuclear sites, and adds: "More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker.
"This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard," he tells the Iranian people.
He reiterates that Israel's objective is to thwart what he describes as Iran's nuclear and missile "threat".
"As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom," he says, adding: "The time has come for the Iranian people to unite around its flag and its historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from the evil and oppressive regime.
Regime change, unless you - or some other army - is prepared to occupy the enemy country, is a complete red herring. Good though the end of the Iranian regime would be, I find it odd that it is dominating the discourse so much, since there is no army willing and able to occupy Iran.
If the population can be inspired to rise up, that could be enough.
If it's OK for us to shoot down Iranian drones (which it is) why can't we and other European airforces do the same over Ukraine ?
Put simply: We're scared of Russia, and have been successfully deterred by Russian threats.
I would choose to do it.
I’m not even sure it’s a fear of what Russia might do so much as a fear of the reaction of the population to what Russia might do and their inability to control it.
Of course the overall majority of people arriving illegally on small boats are men - but not “north of 90%” as Reform claimed.
On @bbcquestiontime I shared a story from my visit to the Border Security Command about a dinghy that arrived mostly carrying women, children and babies who had suffered horrific burns.
I’m happy to clarify this given how this is now being misrepresented.
Labour committed new funding this week to secure our borders while Reform have voted against giving our police the powers needed to smash the gangs fuelling this vile trade.
What bit of “The majority of people in these boats are women, children and babies” was anecdote? As opposed to a straight falsehood.
You really think anybody will buy this pathetic attempt to explain the unexplainable? You see to have caught a bad dose of ‘starmerlies’ syndrome. It’s rampaging through your party.
The old I was misrepresented....to be shortly followed by the "I apologise...for those who misunderstood and were offended by my remarks"....
That is truly incredible. He is just a complete & utter liar. People who voted for change want straight talking and honesty as much as anything else, Starmer himself promised change of this kind. My Flabber has been gasted
To quote Jimmy Carr again, the Tories are lying c##ts and they realise people think they are, Labour believe that people don't think they are while everybody already knows it.
As an aside, not really a fan of his comedy persona or his jokes. Real life Jimmy Carr is actually really interesting, incredibly well read and thoughtful. How the same bloke just does 4hrs a night of dick jokes I don't know.
Jimmy Carr is a Cambridge man.
I have been compared to Jimmy Carr a few times for my sense of humour.
Netanyahu calling for regime change in Iran. Good!
During the address, he said that Israel's fight is not with the Iranian people, but against Iran's leadership.
He listed Iranian targets that have been hit by Israel, including military and nuclear sites, and adds: "More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker.
"This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard," he tells the Iranian people.
He reiterates that Israel's objective is to thwart what he describes as Iran's nuclear and missile "threat".
"As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom," he says, adding: "The time has come for the Iranian people to unite around its flag and its historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from the evil and oppressive regime.
Regime change, unless you - or some other army - is prepared to occupy the enemy country, is a complete red herring. Good though the end of the Iranian regime would be, I find it odd that it is dominating the discourse so much, since there is no army willing and able to occupy Iran.
Occupation is out of the question, but fomenting dissent against a weakened detested regime is a feasible goal
No one seems to be considering at all what happens if Israel doesn't win quickly. It's the Russian invasion of Ukraine again. Regime change is a double edged sword.
The longer it drags on the safer it looks for Bibi to keep himself out of jail.
Netanyahu calling for regime change in Iran. Good!
During the address, he said that Israel's fight is not with the Iranian people, but against Iran's leadership.
He listed Iranian targets that have been hit by Israel, including military and nuclear sites, and adds: "More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker.
"This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard," he tells the Iranian people.
He reiterates that Israel's objective is to thwart what he describes as Iran's nuclear and missile "threat".
"As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom," he says, adding: "The time has come for the Iranian people to unite around its flag and its historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from the evil and oppressive regime.
Regime change, unless you - or some other army - is prepared to occupy the enemy country, is a complete red herring. Good though the end of the Iranian regime would be, I find it odd that it is dominating the discourse so much, since there is no army willing and able to occupy Iran.
