@LindseyGrahamSC I just had a great conversation with @POTUS. I totally support his ultimatum to the Iranian regime to open up the Strait of Hormuz and to do a peace deal.
A massive military operation awaits Iran if they choose poorly.
This regime has been severely crippled through Operation Epic Fury. Their reign of terror against the region and the world needs to come to an end, hopefully through a peace deal.
After speaking with President Trump this morning, I am completely convinced that he will use overwhelming military force against the regime if they continue to impede the Strait of Hormuz and refuse a diplomatic solution to achieve our military objectives. If it’s not clear to Iran and others by now that President Trump means what he says then I don’t know when it will ever be.
The USA doesn’t HAVE overwhelming military force, not in terms of invading and conquering Iran and forcing regime change. America only achieved a bloody score draw in Iraq and Iran is much bigger, nastier and more powerful
@LindseyGrahamSC I just had a great conversation with @POTUS. I totally support his ultimatum to the Iranian regime to open up the Strait of Hormuz and to do a peace deal.
A massive military operation awaits Iran if they choose poorly.
This regime has been severely crippled through Operation Epic Fury. Their reign of terror against the region and the world needs to come to an end, hopefully through a peace deal.
After speaking with President Trump this morning, I am completely convinced that he will use overwhelming military force against the regime if they continue to impede the Strait of Hormuz and refuse a diplomatic solution to achieve our military objectives. If it’s not clear to Iran and others by now that President Trump means what he says then I don’t know when it will ever be.
The biggest winner from a nuked, defeated and devastated Iran would be Israel. It’s probably their most ardent desire. Iran finished as an enemy forever
And Israel has a knack of getting the USA to do its bidding
Be fucking ironic if the radiation cloud and fall out reached Tel Aviv.
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
He owes himself a full blown wrath of God Armageddon. One for the history books.
Beware the old man in a hurry
Xi waves...
If Trump nukes Iran, he has no moral case to tell China to leave Taiwan alone.
Deterrence doesn’t rest on moral arguments.
Sure.
But once the nuclear taboo has been lifted, everyone has to have nukes. It's literally the only way to defend yourself.
Yep. They'll just profiterole and then the world slides into an incredibly precarious place. In fact I'd say catastrophe becomes a when not an if. By this I mean in the next 50 years.
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
He owes himself a full blown wrath of God Armageddon. One for the history books.
I mean, what's the point of having nukes if you can't actually use them?
Simple. To stop others from invading you or using their nukes against you.
If nukes stop being a deterrent and start being a weapon to be used 'tactically' then we're all fucked.
First thing I'd do is relocate out of London.
Have you not seen “Threads”? That nuclear apocalypse movie that begins with, er, trouble in Iran?
“Not being in London” is not going to save you from having your eyeballs melted and weird sores covering your face that look like Rice Krispies in tomato soup, and then you die, not if it really kicks off. Also then we all stop speaking English and just grunt
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
He owes himself a full blown wrath of God Armageddon. One for the history books.
For maximum Hollywood Lolz, if we are going to have Armageddon then it has to happen when the astronauts are on the far side of the moon.
Earthrise. Cut to credits.
"You maniacs! You blew it up! Ah, damn you! God damn you all to hell!".
When the astronauts get back from their trip around the moon they should get all the crew who pick them up done up by Hollywood prosthetic people done up to look like characters in Planet of the Apes.
Ironically Trump is in exactly the same position that Putin put himself in when he invaded Ukraine. Both wanted and expected a quick gratifying victory. Both quite quickly got sucked into a horrible morass with diminishing options
We know that Putin seriously considered nukes when the Ukrainians started counter attacking successfully around Kharkiv
Or at least we know that the Biden regime FEARED he was about to use nukes
Trump hasn't committed any ground troops, which is quite a difference.
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Using a nuclear weapon is a stretch too far even for the current craziness in the WH .
We’ll either get another delay as Trump makes up more imaginary talks with Iran or they’ll take out some energy infrastructure.
I hope you’re right. Indeed you probably are right
But this is Trump. Nothing is impossible
And it could be argued that nukes are the only way out now, for America, if they want to avoid a catastrophic ground invasion or a humiliating retreat leaving the Iranian regime intact and in control of the region
Using nukes will see the US become a total pariah state . I don’t see it .
Trump wants to enjoy his ballroom and using a nuke would surely even be too much for the current Congress !
I can see it. Using a nuke would be popular with his base because it's cheap, ends the war and is a big dick baller move.
It would also give VVP licence to put Ukraine back in its (pine) box by threatening or using a nuke. "Win/Win" as BartyBobs is fond of saying.
And what if it didn't end the war (which is entirely possible) ?
It would end the war because Iran would surrender
Trump would presumably drop a couple of tactical nukes on military bases to encourage Iran to yield. With the clear implication that he will drop more and more bombs, on ever larger cities, until they DO surrender
They would surrender. As they don’t have nukes of their own and no nuclear power would come to their aid
It would be the same logic that applied to Japan. There is no point in fighting if all it means is certain defeat AND the deaths of many millions and the end of your civilisation
What the global consequences would be of Trump doing this - I have no clue. It would be a singularity. With an event horizon
The US is not about to nuke Iran, except in the minds of some bored London flint-knappers.
In a normal world you’d be obviously right
But in the last few days we’ve had a weird purge of many pentagon staff. We’ve had Trump promising to send Iran back into the Stone Age. Now he is saying “all hell will rain down in 48 hours”
At the same time we have a crazy regime in Washington which is now stuck in a terrible dilemma. Accept a wounding and humiliating defeat which leaves the Iranian regime in place and commanding the world’s energy. Or attempt a hideously difficult ground invasion which will surely fail
Or nukes
You can see Trump's temptation of using tactical nukes, especially at the site of the enriched uranium.
If he does, you can say goodbye to Kyiv.
I don’t think Putin would want to waste Kyiv as it’s not even a good look for him if he claims Ukraine is part of Russia and can’t even stand in its ancient capital and celebrate victory. I’m imagining somewhere where there is a build up of manufacturing which would destroy the Ukrainian war effort or somewhere where the Ukrainian military have a lot of assets.
Yes I agree with this. Having been to Kyiv I can see why it is desired by Russia. It is the cradle of Russia. It is the ultimate mother city. The first tsars of kyivan rus are entombed in the golden, smoky, icon-encrusted cathedrals
Putin really cares about Russian history and culture (even if he is a maniac elsewhere). No way he’d flatten Kyiv. Ditto Odessa. It is a jewel built by Russians in “new Russia”
This is all part of his historico-political claim on Ukraine
He would indeed go for some industrial-military target
Everything that has been "liberated" by Putin in the Donbas has been utterly devastated.
Ukraine would have to fold. Putin would get the win that is otherwise going to elude him. In that, he and Trump or similarly boxed in.
