Iran wants money. It won't reopen Hormuz until it's paid to do so. Trump hasn't worked out a way to pay Iran without embarrassing himself. Hormuz will stay closed until he does. (View Post)

I would say the loss of influence through Brexit is real and of greater consequence than people think. Nevertheless it's a side effect of leaving rather than a reason to stay in the EU per se. I… (View Post)

Broadly I would say Brexit has two upsides and four downsides for the UK. Upsides: 1. Flexibility. The EU takes forever to come to decision. The UK can be more nimble, eg Covid vaccines. 2. Greater a… (View Post)

Blame Thatcher for the Norwegians selling us oil and gas now (Blair too but Thatcher's more resonant). Was she mentally ill and did she hate this country? (View Post)

The answer is Adenauer. It's not close. He was an annoying person, about 105 when he finally left office and senile, but the post-War settlement in Europe and between Europe and the United State… (View Post)