If the population can be inspired to rise up, that could be enough.
When has that ever happened before?
It hasn't. It's a complete red herring. It's not going to happen.
The nearest example would be the uprising against Saddam in the 1990-91 Gulf War - but in that conflict a large portion of the Iraqi army was engaged and and destroyed in a ground war, which resulted in the defeat of the Iraqi army and its ejection from occupied Kuwait.
Where is Israel going to fight Iranian army forces on the ground to produce a similar level of defeat?
The possibility of regime change is not a justification for Israel's attack (though it may be justifiable on other grounds). It's a red herring. It's irrelevant to the matter at hand.
Of course the overall majority of people arriving illegally on small boats are men - but not “north of 90%” as Reform claimed.
On @bbcquestiontime I shared a story from my visit to the Border Security Command about a dinghy that arrived mostly carrying women, children and babies who had suffered horrific burns.
I’m happy to clarify this given how this is now being misrepresented.
Labour committed new funding this week to secure our borders while Reform have voted against giving our police the powers needed to smash the gangs fuelling this vile trade.
What bit of “The majority of people in these boats are women, children and babies” was anecdote? As opposed to a straight falsehood.
You really think anybody will buy this pathetic attempt to explain the unexplainable? You see to have caught a bad dose of ‘starmerlies’ syndrome. It’s rampaging through your party.
The old I was misrepresented....to be shortly followed by the "I apologise...for those who misunderstood and were offended by my remarks"....
That is truly incredible. He is just a complete & utter liar. People who voted for change want straight talking and honesty as much as anything else, Starmer himself promised change of this kind. My Flabber has been gasted
To quote Jimmy Carr again, the Tories are lying c##ts and they realise people think they are, Labour believe that people don't think they are while everybody already knows it.
As an aside, not really a fan of his comedy persona or his jokes. Real life Jimmy Carr is actually really interesting, incredibly well read and thoughtful. How the same bloke just does 4hrs a night of dick jokes I don't know.
Jimmy Carr is a Cambridge man.
I have been compared to Jimmy Carr a few times for my sense of humour.
I suspect it would be Georgian champagne which appears quite a lot in Soviet and pre Soviet literature. As our newly departed bon vivant has recounted Georgia has a long and noble winemaking tradition. Of course they’re not allowed to call it champers any more.
Georgian reds are excellent. Robust and go well with any red meat.
Georgian fizz can be very good. Usually sweet, though. At least I have seen a dry one, yet.
Ooh, not seen Georgian fizz. Will look it up. Had Georgian Red and it’s lovely. Also had a Georgian spirit which was rather good too.
Have you had Georgian orange wine? (It's an orangey-coloured rose.)
Of course the overall majority of people arriving illegally on small boats are men - but not “north of 90%” as Reform claimed.
On @bbcquestiontime I shared a story from my visit to the Border Security Command about a dinghy that arrived mostly carrying women, children and babies who had suffered horrific burns.
I’m happy to clarify this given how this is now being misrepresented.
Labour committed new funding this week to secure our borders while Reform have voted against giving our police the powers needed to smash the gangs fuelling this vile trade.
What bit of “The majority of people in these boats are women, children and babies” was anecdote? As opposed to a straight falsehood.
You really think anybody will buy this pathetic attempt to explain the unexplainable? You see to have caught a bad dose of ‘starmerlies’ syndrome. It’s rampaging through your party.
The old I was misrepresented....to be shortly followed by the "I apologise...for those who misunderstood and were offended by my remarks"....
That is truly incredible. He is just a complete & utter liar. People who voted for change want straight talking and honesty as much as anything else, Starmer himself promised change of this kind. My Flabber has been gasted
To quote Jimmy Carr again, the Tories are lying c##ts and they realise people think they are, Labour believe that people don't think they are while everybody already knows it.
As an aside, not really a fan of his comedy persona or his jokes. Real life Jimmy Carr is actually really interesting, incredibly well read and thoughtful. How the same bloke just does 4hrs a night of dick jokes I don't know.
Jimmy Carr is a Cambridge man.
I have been compared to Jimmy Carr a few times ...
Netanyahu calling for regime change in Iran. Good!