But the Donbas is just an industrial shithole isn’t it? Coalfields and grotty towns
It’s not Kyiv and it’s not Odessa
Putin wants both intact, as much as possible. Then the Russia of catherine the great is restored
But if he can't have them ... ?
Note he's been targeting many culturally significant buildings with his missile and drone attacks already.
@LindseyGrahamSC I just had a great conversation with @POTUS. I totally support his ultimatum to the Iranian regime to open up the Strait of Hormuz and to do a peace deal.
A massive military operation awaits Iran if they choose poorly.
This regime has been severely crippled through Operation Epic Fury. Their reign of terror against the region and the world needs to come to an end, hopefully through a peace deal.
After speaking with President Trump this morning, I am completely convinced that he will use overwhelming military force against the regime if they continue to impede the Strait of Hormuz and refuse a diplomatic solution to achieve our military objectives. If it’s not clear to Iran and others by now that President Trump means what he says then I don’t know when it will ever be.
The USA doesn’t HAVE overwhelming military force, not in terms of invading and conquering Iran and forcing regime change. America only achieved a bloody score draw in Iraq and Iran is much bigger, nastier and more powerful
Overwhelming military force is like class.
If you have it, you don't need to say you have it.
If you say you have it, it's a strong indication that you probably don't.
The biggest winner from a nuked, defeated and devastated Iran would be Israel. It’s probably their most ardent desire. Iran finished as an enemy forever
And Israel has a knack of getting the USA to do its bidding
Be fucking ironic if the radiation cloud and fall out reached Tel Aviv.
Prevailing winds in Iran are easterly. So how does that work?
Tim MIller on chance of Trump going nuke: "It's not 50% but it is a lot higher than it was"
The Bulwark @BulwarkOnline · 7h Tim Miller: "If you'd asked me in 2020, who is the most likely country to be the next country to use a nuke...I would've said North Korea...maybe Pakistan... If you asked me right now...I would say probably Donald Trump is most likely to use a nuke."
Trump is treating Randy Newman's "Political Science" as a playbook...
No one likes us, I don't know why We may not be perfect, but heaven knows we try And all around, even our old friends put us down Let's drop the big one and see what happens
We give them money, but are they grateful? No, they're spiteful and they're hateful They don't respect us, so let's surprise them We'll drop the big one and pulverize them
Asia's crowded, Europe's too old Africa is far too hot and Canada's too cold And South America stole our name Let's drop the big one, there'll be no one left to blame us
We'll save Australia Don't wanna hurt no kangaroo We'll build an all-American amusement park there They got surfing too!
Boom goes London, boom Paris More room for you and more room for me And every city the whole world 'round Will just be another American town Oh, how peaceful it'll be We'll set everybody free You wear a Japanese kimono, babe There'll be Italian shoes for me They all hate us anyhow So let's drop the big one now Let's drop the big one now
The biggest winner from a nuked, defeated and devastated Iran would be Israel. It’s probably their most ardent desire. Iran finished as an enemy forever
And Israel has a knack of getting the USA to do its bidding
Be fucking ironic if the radiation cloud and fall out reached Tel Aviv.
Prevailing winds in Iran are easterly. So how does that work?
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
He owes himself a full blown wrath of God Armageddon. One for the history books.
I mean, what's the point of having nukes if you can't actually use them?
Simple. To stop others from invading you or using their nukes against you.
If nukes stop being a deterrent and start being a weapon to be used 'tactically' then we're all fucked.
First thing I'd do is relocate out of London.
Have you not seen “Threads”? That nuclear apocalypse movie that begins with, er, trouble in Iran?
“Not being in London” is not going to save you from having your eyeballs melted and weird sores covering your face that look like Rice Krispies in tomato soup, and then you die, not if it really kicks off. Also then we all stop speaking English and just grunt
Probably not, but if I relocate to Cornwall or the Scottish Highlands I reckon I'd have a few more days before face melting commences relative to London.
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
He owes himself a full blown wrath of God Armageddon. One for the history books.
Beware the old man in a hurry
Xi waves...
If Trump nukes Iran, he has no moral case to tell China to leave Taiwan alone.
Deterrence doesn’t rest on moral arguments.
Sure.
But once the nuclear taboo has been lifted, everyone has to have nukes. It's literally the only way to defend yourself.
Yep. They'll just profiterole and then the world slides into an incredibly precarious place. In fact I'd say catastrophe becomes a when not an if. By this I mean in the next 50 years.
Nuclear profiterole is one of my biggest fears. “We have made a dessert and called it victory”
The biggest winner from a nuked, defeated and devastated Iran would be Israel. It’s probably their most ardent desire. Iran finished as an enemy forever
And Israel has a knack of getting the USA to do its bidding
Be fucking ironic if the radiation cloud and fall out reached Tel Aviv.
Prevailing winds in Iran are easterly. So how does that work?
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Using a nuclear weapon is a stretch too far even for the current craziness in the WH .
We’ll either get another delay as Trump makes up more imaginary talks with Iran or they’ll take out some energy infrastructure.
I hope you’re right. Indeed you probably are right
But this is Trump. Nothing is impossible
And it could be argued that nukes are the only way out now, for America, if they want to avoid a catastrophic ground invasion or a humiliating retreat leaving the Iranian regime intact and in control of the region
Using nukes will see the US become a total pariah state . I don’t see it .
Trump wants to enjoy his ballroom and using a nuke would surely even be too much for the current Congress !
I can see it. Using a nuke would be popular with his base because it's cheap, ends the war and is a big dick baller move.
It would also give VVP licence to put Ukraine back in its (pine) box by threatening or using a nuke. "Win/Win" as BartyBobs is fond of saying.
And what if it didn't end the war (which is entirely possible) ?
It would end the war because Iran would surrender
Trump would presumably drop a couple of tactical nukes on military bases to encourage Iran to yield. With the clear implication that he will drop more and more bombs, on ever larger cities, until they DO surrender
They would surrender. As they don’t have nukes of their own and no nuclear power would come to their aid
It would be the same logic that applied to Japan. There is no point in fighting if all it means is certain defeat AND the deaths of many millions and the end of your civilisation
What the global consequences would be of Trump doing this - I have no clue. It would be a singularity. With an event horizon
Who is doing the surrendering?
The regime thinks nothing of shooting its own people. Why worry about a few bombs?
Even the IRGC would surrender. It’s one thing losing a few leaders - or even your own life - it’s quite another seeing all of your family and friends and children and your hometown vaporised and melted
If the Iranians did not immediately surrender they might finally achieve what they have been trying to achieve for decades - uniting all Muslims in opposition to the US. I cannot see other Muslim countries simply shrugging in response to the US nuking Muslims.
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
He owes himself a full blown wrath of God Armageddon. One for the history books.
I mean, what's the point of having nukes if you can't actually use them?
Simple. To stop others from invading you or using their nukes against you.
If nukes stop being a deterrent and start being a weapon to be used 'tactically' then we're all fucked.
