The temptation to nick some of their policies and rhetoric will become pretty unbearable though. Extremist parties don't have to win, to win. (View Post)

Interesting to compare your observations with mine. I think yours really relate to Istanbul - I was only there for a couple of days at the start and end of my trip. For instance, in the rest of Turke… (View Post)

Off topic: I've spent the last month in Turkey, mostly on the west coast. Here are my impressions, for anyone interested: - English-speaking Turks are, unsurprisingly, annoyed with their governm… (View Post)

Also in the 90s the Conservatives were pursuing Conservative policies, so at least their 32% core vote turned out for them. This time, they're pursuing Brownite policies, so even their core vote… (View Post)

I think the precedents of Gordon Brown and John Major are persuasive - if the polls don't turn, he'll hang on as long as he can. There's no persuasive evidence that any month is better… (View Post)