During the address, he said that Israel's fight is not with the Iranian people, but against Iran's leadership.
He listed Iranian targets that have been hit by Israel, including military and nuclear sites, and adds: "More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker.
"This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard," he tells the Iranian people.
He reiterates that Israel's objective is to thwart what he describes as Iran's nuclear and missile "threat".
"As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom," he says, adding: "The time has come for the Iranian people to unite around its flag and its historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from the evil and oppressive regime.
Regime change, unless you - or some other army - is prepared to occupy the enemy country, is a complete red herring. Good though the end of the Iranian regime would be, I find it odd that it is dominating the discourse so much, since there is no army willing and able to occupy Iran.
If the population can be inspired to rise up, that could be enough.
When has that ever happened before?
It hasn't. It's a complete red herring. It's not going to happen.
The nearest example would be the uprising against Saddam in the 1990-91 Gulf War - but in that conflict a large portion of the Iraqi army was engaged and and destroyed in a ground war, which resulted in the defeat of the Iraqi army and its ejection from occupied Kuwait.
Where is Israel going to fight Iranian army forces on the ground to produce a similar level of defeat?
The possibility of regime change is not a justification for Israel's attack (though it may be justifiable on other grounds). It's a red herring. It's irrelevant to the matter at hand.
Of course the overall majority of people arriving illegally on small boats are men - but not “north of 90%” as Reform claimed.
On @bbcquestiontime I shared a story from my visit to the Border Security Command about a dinghy that arrived mostly carrying women, children and babies who had suffered horrific burns.
I’m happy to clarify this given how this is now being misrepresented.
Labour committed new funding this week to secure our borders while Reform have voted against giving our police the powers needed to smash the gangs fuelling this vile trade.
What bit of “The majority of people in these boats are women, children and babies” was anecdote? As opposed to a straight falsehood.
You really think anybody will buy this pathetic attempt to explain the unexplainable? You see to have caught a bad dose of ‘starmerlies’ syndrome. It’s rampaging through your party.
The old I was misrepresented....to be shortly followed by the "I apologise...for those who misunderstood and were offended by my remarks"....
That is truly incredible. He is just a complete & utter liar. People who voted for change want straight talking and honesty as much as anything else, Starmer himself promised change of this kind. My Flabber has been gasted
To quote Jimmy Carr again, the Tories are lying c##ts and they realise people think they are, Labour believe that people don't think they are while everybody already knows it.
As an aside, not really a fan of his comedy persona or his jokes. Real life Jimmy Carr is actually really interesting, incredibly well read and thoughtful. How the same bloke just does 4hrs a night of dick jokes I don't know.
Jimmy Carr is a Cambridge man.
I have been compared to Jimmy Carr a few times ...
Hopefully not for one's tax affairs.
He has a simple solution now. Two shows a night, one for the tax man, one for him.
Of course the overall majority of people arriving illegally on small boats are men - but not “north of 90%” as Reform claimed.
On @bbcquestiontime I shared a story from my visit to the Border Security Command about a dinghy that arrived mostly carrying women, children and babies who had suffered horrific burns.
I’m happy to clarify this given how this is now being misrepresented.
Labour committed new funding this week to secure our borders while Reform have voted against giving our police the powers needed to smash the gangs fuelling this vile trade.
What bit of “The majority of people in these boats are women, children and babies” was anecdote? As opposed to a straight falsehood.
You really think anybody will buy this pathetic attempt to explain the unexplainable? You see to have caught a bad dose of ‘starmerlies’ syndrome. It’s rampaging through your party.
The old I was misrepresented....to be shortly followed by the "I apologise...for those who misunderstood and were offended by my remarks"....
That is truly incredible. He is just a complete & utter liar. People who voted for change want straight talking and honesty as much as anything else, Starmer himself promised change of this kind. My Flabber has been gasted
To quote Jimmy Carr again, the Tories are lying c##ts and they realise people think they are, Labour believe that people don't think they are while everybody already knows it.
As an aside, not really a fan of his comedy persona or his jokes. Real life Jimmy Carr is actually really interesting, incredibly well read and thoughtful. How the same bloke just does 4hrs a night of dick jokes I don't know.