First thing I'd do is relocate out of London.
Have you not seen “Threads”? That nuclear apocalypse movie that begins with, er, trouble in Iran?
“Not being in London” is not going to save you from having your eyeballs melted and weird sores covering your face that look like Rice Krispies in tomato soup, and then you die, not if it really kicks off. Also then we all stop speaking English and just grunt
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
He owes himself a full blown wrath of God Armageddon. One for the history books.
Beware the old man in a hurry
Xi waves...
If Trump nukes Iran, he has no moral case to tell China to leave Taiwan alone.
Deterrence doesn’t rest on moral arguments.
Sure.
But once the nuclear taboo has been lifted, everyone has to have nukes. It's literally the only way to defend yourself.
Yep. They'll just profiterole and then the world slides into an incredibly precarious place. In fact I'd say catastrophe becomes a when not an if. By this I mean in the next 50 years.
Nuclear profiterole is one of my biggest fears. “We have made a dessert and called it victory”
'Reform UK has vowed to reinstate tax breaks on church repairs to save historic places of worship.
Robert Jenrick, Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman, accused Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, of “cultural vandalism” after the Government scrapped VAT exemptions for churches to pay for repairs this week..Mr Jenrick also pledged that a Reform government would make the National Lottery restore its support for churches. National Lottery allocation decisions have resulted in funding for churches and chapels falling from £46m in 2017-18 to £11m in 2022-23.'
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
He owes himself a full blown wrath of God Armageddon. One for the history books.
I mean, what's the point of having nukes if you can't actually use them?
Simple. To stop others from invading you or using their nukes against you.
If nukes stop being a deterrent and start being a weapon to be used 'tactically' then we're all fucked.
First thing I'd do is relocate out of London.
Have you not seen “Threads”? That nuclear apocalypse movie that begins with, er, trouble in Iran?
“Not being in London” is not going to save you from having your eyeballs melted and weird sores covering your face that look like Rice Krispies in tomato soup, and then you die, not if it really kicks off. Also then we all stop speaking English and just grunt
Probably not, but if I relocate to Cornwall or the Scottish Highlands I reckon I'd have a few more days before face melting commences relative to London.
Morocco. That came out top in my spreadsheet back in 2022. Around Fes/Meknes, or in the coastal plains East of Casablanca.
Though now Covid restrictions are gone Chile, Uruguay and Argentina come back into play.
Russian army commanders are reportedly refusing to allow stored ZSU-23-4 Shilkas mobile anti-aircraft guns to be refurbished and put back into service, despite Russia's desperate need for more defences against Ukraine's increasingly large-scale drone strikes. https://x.com/ChrisO_wiki/status/2040360707120669120
This is an anti-aircraft self-propelled gun with 4 automatic cannons. Over time, its systems became morally obsolete, but thanks to 400 million hryvnias in charitable funds — it has returned to service: modernized, improved, and once again effective. https://x.com/BackAndAlive/status/2001993529107599567
How does a defence system become morally obsolete, please? And how does extra funding solve a moral issue?
@LindseyGrahamSC I just had a great conversation with @POTUS. I totally support his ultimatum to the Iranian regime to open up the Strait of Hormuz and to do a peace deal.
A massive military operation awaits Iran if they choose poorly.
This regime has been severely crippled through Operation Epic Fury. Their reign of terror against the region and the world needs to come to an end, hopefully through a peace deal.
After speaking with President Trump this morning, I am completely convinced that he will use overwhelming military force against the regime if they continue to impede the Strait of Hormuz and refuse a diplomatic solution to achieve our military objectives. If it’s not clear to Iran and others by now that President Trump means what he says then I don’t know when it will ever be.
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
He owes himself a full blown wrath of God Armageddon. One for the history books.
I mean, what's the point of having nukes if you can't actually use them?
Simple. To stop others from invading you or using their nukes against you.
If nukes stop being a deterrent and start being a weapon to be used 'tactically' then we're all fucked.
First thing I'd do is relocate out of London.
Have you not seen “Threads”? That nuclear apocalypse movie that begins with, er, trouble in Iran?
“Not being in London” is not going to save you from having your eyeballs melted and weird sores covering your face that look like Rice Krispies in tomato soup, and then you die, not if it really kicks off. Also then we all stop speaking English and just grunt
Probably not, but if I relocate to Cornwall or the Scottish Highlands I reckon I'd have a few more days before face melting commences relative to London.
Morocco. That came out top in my spreadsheet back in 2022. Around Fes/Meknes, or in the coastal plains East of Casablanca.
Though now Covid restrictions are gone Chile, Uruguay and Argentina come back into play.
Chile. Good choice
The winelands are lovely
A trillion miles from anywhere
Alternatively the Margaret River area in Western Australia. It’s idyllically green and lovely with a near-Mediterranean climate
I did a food festival there for the gazette and they showed us around the region. On one coastal walk the guide pointed to a huge, isolated, slightly odd house with epic views of the sea
The guide explained it was literally owned and developed by an American billionaire as a bolt hole and a bunker if everything went to shit
'Reform UK has vowed to reinstate tax breaks on church repairs to save historic places of worship.
Robert Jenrick, Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman, accused Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, of “cultural vandalism” after the Government scrapped VAT exemptions for churches to pay for repairs this week..Mr Jenrick also pledged that a Reform government would make the National Lottery restore its support for churches. National Lottery allocation decisions have resulted in funding for churches and chapels falling from £46m in 2017-18 to £11m in 2022-23.'
Trump is treating Randy Newman's "Political Science" as a playbook...
No one likes us, I don't know why We may not be perfect, but heaven knows we try And all around, even our old friends put us down Let's drop the big one and see what happens
We give them money, but are they grateful? No, they're spiteful and they're hateful They don't respect us, so let's surprise them We'll drop the big one and pulverize them
Asia's crowded, Europe's too old Africa is far too hot and Canada's too cold And South America stole our name Let's drop the big one, there'll be no one left to blame us
We'll save Australia Don't wanna hurt no kangaroo We'll build an all-American amusement park there They got surfing too!
Boom goes London, boom Paris More room for you and more room for me And every city the whole world 'round Will just be another American town Oh, how peaceful it'll be We'll set everybody free You wear a Japanese kimono, babe There'll be Italian shoes for me They all hate us anyhow So let's drop the big one now Let's drop the big one now
And then irony died.
As, unfortunately, has Tom Lehrer...
I feel that if any songs are gonna come out of World War III, we’d better start writing them now...
So long, Mom, I'm off to drop the bomb, So don't wait up for me. But though I may roam, I'll come back to my home, Although it may be A pile of debris. Remember, Mommy, I'm off to get a Commie, So send me a salami, And try to smile somehow. I'll look for you when the war is over - An hour and a half from now
Tim MIller on chance of Trump going nuke: "It's not 50% but it is a lot higher than it was"
The Bulwark @BulwarkOnline · 7h Tim Miller: "If you'd asked me in 2020, who is the most likely country to be the next country to use a nuke...I would've said North Korea...maybe Pakistan... If you asked me right now...I would say probably Donald Trump is most likely to use a nuke."
'Reform UK has vowed to reinstate tax breaks on church repairs to save historic places of worship.
Robert Jenrick, Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman, accused Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, of “cultural vandalism” after the Government scrapped VAT exemptions for churches to pay for repairs this week..Mr Jenrick also pledged that a Reform government would make the National Lottery restore its support for churches. National Lottery allocation decisions have resulted in funding for churches and chapels falling from £46m in 2017-18 to £11m in 2022-23.'
If only Jenrick had been in power to stop that in 2022-23, eh?
C***
It was this Labour government who removed the VAT exemption for churches, not the last Tory government, indeed the Conservatives rightly also oppose its removal as do the LDs
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Using a nuclear weapon is a stretch too far even for the current craziness in the WH .
We’ll either get another delay as Trump makes up more imaginary talks with Iran or they’ll take out some energy infrastructure.
I hope you’re right. Indeed you probably are right
But this is Trump. Nothing is impossible
And it could be argued that nukes are the only way out now, for America, if they want to avoid a catastrophic ground invasion or a humiliating retreat leaving the Iranian regime intact and in control of the region
Using nukes will see the US become a total pariah state . I don’t see it .
Trump wants to enjoy his ballroom and using a nuke would surely even be too much for the current Congress !
I can see it. Using a nuke would be popular with his base because it's cheap, ends the war and is a big dick baller move.
It would also give VVP licence to put Ukraine back in its (pine) box by threatening or using a nuke. "Win/Win" as BartyBobs is fond of saying.
And what if it didn't end the war (which is entirely possible) ?
It would end the war because Iran would surrender
Trump would presumably drop a couple of tactical nukes on military bases to encourage Iran to yield. With the clear implication that he will drop more and more bombs, on ever larger cities, until they DO surrender
They would surrender. As they don’t have nukes of their own and no nuclear power would come to their aid
It would be the same logic that applied to Japan. There is no point in fighting if all it means is certain defeat AND the deaths of many millions and the end of your civilisation
What the global consequences would be of Trump doing this - I have no clue. It would be a singularity. With an event horizon
The US is not about to nuke Iran, except in the minds of some bored London flint-knappers.
In a normal world you’d be obviously right
But in the last few days we’ve had a weird purge of many pentagon staff. We’ve had Trump promising to send Iran back into the Stone Age. Now he is saying “all hell will rain down in 48 hours”
At the same time we have a crazy regime in Washington which is now stuck in a terrible dilemma. Accept a wounding and humiliating defeat which leaves the Iranian regime in place and commanding the world’s energy. Or attempt a hideously difficult ground invasion which will surely fail
Or nukes
You can see Trump's temptation of using tactical nukes, especially at the site of the enriched uranium.
If he does, you can say goodbye to Kyiv.
I don’t think Putin would want to waste Kyiv as it’s not even a good look for him if he claims Ukraine is part of Russia and can’t even stand in its ancient capital and celebrate victory. I’m imagining somewhere where there is a build up of manufacturing which would destroy the Ukrainian war effort or somewhere where the Ukrainian military have a lot of assets.
Kryvyi Rih is the obvious target - Zelensky's home town, big steel plant, not as large a city as a bunch of other places, on the western side of the Dnipro (so Russia can leave the place for rump Ukraine to sort out).
And congratulations to @Leon for expertly hijacking’s the thread with a well timed “Don’s gonna nuke Iran”.
I don’t think this is my most impressive hijacking by any means. The fact is
1. the thread topic is not THAT interesting
And
2. it is unfortunately possible that Trump will do this (serious people are discussing it on X) and it’s such an overwhelmingly serious issue it’s bound to overtake any thread
I would MUCH prefer to live in a world where we didn’t have to discuss this
Up until today I just assumed that if I kept an eye on Polymarket for large bets on markets along the lines of US nuking Iran it might give me 24 hours notice, but it turns out they've pulled these sorts of markets before.
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
He owes himself a full blown wrath of God Armageddon. One for the history books.
I mean, what's the point of having nukes if you can't actually use them?
Simple. To stop others from invading you or using their nukes against you.
If nukes stop being a deterrent and start being a weapon to be used 'tactically' then we're all fucked.
First thing I'd do is relocate out of London.
Have you not seen “Threads”? That nuclear apocalypse movie that begins with, er, trouble in Iran?
“Not being in London” is not going to save you from having your eyeballs melted and weird sores covering your face that look like Rice Krispies in tomato soup, and then you die, not if it really kicks off. Also then we all stop speaking English and just grunt
Probably not, but if I relocate to Cornwall or the Scottish Highlands I reckon I'd have a few more days before face melting commences relative to London.
Morocco. That came out top in my spreadsheet back in 2022. Around Fes/Meknes, or in the coastal plains East of Casablanca.
Though now Covid restrictions are gone Chile, Uruguay and Argentina come back into play.
All the tech bros have safe houses in New Zealand iirc.
'Reform UK has vowed to reinstate tax breaks on church repairs to save historic places of worship.
Robert Jenrick, Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman, accused Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, of “cultural vandalism” after the Government scrapped VAT exemptions for churches to pay for repairs this week..Mr Jenrick also pledged that a Reform government would make the National Lottery restore its support for churches. National Lottery allocation decisions have resulted in funding for churches and chapels falling from £46m in 2017-18 to £11m in 2022-23.'
If only Jenrick had been in power to stop that in 2022-23, eh?
C***
It was this Labour government who removed the VAT exemption for churches, not the last Tory government, indeed the Conservatives rightly also oppose its removal
Fair point, if I hadn't been referencing Jenrick saying this:
"Mr Jenrick also pledged that a Reform government would make the National Lottery restore its support for churches. National Lottery allocation decisions have resulted in funding for churches and chapels falling from £46m in 2017-18 to £11m in 2022-23."
It had a weight to it that most science fiction/science fiction adjacent movies do not and that’s because most (all?) of it was practically done.
This was contrasted with a trailer for latest Marvel TV show beforehand which is just put man in front of green screen.
It actually had a story and yes you’re right, the practical effects made a huge difference. It’s a rare film these days - an original IP (not a sequel or a reboot) with a plot that doesn’t treat the audience like imbeciles. It stretches in parts but it’s a grown up film for grown ups and thank god no mindless exposition or Mary-Sue’s.
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Using a nuclear weapon is a stretch too far even for the current craziness in the WH .
We’ll either get another delay as Trump makes up more imaginary talks with Iran or they’ll take out some energy infrastructure.
I hope you’re right. Indeed you probably are right
But this is Trump. Nothing is impossible
And it could be argued that nukes are the only way out now, for America, if they want to avoid a catastrophic ground invasion or a humiliating retreat leaving the Iranian regime intact and in control of the region
Using nukes will see the US become a total pariah state . I don’t see it .