Jimmy Carr is a Cambridge man.
I have been compared to Jimmy Carr a few times ...
Hopefully not for one's tax affairs.
He has a simple solution now. Two shows a night, one for the tax man, one for him.
I suspect it would be Georgian champagne which appears quite a lot in Soviet and pre Soviet literature. As our newly departed bon vivant has recounted Georgia has a long and noble winemaking tradition. Of course they’re not allowed to call it champers any more.
Georgian reds are excellent. Robust and go well with any red meat.
Georgian fizz can be very good. Usually sweet, though. At least I have seen a dry one, yet.
Ooh, not seen Georgian fizz. Will look it up. Had Georgian Red and it’s lovely. Also had a Georgian spirit which was rather good too.
Have you had Georgian orange wine? (It's an orangey-coloured rose.)
No, but I’ve had it in Slovenia and enjoyed it very much. So did my wife.
A few places here sell Orange wine. I’ve had it in Seaham and in Birtley.
Netanyahu calling for regime change in Iran. Good!
During the address, he said that Israel's fight is not with the Iranian people, but against Iran's leadership.
He listed Iranian targets that have been hit by Israel, including military and nuclear sites, and adds: "More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker.
"This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard," he tells the Iranian people.
He reiterates that Israel's objective is to thwart what he describes as Iran's nuclear and missile "threat".
"As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom," he says, adding: "The time has come for the Iranian people to unite around its flag and its historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from the evil and oppressive regime.
Regime change, unless you - or some other army - is prepared to occupy the enemy country, is a complete red herring. Good though the end of the Iranian regime would be, I find it odd that it is dominating the discourse so much, since there is no army willing and able to occupy Iran.
If the population can be inspired to rise up, that could be enough.
When has that ever happened before?
It hasn't. It's a complete red herring. It's not going to happen.
The nearest example would be the uprising against Saddam in the 1990-91 Gulf War - but in that conflict a large portion of the Iraqi army was engaged and and destroyed in a ground war, which resulted in the defeat of the Iraqi army and its ejection from occupied Kuwait.
Where is Israel going to fight Iranian army forces on the ground to produce a similar level of defeat?
The possibility of regime change is not a justification for Israel's attack (though it may be justifiable on other grounds). It's a red herring. It's irrelevant to the matter at hand.
Gaddafi
Milosevic
In Libya there was already a civil war before Western jets became involved. Western airpower then intervened on the anti-Gaddafi side, and not surprisingly that meant the regime lost. I think Western airpower had been used against Libya numerous times before, when there hadn't already been a civil war, and in those cases the regime survived.
Milosevic. Again, in Kosovo, there were forces already fighting against the Serbs before the West intervened, which then involved Western boots on the ground in Kosovo. But even so, Milosevic didn't lose power until more than a year later, after he lost an election and the Yugoslav army told him they wouldn't keep him in power. How is that regime downfall created by an air campaign alone?
Interesting that this works fine in USA but doesn't seem to here.
It works fine here. Just ask BoZo
Says the person who supported David “tens of thousands” Cameron.
I don't believe anyone has ever accused Cameron of lying. Just incompetence over the Brexit vote.
Smallish fib when giving a one word answer to Douglas Carswell in the HofC as to whether he’d stay on as PM if Leave won
Telling a white lie to Carswell doesn't count. Cameron was "done over" by Cabinet traitors like Gove and Johnson. Who can blame him for jumping ship?
Saying “Yes” when you know full well the answer is “No” seems more than a white lie that doesn’t count when it’s the PM speaking at the Despatch box, but we all have our bias
Netanyahu calling for regime change in Iran. Good!
During the address, he said that Israel's fight is not with the Iranian people, but against Iran's leadership.
He listed Iranian targets that have been hit by Israel, including military and nuclear sites, and adds: "More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker.
"This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard," he tells the Iranian people.
He reiterates that Israel's objective is to thwart what he describes as Iran's nuclear and missile "threat".
"As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom," he says, adding: "The time has come for the Iranian people to unite around its flag and its historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from the evil and oppressive regime.