Trump wants to enjoy his ballroom and using a nuke would surely even be too much for the current Congress !
I can see it. Using a nuke would be popular with his base because it's cheap, ends the war and is a big dick baller move.
It would also give VVP licence to put Ukraine back in its (pine) box by threatening or using a nuke. "Win/Win" as BartyBobs is fond of saying.
Given the time of year, might one of the wires sparking inside Trump's head be a religious one? Within 48 hours, he says. It's Easter Saturday.
Orangologists will recall his arrival back at the White House in 2020 after he'd recovered from a SARS-Cov-2 infection. Removing his face mask, he gazed into the light of the sun as it was about to set. It was the golden hour. In his own mind, a historic moment.
It had a weight to it that most science fiction/science fiction adjacent movies do not and that’s because most (all?) of it was practically done.
This was contrasted with a trailer for latest Marvel TV show beforehand which is just put man in front of green screen.
It actually had a story and yes you’re right, the practical effects made a huge difference. It’s a rare film these days - an original IP (not a sequel or a reboot) with a plot that doesn’t treat the audience like imbeciles. It stretches in parts but it’s a grown up film for grown ups and thank god no mindless exposition or Mary-Sue’s.
I hadn’t realised the book was written by the same guy who did The Martian but it makes sense. I’ve not read either but might read this one.
I like that they didn’t shoehorn a love interest in and focussed on the emotional core which was relationship between human and rock. They gave it ample space to breathe.
The first 20 mins were a touch slow but when it got going it didn’t stop. I personally don’t mind a slow build up if it gets going. I absolutely hated the first Dune movie which was so slow I fell asleep.
So far these directors are some of my favourites. Every film I’ve seen of theirs I’ve enjoyed.
'Reform UK has vowed to reinstate tax breaks on church repairs to save historic places of worship.
Robert Jenrick, Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman, accused Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, of “cultural vandalism” after the Government scrapped VAT exemptions for churches to pay for repairs this week..Mr Jenrick also pledged that a Reform government would make the National Lottery restore its support for churches. National Lottery allocation decisions have resulted in funding for churches and chapels falling from £46m in 2017-18 to £11m in 2022-23.'
If only Jenrick had been in power to stop that in 2022-23, eh?
C***
It was this Labour government who removed the VAT exemption for churches, not the last Tory government, indeed the Conservatives rightly also oppose its removal
Fair point, if I hadn't been referencing Jenrick saying this:
"Mr Jenrick also pledged that a Reform government would make the National Lottery restore its support for churches. National Lottery allocation decisions have resulted in funding for churches and chapels falling from £46m in 2017-18 to £11m in 2022-23."
Fair point too, Jenrick is right on that though, the National Lottery should restore funding for our most historic churches to the levels they were at in 2017-18
Ironically Trump is in exactly the same position that Putin put himself in when he invaded Ukraine. Both wanted and expected a quick gratifying victory. Both quite quickly got sucked into a horrible morass with diminishing options
We know that Putin seriously considered nukes when the Ukrainians started counter attacking successfully around Kharkiv
Or at least we know that the Biden regime FEARED he was about to use nukes
I thought we knew that the Russians quickly dropped the idea when the Chinese told them it would seriously piss them off.
China would be the big loser if the US or Russia uses nukes in an attempt to win a war of conquest, because it would likely shock all their enemies in East Asia into going nuclear. The last thing China wants is a nuclear Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
Using a nuclear weapon is a stretch too far even for the current craziness in the WH .
We’ll either get another delay as Trump makes up more imaginary talks with Iran or they’ll take out some energy infrastructure.
I hope you’re right. Indeed you probably are right
But this is Trump. Nothing is impossible
And it could be argued that nukes are the only way out now, for America, if they want to avoid a catastrophic ground invasion or a humiliating retreat leaving the Iranian regime intact and in control of the region
Using nukes will see the US become a total pariah state . I don’t see it .
Trump wants to enjoy his ballroom and using a nuke would surely even be too much for the current Congress !
I can see it. Using a nuke would be popular with his base because it's cheap, ends the war and is a big dick baller move.
It would also give VVP licence to put Ukraine back in its (pine) box by threatening or using a nuke. "Win/Win" as BartyBobs is fond of saying.
Given the time of year, might one of the wires sparking inside Trump's head be a religious one? Within 48 hours, he says. It's Easter Saturday.
Orangologists will recall his arrival back at the White House in 2020 after he'd recovered from a SARS-Cov-2 infection. Removing his face mask, he gazed into the sunset. In his own mind, a historic moment.
Let’s be hopeful and presume even Trump isn’t mad enough to drop nukes on Qom. What then is he threatening to do to Iran with his “overwhelming force”. How is he going to take them “back to the Stone Age” and “rain terror”?
He’s got about 10,000 marines there hasn’t he? What can they do? Seize Kharg island maybe? Then what?
This is hardly going to terrify the Iranians back to the Neolithic. So what is he up to?
Let’s be hopeful and presume even Trump isn’t mad enough to drop nukes on Qom. What then is he threatening to do to Iran with his “overwhelming force”. How is he going to take them “back to the Stone Age” and “rain terror”?
He’s got about 10,000 marines there hasn’t he? What can they do? Seize Kharg island maybe? Then what?
This is hardly going to terrify the Iranians back to the Neolithic. So what is he up to?
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
He owes himself a full blown wrath of God Armageddon. One for the history books.
I mean, what's the point of having nukes if you can't actually use them?
Simple. To stop others from invading you or using their nukes against you.
If nukes stop being a deterrent and start being a weapon to be used 'tactically' then we're all fucked.
First thing I'd do is relocate out of London.
Have you not seen “Threads”? That nuclear apocalypse movie that begins with, er, trouble in Iran?
“Not being in London” is not going to save you from having your eyeballs melted and weird sores covering your face that look like Rice Krispies in tomato soup, and then you die, not if it really kicks off. Also then we all stop speaking English and just grunt
Probably not, but if I relocate to Cornwall or the Scottish Highlands I reckon I'd have a few more days before face melting commences relative to London.
Morocco. That came out top in my spreadsheet back in 2022. Around Fes/Meknes, or in the coastal plains East of Casablanca.
Though now Covid restrictions are gone Chile, Uruguay and Argentina come back into play.
All the tech bros have safe houses in New Zealand iirc.
An earthquake zone is a good place for a safe house.
My advice: The current narrative that Gulf countries are not aligned with the United States is simply false. Governments, especially in Europe, that adopt reflexively anti-Trump positions and assume the Gulf does not view the IRGC as a threat will find themselves isolated from both Washington and Gulf capitals, with long-term consequences including reduced access to Gulf capital and weaker leverage in energy negotiations.
The idea that no one has a plan or a vision of what next etc is simply in contradiction with the reality on the ground. The whole operation is being in coordination with both Israelis and Gulf countries via CENTCOM, it’s just a fact.