Regime change, unless you - or some other army - is prepared to occupy the enemy country, is a complete red herring. Good though the end of the Iranian regime would be, I find it odd that it is dominating the discourse so much, since there is no army willing and able to occupy Iran.
If the population can be inspired to rise up, that could be enough.
When has that ever happened before?
It hasn't. It's a complete red herring. It's not going to happen.
The nearest example would be the uprising against Saddam in the 1990-91 Gulf War - but in that conflict a large portion of the Iraqi army was engaged and and destroyed in a ground war, which resulted in the defeat of the Iraqi army and its ejection from occupied Kuwait.
Where is Israel going to fight Iranian army forces on the ground to produce a similar level of defeat?
The possibility of regime change is not a justification for Israel's attack (though it may be justifiable on other grounds). It's a red herring. It's irrelevant to the matter at hand.
Gaddafi
Milosevic
In Libya there was already a civil war before Western jets became involved. Western airpower then intervened on the anti-Gaddafi side, and not surprisingly that meant the regime lost. I think Western airpower had been used against Libya numerous times before, when there hadn't already been a civil war, and in those cases the regime survived.
Milosevic. Again, in Kosovo, there were forces already fighting against the Serbs before the West intervened, which then involved Western boots on the ground in Kosovo. But even so, Milosevic didn't lose power until more than a year later, after he lost an election and the Yugoslav army told him they wouldn't keep him in power. How is that regime downfall created by an air campaign alone?
Milosevic is the clearest example of what I (and others) hypothecated.
His regime didn't collapse immediately due to bombing alone, but it significantly weakened him. It destroyed the image of strength, weakened his forces, enabling people to rise up and remove him the following year.
If Iran falls its likely going to take a similar timescale. The military being humiliated which leaves the people free to rise up and liberate themselves in a year or so as both the image of regime strength (causing fear) and the actual strength of the regime have been diminished.
NEW - The King has personally requested changes to his Birthday Parade tomorrow, Trooping the Colour, in light of the Air India plane crash "as a mark of respect for the lives lost, families in mourning and all the communities affected by this awful tragedy".
Uniformed members of the royal family taking part in the parade, mounted @Householddiv officers and Royal Mews staff in livery will wear black arm bands. A minute’s silence will also be held after the inspection of the parade at Horse Guards, signaled by a Last Post and Reveille
Big G will soon be on his own with a leader like this..😏 Reminds me of Russell T Davies and Ncuti Gatwa telling the audience who disapproves not to watch their "output"..💩
With the exception of Brown and Blair, Starmer is without a shadow of a doubt the most despised PM on Politicalbetting.com
I think Boris was probably our favourite.
Again, hardly.
Boris was despised on here. Can't think many who had him preferred at the time. HYUFD and myself, not many others. And even I was calling for his exit by the end.
If it were up to PB Tories, we'd have had Hunt instead.
You’re absolutely right. Boris was loathed here by the vast majority.
Not during peak Covid he wasn't. Brexit, Covid, Ukraine? "He got all the big calls right" as I recall
Brexit, CovidVaccines, Ukraine
FTFY.
I don't think many would argue he managed the lockdowns (and that absurd eat out lark) well.
With the exception of Brown and Blair, Starmer is without a shadow of a doubt the most despised PM on Politicalbetting.com
I think Boris was probably our favourite.
Again, hardly.
Boris was despised on here. Can't think many who had him preferred at the time. HYUFD and myself, not many others. And even I was calling for his exit by the end.
If it were up to PB Tories, we'd have had Hunt instead.
You’re absolutely right. Boris was loathed here by the vast majority.
Not during peak Covid he wasn't. Brexit, Covid, Ukraine? "He got all the big calls right" as I recall
Brexit, CovidVaccines, Ukraine
FTFY.
I don't think many would argue he managed the lockdowns (and that absurd eat out lark) well.
Lifting lockdowns while Starmer was calling for us to remain locked down was the belatedly right thing to do.
With the exception of Brown and Blair, Starmer is without a shadow of a doubt the most despised PM on Politicalbetting.com
I think Boris was probably our favourite.
Again, hardly.
Boris was despised on here. Can't think many who had him preferred at the time. HYUFD and myself, not many others. And even I was calling for his exit by the end.
If it were up to PB Tories, we'd have had Hunt instead.
You’re absolutely right. Boris was loathed here by the vast majority.
Not during peak Covid he wasn't. Brexit, Covid, Ukraine? "He got all the big calls right" as I recall
Brexit, CovidVaccines, Ukraine
FTFY.
I don't think many would argue he managed the lockdowns (and that absurd eat out lark) well.
Lifting lockdowns while Starmer was calling for us to remain locked down was the belatedly right thing to do.
Sure: but (a) he was too slow to update recommendations around outside activities - they should have been lifted *way* earlier; (b) he messed up schools; and (c) by hesitating when measures needed to be implemented, meaning they had to be continued for much longer than they might.
Personally, I think all but the first lockdown could have been avoided: yes, there would still have been significant restrictions (nightclubs, masks on public transport, encourage working from home), but there's a world of difference between restrictions, and being unable to leave your house and see friends and loved ones.
Netanyahu calling for regime change in Iran. Good!
During the address, he said that Israel's fight is not with the Iranian people, but against Iran's leadership.
He listed Iranian targets that have been hit by Israel, including military and nuclear sites, and adds: "More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker.
"This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard," he tells the Iranian people.
He reiterates that Israel's objective is to thwart what he describes as Iran's nuclear and missile "threat".
"As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom," he says, adding: "The time has come for the Iranian people to unite around its flag and its historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from the evil and oppressive regime.
Regime change, unless you - or some other army - is prepared to occupy the enemy country, is a complete red herring. Good though the end of the Iranian regime would be, I find it odd that it is dominating the discourse so much, since there is no army willing and able to occupy Iran.
If the population can be inspired to rise up, that could be enough.
When has that ever happened before?
It hasn't. It's a complete red herring. It's not going to happen.
The nearest example would be the uprising against Saddam in the 1990-91 Gulf War - but in that conflict a large portion of the Iraqi army was engaged and and destroyed in a ground war, which resulted in the defeat of the Iraqi army and its ejection from occupied Kuwait.
Where is Israel going to fight Iranian army forces on the ground to produce a similar level of defeat?
The possibility of regime change is not a justification for Israel's attack (though it may be justifiable on other grounds). It's a red herring. It's irrelevant to the matter at hand.
Gaddafi
Milosevic
There was a general uprising and boots on the ground in both of those cases. Even the most coordinated bombing campaign is no match for 100,000 troops/rebels camped outside government buildings being protected by a NATO enforced no-fly zone or forcing the ayatollah to go on the run etc...
Regime change is nonsensical. Israel are doing themselves and the world a favour by decimating Iran's nuclear strike capability but it's not regime change and will never get close to regime change without inspiring a general rebellion or uprising by Iranian people and support from the CIA etc... to topple the Iranian government.
With the exception of Brown and Blair, Starmer is without a shadow of a doubt the most despised PM on Politicalbetting.com
I think Boris was probably our favourite.
Again, hardly.
Boris was despised on here. Can't think many who had him preferred at the time. HYUFD and myself, not many others. And even I was calling for his exit by the end.
If it were up to PB Tories, we'd have had Hunt instead.
You’re absolutely right. Boris was loathed here by the vast majority.
Not during peak Covid he wasn't. Brexit, Covid, Ukraine? "He got all the big calls right" as I recall
Brexit, CovidVaccines, Ukraine
FTFY.
I don't think many would argue he managed the lockdowns (and that absurd eat out lark) well.
Lifting lockdowns while Starmer was calling for us to remain locked down was the belatedly right thing to do.
Starmer was wronger than Boris.
But that's like saying that herpes is worse than syphalis. While it's true, it doesn't mean either of them was right.
With the exception of Brown and Blair, Starmer is without a shadow of a doubt the most despised PM on Politicalbetting.com
I think Boris was probably our favourite.
Again, hardly.
Boris was despised on here. Can't think many who had him preferred at the time. HYUFD and myself, not many others. And even I was calling for his exit by the end.