Sir Keir is definitely safe. Dan Hodges has quietly abandoned the idea he’s going to be challenged or quit and instead he’s just resorted to saying the local elections will be bad. Groundbreaking stuff, Dan
Trump has just promised that “all hell will rain down on Iran in 48 hours”
Is he gonna do it? Is he gonna nuke them?
He owes himself a full blown wrath of God Armageddon. One for the history books.
I mean, what's the point of having nukes if you can't actually use them?
Simple. To stop others from invading you or using their nukes against you.
If nukes stop being a deterrent and start being a weapon to be used 'tactically' then we're all fucked.
First thing I'd do is relocate out of London.
Have you not seen “Threads”? That nuclear apocalypse movie that begins with, er, trouble in Iran?
“Not being in London” is not going to save you from having your eyeballs melted and weird sores covering your face that look like Rice Krispies in tomato soup, and then you die, not if it really kicks off. Also then we all stop speaking English and just grunt
Probably not, but if I relocate to Cornwall or the Scottish Highlands I reckon I'd have a few more days before face melting commences relative to London.
Morocco. That came out top in my spreadsheet back in 2022. Around Fes/Meknes, or in the coastal plains East of Casablanca.
Though now Covid restrictions are gone Chile, Uruguay and Argentina come back into play.
Chile. Good choice
The winelands are lovely
A trillion miles from anywhere
Alternatively the Margaret River area in Western Australia. It’s idyllically green and lovely with a near-Mediterranean climate
I did a food festival there for the gazette and they showed us around the region. On one coastal walk the guide pointed to a huge, isolated, slightly odd house with epic views of the sea
The guide explained it was literally owned and developed by an American billionaire as a bolt hole and a bunker if everything went to shit
Read a sci-fi story recently about the fate of a rich guy in his bunker after an apocalypse, which I think I will cling to in the event that the worst happens. It's "Bee Speaker" by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Technically it's the third in the War Dogs trilogy, but all three books stand as stories on their own.
The books might annoy you though. The main characters have morals.
Let’s be hopeful and presume even Trump isn’t mad enough to drop nukes on Qom. What then is he threatening to do to Iran with his “overwhelming force”. How is he going to take them “back to the Stone Age” and “rain terror”?
He’s got about 10,000 marines there hasn’t he? What can they do? Seize Kharg island maybe? Then what?
This is hardly going to terrify the Iranians back to the Neolithic. So what is he up to?
I'm off this now. I find detailed military stuff an eyeglazer. But just one interjection, I'm not keen on your "mad" here. It would be an act of unmitigated evil. The madness of it is relevant but secondary. So, revised framing, let's presume Donald Trump isn't EVIL enough to nuke Iran. Then, yes fine, as we were, how is he going to etc etc ... ??
Ironically Trump is in exactly the same position that Putin put himself in when he invaded Ukraine. Both wanted and expected a quick gratifying victory. Both quite quickly got sucked into a horrible morass with diminishing options
We know that Putin seriously considered nukes when the Ukrainians started counter attacking successfully around Kharkiv
Or at least we know that the Biden regime FEARED he was about to use nukes
I thought we knew that the Russians quickly dropped the idea when the Chinese told them it would seriously piss them off.
China would be the big loser if the US or Russia uses nukes in an attempt to win a war of conquest, because it would likely shock all their enemies in East Asia into going nuclear. The last thing China wants is a nuclear Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Another question is whether China's nuclear defence radars can tell the difference between an ICBM aimed at Kyiv and one headed for Beijing. The countries are a fair distance apart but missiles go a long way up before they come down.
You'll all be delighted to know the morning thread will be about the alternative vote system, assuming Aberdeenshire hotelier doesn't nuke Iran overnight.
It had a weight to it that most science fiction/science fiction adjacent movies do not and that’s because most (all?) of it was practically done.
This was contrasted with a trailer for latest Marvel TV show beforehand which is just put man in front of green screen.
It actually had a story and yes you’re right, the practical effects made a huge difference. It’s a rare film these days - an original IP (not a sequel or a reboot) with a plot that doesn’t treat the audience like imbeciles. It stretches in parts but it’s a grown up film for grown ups and thank god no mindless exposition or Mary-Sue’s.
I hadn’t realised the book was written by the same guy who did The Martian but it makes sense. I’ve not read either but might read this one.
I like that they didn’t shoehorn a love interest in and focussed on the emotional core which was relationship between human and rock. They gave it ample space to breathe.
The first 20 mins were a touch slow but when it got going it didn’t stop. I personally don’t mind a slow build up if it gets going. I absolutely hated the first Dune movie which was so slow I fell asleep.
So far these directors are some of my favourites. Every film I’ve seen of theirs I’ve enjoyed.
You’re exactly right. It focusses on the relationship betwixt the two. The setting is almost immaterial to its “core”, like Alien was. It’s not on the same par as Alien, but shows serious and thoughtful films can be made (and hopefully be successful) that don’t, well, treat the audience like idiots.
Sir Keir is definitely safe. Dan Hodges has quietly abandoned the idea he’s going to be challenged or quit and instead he’s just resorted to saying the local elections will be bad. Groundbreaking stuff, Dan
As a low key Christian I agree it is very niche and speaks to a minority
Far more important issues
Pleased he is in his natural home of far right nonsense
Obviously you've not seen Kemi Badenoch's tweets this evening.
Britain is a Christian country.
The Conservative Party will always celebrate our Christian heritage with deeds, not just words.
This Easter, we want to ensure local churches are properly maintained and repaired so we’re announcing a plan to restore funding for the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme which the government has recently placed caps on.
Churches matter. They aren’t just important places of worship, in many towns and villages they are the centre of the community and the pride of local people, often steeped in hundreds of years of history. It is critical we maintain them properly, because when they’re gone, this history and heritage could be lost forever.
@Conservatives believe we have a responsibility to protect our churches and make sure they endure for future generations. What are we for if not to conserve the very best of our country and our society for those yet to come?
Conservatives will protect our heritage and build a stronger country.
Let’s be hopeful and presume even Trump isn’t mad enough to drop nukes on Qom. What then is he threatening to do to Iran with his “overwhelming force”. How is he going to take them “back to the Stone Age” and “rain terror”?
He’s got about 10,000 marines there hasn’t he? What can they do? Seize Kharg island maybe? Then what?
This is hardly going to terrify the Iranians back to the Neolithic. So what is he up to?
I'm off this now. I find detailed military stuff an eyeglazer. But just one interjection, I'm not keen on your "mad" here. It would be an act of unmitigated evil. The madness of it is relevant but secondary. So, revised framing, let's presume Donald Trump isn't EVIL enough to nuke Iran. Then, yes fine, as we were, how is he going to etc etc ... ??
He's put somewhere between a third and a half of US military power into the ME theatre and then will nuke it? Hope they all have medical insurance for the long term effects.