If it were up to PB Tories, we'd have had Hunt instead.
You’re absolutely right. Boris was loathed here by the vast majority.
Not during peak Covid he wasn't. Brexit, Covid, Ukraine? "He got all the big calls right" as I recall
Brexit, CovidVaccines, Ukraine
FTFY.
I don't think many would argue he managed the lockdowns (and that absurd eat out lark) well.
Lifting lockdowns while Starmer was calling for us to remain locked down was the belatedly right thing to do.
Sure: but (a) he was too slow to update recommendations around outside activities - they should have been lifted *way* earlier; (b) he messed up schools; and (c) by hesitating when measures needed to be implemented, meaning they had to be continued for much longer than they might.
Personally, I think all but the first lockdown could have been avoided: yes, there would still have been significant restrictions (nightclubs, masks on public transport, encourage working from home), but there's a world of difference between restrictions, and being unable to leave your house and see friends and loved ones.
He neglected the issue early on (missing meetings). He was wrongly concerned about civil unrest. He was too slow with the first lockdown. He was too obsessed with a punitive approach to enforcing restrictions. He shouldn't've stood by Cummings. Partygate. Lies over Partygate.
With the exception of Brown and Blair, Starmer is without a shadow of a doubt the most despised PM on Politicalbetting.com
I think Boris was probably our favourite.
Again, hardly.
Boris was despised on here. Can't think many who had him preferred at the time. HYUFD and myself, not many others. And even I was calling for his exit by the end.
If it were up to PB Tories, we'd have had Hunt instead.
You’re absolutely right. Boris was loathed here by the vast majority.
Not during peak Covid he wasn't. Brexit, Covid, Ukraine? "He got all the big calls right" as I recall
Brexit, CovidVaccines, Ukraine
FTFY.
I don't think many would argue he managed the lockdowns (and that absurd eat out lark) well.
I have zero time for Johnson, however with the information available to him at the time I think he didn't do too badly over lockdowns. The first was a week too late and I believe he got lucky with the reopening programme. Eat out to rekindle COVID was Sunak's brainwave not Johnson's. On the other hand, missing the COBRA meetings to write a book was unforgivable.
Comments
And then many other nations like Lybia followed.
Just a shame Iran hasn't been on the list . . . Yet.
https://x.com/spectatorindex/status/1933602563859099835
Chaos leads to evolution and the possibility (not guarantee) of improvement.
The opposite of chaos is stagnation.
The Iranian regime, like the regimes of Gaddafi and Hussein caused immense suffering.
You act as if there's a cost free option. There is not.
Imagine it.
US says it helped intercept missiles launched from Iran
If the Israelis want to change the regime from the inside, attacking petrol supllies is unlikely to help. But Netanyahu also wants to satisfy his religious extremist base, so that's unlikely to be the only consideration.
Not quite Prof Peston levels of causing a run on a bank mind you.
Friday 1st of August to the 4th of August - I am on a short break in London to see Oasis
Friday 26th of September to the 6th of October - Holiday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7s5pT3Rris
As an aside, not really a fan of his comedy persona or his jokes. Real life Jimmy Carr is actually really interesting, incredibly well read and thoughtful. How the same bloke just does 4hrs a night of dick jokes I don't know.
Do you have anything booked after that? So I can get my "Liz: The Supreme Being" t-shirts printed?
The joys of a prepaid non refundable romantic break booked a few weeks before you break up.
If so - bring her along! She's probably a right laugh. In some senses.
During the address, he said that Israel's fight is not with the Iranian people, but against Iran's leadership.
He listed Iranian targets that have been hit by Israel, including military and nuclear sites, and adds: "More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker.
"This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard," he tells the Iranian people.
He reiterates that Israel's objective is to thwart what he describes as Iran's nuclear and missile "threat".
"As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom," he says, adding: "The time has come for the Iranian people to unite around its flag and its historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from the evil and oppressive regime.
Jordan also intercept Iranian missiles
Uncertain times and if this is the beginning of the end of the Iranian theocracy, something positive will have resulted.