As a low key Christian I agree it is very niche and speaks to a minority
Far more important issues
Pleased he is in his natural home of far right nonsense
Obviously you've not seen Kemi Badenoch's tweets this evening.
Britain is a Christian country.
The Conservative Party will always celebrate our Christian heritage with deeds, not just words.
This Easter, we want to ensure local churches are properly maintained and repaired so we’re announcing a plan to restore funding for the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme which the government has recently placed caps on.
Churches matter. They aren’t just important places of worship, in many towns and villages they are the centre of the community and the pride of local people, often steeped in hundreds of years of history. It is critical we maintain them properly, because when they’re gone, this history and heritage could be lost forever.
@Conservatives believe we have a responsibility to protect our churches and make sure they endure for future generations. What are we for if not to conserve the very best of our country and our society for those yet to come?
Conservatives will protect our heritage and build a stronger country.
I just hate this stuff and it turns me completely off them. They’re at their best when they start speaking to actual working people. Then they’ve got some traction with me.
You'll all be delighted to know the morning thread will be about the alternative vote system, assuming Aberdeenshire hotelier doesn't nuke Iran overnight.
Sir Keir is definitely safe. Dan Hodges has quietly abandoned the idea he’s going to be challenged or quit and instead he’s just resorted to saying the local elections will be bad. Groundbreaking stuff, Dan
But he was 'toast' and his exit was 'done deal'!
These people.
I honestly think this Labour Party does not talk to much of the media. That’s why many of their sources seem to be wrong all of the time.
You'll all be delighted to know the morning thread will be about the alternative vote system, assuming Aberdeenshire hotelier doesn't nuke Iran overnight.
Ironically Trump is in exactly the same position that Putin put himself in when he invaded Ukraine. Both wanted and expected a quick gratifying victory. Both quite quickly got sucked into a horrible morass with diminishing options
We know that Putin seriously considered nukes when the Ukrainians started counter attacking successfully around Kharkiv
Or at least we know that the Biden regime FEARED he was about to use nukes
I thought we knew that the Russians quickly dropped the idea when the Chinese told them it would seriously piss them off.
China would be the big loser if the US or Russia uses nukes in an attempt to win a war of conquest, because it would likely shock all their enemies in East Asia into going nuclear. The last thing China wants is a nuclear Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Another question is whether China's nuclear defence radars can tell the difference between an ICBM aimed at Kyiv and one headed for Beijing. The countries are a fair distance apart but missiles go a long way up before they come down.
That's less of a problem, I think, because I believe the Russian still have a wide range of nukes they can fire from, e.g. bombers, or shorter range ballistic missiles.
You'll all be delighted to know the morning thread will be about the alternative vote system, assuming Aberdeenshire hotelier doesn't nuke Iran overnight.
So should a Sikh also remove their dress or what about a Jewish person?
Do they cover their faces?
You didn’t make any mention of that you just said “appear like this”. Am I a mind reader?
Not me, isam.
Any way. How many Sikh or Jewish women cover their faces?
Sorry my apologies, I did mix you up.
I don’t know, I imagine zero?
But that wasn’t what the original poster said.
There is a very small, very weird sub sect of Haredi who wear what looks awfully like a burqa. There's just a few hundred of them, IIRC. rarely seen in this country.
Let’s be hopeful and presume even Trump isn’t mad enough to drop nukes on Qom. What then is he threatening to do to Iran with his “overwhelming force”. How is he going to take them “back to the Stone Age” and “rain terror”?
He’s got about 10,000 marines there hasn’t he? What can they do? Seize Kharg island maybe? Then what?
This is hardly going to terrify the Iranians back to the Neolithic. So what is he up to?
I'm off this now. I find detailed military stuff an eyeglazer. But just one interjection, I'm not keen on your "mad" here. It would be an act of unmitigated evil. The madness of it is relevant but secondary. So, revised framing, let's presume Donald Trump isn't EVIL enough to nuke Iran. Then, yes fine, as we were, how is he going to etc etc ... ??
I’ve just spent 50 minutes reading military experts on X so you don’t have to. They all believe Trump is going to do “something big” - he’s gone too far to chicken out this time. And he’s put his pieces in place
The two good but unlikely options are
1. They’re wrong. He’s bluffing again 2. Iran blinks and surrenders
More likely are these options
3. A ground assault that goes surprisingly well, America seizes key sites with minor losses and Iran surrenders 4. A ground assault that goes predictably badly, America is sucked into a new Vietnam/iraq and the world spirals into a terrifying energy shortage, and much else
Sir Keir is definitely safe. Dan Hodges has quietly abandoned the idea he’s going to be challenged or quit and instead he’s just resorted to saying the local elections will be bad. Groundbreaking stuff, Dan
But he was 'toast' and his exit was 'done deal'!
These people.
I honestly think this Labour Party does not talk to much of the media. That’s why many of their sources seem to be wrong all of the time.
Dan’s must be some of the worst.
He's terrible. Rentoul is little better. Per him Emily Thornbury was 'nailed on' for deputy leader after Rayner's demise.
Let’s be hopeful and presume even Trump isn’t mad enough to drop nukes on Qom. What then is he threatening to do to Iran with his “overwhelming force”. How is he going to take them “back to the Stone Age” and “rain terror”?
He’s got about 10,000 marines there hasn’t he? What can they do? Seize Kharg island maybe? Then what?
This is hardly going to terrify the Iranians back to the Neolithic. So what is he up to?
Raining hell (which is what he said) suggests from the sky.
To game it, ask what Netanyahu will say (or has already said) if Trump consults.
Incidentally I had a curious dream last night about Georgian Orthodox monks, a group in whom I have never before had much of an interest. Does anyone here know how they rate among Orthodox believers on the apocalypticist scale?
Comments
If nukes stop being a deterrent and start being a weapon to be used 'tactically' then we're all fucked.
First thing I'd do is relocate out of London.
Hm
The USA doesn’t HAVE overwhelming military force, not in terms of invading and conquering Iran and forcing regime change. America only achieved a bloody score draw in Iraq and Iran is much bigger, nastier and more powerful
I'm not sure Trump will thank him for pointing that out!
“Not being in London” is not going to save you from having your eyeballs melted and weird sores covering your face that look like Rice Krispies in tomato soup, and then you die, not if it really kicks off. Also then we all stop speaking English and just grunt
Note he's been targeting many culturally significant buildings with his missile and drone attacks already.
If you have it, you don't need to say you have it.
If you say you have it, it's a strong indication that you probably don't.
Except if there's no future.
The Bulwark
@BulwarkOnline
·
7h
Tim Miller: "If you'd asked me in 2020, who is the most likely country to be the next country to use a nuke...I would've said North Korea...maybe Pakistan... If you asked me right now...I would say probably Donald Trump is most likely to use a nuke."
https://x.com/BulwarkOnline/status/2040354026722623943
No one likes us, I don't know why
We may not be perfect, but heaven knows we try
And all around, even our old friends put us down
Let's drop the big one and see what happens
We give them money, but are they grateful?