However, we cannot assume any post-theocratic Government in Tehran will be allies or even friends. The opposition may talk a lot about freedom and that will undoubtedly be social and cultural freedom but we know very little except Iran is a young country and it could be the new leaders will be a complete contrast to the religious gerontocracy currently in charge.
Upheaval and instability in that corner of southwest Asia impacts on other states - Russia, Pakistan and Afghanistan to name but three - and of course threatens Western oil supplies so nuanced and careful diplomacy if and when the Mullahs are ousted would seem sensible.
The age-old Shia-Sunni conflict won’t end with a new regime in Tehran either.
I would choose to do it.
I suspect the people that were angry about his tax avoidance wouldn’t like him anyway.
It's the Russian invasion of Ukraine again.
Regime change is a double edged sword.
And I'm already booked for November.
I have been compared to Jimmy Carr a few times for my sense of humour.
@DPJHodges
Again. What does the government think it gains from making a series of increasingly ridiculous - and easily
disprovable - lies."
https://x.com/DPJHodges/status/1933488867576815899
It hasn't. It's a complete red herring. It's not going to happen.
The nearest example would be the uprising against Saddam in the 1990-91 Gulf War - but in that conflict a large portion of the Iraqi army was engaged and and destroyed in a ground war, which resulted in the defeat of the Iraqi army and its ejection from occupied Kuwait.
Where is Israel going to fight Iranian army forces on the ground to produce a similar level of defeat?
The possibility of regime change is not a justification for Israel's attack (though it may be justifiable on other grounds). It's a red herring. It's irrelevant to the matter at hand.
He knows how well the old tunes still play in the U.S.
Milosevic
A few places here sell Orange wine. I’ve had it in Seaham and in Birtley.
Not sure about the 80s blonde wig, though.
https://youtu.be/K97lp7xWPCQ?si=oX3a_pL9dgjv4WCD
Milosevic. Again, in Kosovo, there were forces already fighting against the Serbs before the West intervened, which then involved Western boots on the ground in Kosovo. But even so, Milosevic didn't lose power until more than a year later, after he lost an election and the Yugoslav army told him they wouldn't keep him in power. How is that regime downfall created by an air campaign alone?
His regime didn't collapse immediately due to bombing alone, but it significantly weakened him. It destroyed the image of strength, weakened his forces, enabling people to rise up and remove him the following year.
If Iran falls its likely going to take a similar timescale. The military being humiliated which leaves the people free to rise up and liberate themselves in a year or so as both the image of regime strength (causing fear) and the actual strength of the regime have been diminished.
My Mum knew the one in the Gang of Four that everyone forgets.
NEW - The King has personally requested changes to his Birthday Parade tomorrow, Trooping the Colour, in light of the Air India plane crash "as a mark of respect for the lives lost, families in mourning and all the communities affected by this awful tragedy".
Uniformed members of the royal family taking part in the parade, mounted
@Householddiv
officers and Royal Mews staff in livery will wear black arm bands. A minute’s silence will also be held after the inspection of the parade at Horse Guards, signaled by a Last Post and Reveille
Big G will soon be on his own with a leader like this..😏 Reminds me of Russell T Davies and Ncuti Gatwa telling the audience who disapproves not to watch their "output"..💩
You can't be a traitor on a free vote, there was no whip to follow.
FTFY.
I don't think many would argue he managed the lockdowns (and that absurd eat out lark) well.
https://x.com/front_ukrainian/status/1933495275315777943
I would say he follows her around like a puppy dog but so far he has survived.
https://x.com/gtconway3d/status/1933524053513630160
Personally, I think all but the first lockdown could have been avoided: yes, there would still have been significant restrictions (nightclubs, masks on public transport, encourage working from home), but there's a world of difference between restrictions, and being unable to leave your house and see friends and loved ones.
Regime change is nonsensical. Israel are doing themselves and the world a favour by decimating Iran's nuclear strike capability but it's not regime change and will never get close to regime change without inspiring a general rebellion or uprising by Iranian people and support from the CIA etc... to topple the Iranian government.
But that's like saying that herpes is worse than syphalis. While it's true, it doesn't mean either of them was right.
Now Johnson and Brexit. Where do I start?