No, they're spiteful and they're hateful
They don't respect us, so let's surprise them
We'll drop the big one and pulverize them
Asia's crowded, Europe's too old
Africa is far too hot and Canada's too cold
And South America stole our name
Let's drop the big one, there'll be no one left to blame us
We'll save Australia
Don't wanna hurt no kangaroo
We'll build an all-American amusement park there
They got surfing too!
Boom goes London, boom Paris
More room for you and more room for me
And every city the whole world 'round
Will just be another American town
Oh, how peaceful it'll be
We'll set everybody free
You wear a Japanese kimono, babe
There'll be Italian shoes for me
They all hate us anyhow
So let's drop the big one now
Let's drop the big one now
And then irony died.
I don't think criminals should be allowed to appear in court like this.
https://x.com/tomhfh/status/2040449913780113843?s=46&t=CW4pL-mMpTqsJXCdjW0Z6Q
Got to consider minimum damage that might cause immediate surrender vs obliterate the UK as a functioning society.
Robert Jenrick, Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman, accused Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, of “cultural vandalism” after the Government scrapped VAT exemptions for churches to pay for repairs this week..Mr Jenrick also pledged that a Reform government would make the National Lottery restore its support for churches. National Lottery allocation decisions have resulted in funding for churches and chapels falling from £46m in 2017-18 to £11m in 2022-23.'
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/04/04/reform-vow-end-labour-vat-raid-churches/
Though now Covid restrictions are gone Chile, Uruguay and Argentina come back into play.
https://www.reddit.com/r/southcarolina/comments/1rq119k/lindsay_graham_im_not_with_you_im_with_israel/
The winelands are lovely
A trillion miles from anywhere
Alternatively the Margaret River area in Western Australia. It’s idyllically green and lovely with a near-Mediterranean climate
I did a food festival there for the gazette and they showed us around the region. On one coastal walk the guide pointed to a huge, isolated, slightly odd house with epic views of the sea
The guide explained it was literally owned and developed by an American billionaire as a bolt hole and a bunker if everything went to shit
C***
I feel that if any songs are gonna come out of World War III, we’d better start writing them now...
So long, Mom,
I'm off to drop the bomb,
So don't wait up for me.
But though I may roam,
I'll come back to my home,
Although it may be
A pile of debris.
Remember, Mommy,
I'm off to get a Commie,
So send me a salami,
And try to smile somehow.
I'll look for you when the war is over -
An hour and a half from now
This was contrasted with a trailer for latest Marvel TV show beforehand which is just put man in front of green screen.
1. the thread topic is not THAT interesting
And
2. it is unfortunately possible that Trump will do this (serious people are discussing it on X) and it’s such an overwhelmingly serious issue it’s bound to overtake any thread
I would MUCH prefer to live in a world where we didn’t have to discuss this
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/polymarket-pulls-nuclear-detonation-market-053132216.html
Unless I can work out what market they're manipulating on the day it will just have to be a surprise.
"Mr Jenrick also pledged that a Reform government would make the National Lottery restore its support for churches. National Lottery allocation decisions have resulted in funding for churches and chapels falling from £46m in 2017-18 to £11m in 2022-23."
Bart not yet on the thread.
Seems an odd comment.
Orangologists will recall his arrival back at the White House in 2020 after he'd recovered from a SARS-Cov-2 infection. Removing his face mask, he gazed into the light of the sun as it was about to set. It was the golden hour. In his own mind, a historic moment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivDi8ppUm9w
I like that they didn’t shoehorn a love interest in and focussed on the emotional core which was relationship between human and rock. They gave it ample space to breathe.
The first 20 mins were a touch slow but when it got going it didn’t stop. I personally don’t mind a slow build up if it gets going. I absolutely hated the first Dune movie which was so slow I fell asleep.
So far these directors are some of my favourites. Every film I’ve seen of theirs I’ve enjoyed.
China would be the big loser if the US or Russia uses nukes in an attempt to win a war of conquest, because it would likely shock all their enemies in East Asia into going nuclear. The last thing China wants is a nuclear Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Let’s be hopeful and presume even Trump isn’t mad enough to drop nukes on Qom. What then is he threatening to do to Iran with his “overwhelming force”. How is he going to take them “back to the Stone Age” and “rain terror”?
He’s got about 10,000 marines there hasn’t he? What can they do? Seize Kharg island maybe? Then what?
This is hardly going to terrify the Iranians back to the Neolithic. So what is he up to?
Any way. How many Sikh or Jewish women cover their faces?
https://x.com/zriboua/status/2040469899651194946
My advice: The current narrative that Gulf countries are not aligned with the United States is simply false. Governments, especially in Europe, that adopt reflexively anti-Trump positions and assume the Gulf does not view the IRGC as a threat will find themselves isolated from both Washington and Gulf capitals, with long-term consequences including reduced access to Gulf capital and weaker leverage in energy negotiations.
The idea that no one has a plan or a vision of what next etc is simply in contradiction with the reality on the ground. The whole operation is being in coordination with both Israelis and Gulf countries via CENTCOM, it’s just a fact.
I don’t know, I imagine zero?
But that wasn’t what the original poster said.
The books might annoy you though. The main characters have morals.
Far more important issues
Pleased he is in his natural home of far right nonsense
Are you done? I’ve addressed the “assumed” point in any case.
These people.
Britain is a Christian country.
The Conservative Party will always celebrate our Christian heritage with deeds, not just words.
This Easter, we want to ensure local churches are properly maintained and repaired so we’re announcing a plan to restore funding for the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme which the government has recently placed caps on.
Churches matter. They aren’t just important places of worship, in many towns and villages they are the centre of the community and the pride of local people, often steeped in hundreds of years of history. It is critical we maintain them properly, because when they’re gone, this history and heritage could be lost forever.
@Conservatives believe we have a responsibility to protect our churches and make sure they endure for future generations. What are we for if not to conserve the very best of our country and our society for those yet to come?
Conservatives will protect our heritage and build a stronger country.
https://x.com/KemiBadenoch/status/2040463204841566431
Dan’s must be some of the worst.
I know how to spoil PBers.
The two good but unlikely options are
1. They’re wrong. He’s bluffing again
2. Iran blinks and surrenders
More likely are these options
3. A ground assault that goes surprisingly well, America seizes key sites with minor losses and Iran surrenders
4. A ground assault that goes predictably badly, America is sucked into a new Vietnam/iraq and the world spirals into a terrifying energy shortage, and much else
And finally
5. Nukes
To game it, ask what Netanyahu will say (or has already said) if Trump consults.
Incidentally I had a curious dream last night about Georgian Orthodox monks, a group in whom I have never before had much of an interest. Does anyone here know how they rate among Orthodox believers on the apocalypticist scale?