THE GUARDIAN: Tehran’s intervention comes as the Israeli prime minister heads to a hastily arranged White House encounter
Tehran has told the US not to allow Israel to destroy the chance of reaching an agreement over Iran’s nuclear programme amid speculation that Benjamin Netanyahu intends to use a hastily arranged White House meeting with Donald Trump on Wednesday to divert negotiations.
Iran’s intervention came as the Israeli prime minister flew to Washington to plead with Trump not to negotiate a deal with Tehran if it excludes limiting the country’s ballistic missile programme, dropping its support for proxy forces in the region and curtailing human rights abuses at home.
Netanyahu is deeply concerned that Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, are prepared to strike a deal confined to limiting the scope of Iran’s nuclear programme, which in Israel’s view would do nothing to rein in the long-term threat Tehran poses to the region.
Speaking before leaving for Washington, Netanyahu said he would “present to the president our approach around our principles on the negotiations”. He is expected to provide Trump with fresh intelligence about Iran’s military capabilities, including new long-range ballistic missiles. » | Patrick Wintour, Diplomatic editor | Tuesday. February 10, 2026
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
The Ties That Bound the ‘Prince of Darkness’ of U.K. Politics to Epstein
THE NEW YORK TIMES: For years Peter Mandelson, a senior British politician, concealed the depth of his friendship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, until new files were released.
When Jeffrey Epstein was still incarcerated at night in a Florida jail for soliciting prostitution from a minor, a close friend emailed with a request to stay at Mr. Epstein’s seven-story, neoclassical mansion on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
“Still OK for Fri-Sat chez vous?” wrote Peter Mandelson, then Britain’s Secretary of State for Business, on June 17, 2009.
Hours later, Mr. Epstein emailed Jes Staley, then a senior executive at JPMorgan, suggesting that he might want to set up a meeting with Mr. Mandelson and Jamie Dimon, the bank’s C.E.O.
“Peter will be staying at 71 st over weekend,” wrote Mr. Epstein, who at the time was allowed after his conviction to leave his cell during the day and work from his office. “Do you want to organize either you, or you and jamie, quietly…up to you.”
These emails are among thousands in the latest tranche of the Epstein files that mention Mr. Mandelson, a veteran British political operative whose ruthless tactics and spin led people to dub him the “Prince of Darkness.”
They reveal a deep friendship between the two men that went far beyond what was publicly known while Mr. Mandelson served in a Labour government from 2008 to 2010, then built a lucrative global consulting business, and eventually returned to public office last year when Prime Minister Keir Starmer made him ambassador to the United States. » | Michael D. Shear and Jane Bradley | Reporting from London | Tuesday, February 10, 2026
The ‘Prince of Darkness’’s queer behaviour is indeed very queer! Queers are not supposed to behave in this very queer, disgracefiul way! This queer, therefore, deserves all that is coming to him! This queer has brought shame on himself and on the queer community worldwide, for sure. Shame on him! — © Mark Alexander
When Jeffrey Epstein was still incarcerated at night in a Florida jail for soliciting prostitution from a minor, a close friend emailed with a request to stay at Mr. Epstein’s seven-story, neoclassical mansion on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
“Still OK for Fri-Sat chez vous?” wrote Peter Mandelson, then Britain’s Secretary of State for Business, on June 17, 2009.
Hours later, Mr. Epstein emailed Jes Staley, then a senior executive at JPMorgan, suggesting that he might want to set up a meeting with Mr. Mandelson and Jamie Dimon, the bank’s C.E.O.
“Peter will be staying at 71 st over weekend,” wrote Mr. Epstein, who at the time was allowed after his conviction to leave his cell during the day and work from his office. “Do you want to organize either you, or you and jamie, quietly…up to you.”
These emails are among thousands in the latest tranche of the Epstein files that mention Mr. Mandelson, a veteran British political operative whose ruthless tactics and spin led people to dub him the “Prince of Darkness.”
They reveal a deep friendship between the two men that went far beyond what was publicly known while Mr. Mandelson served in a Labour government from 2008 to 2010, then built a lucrative global consulting business, and eventually returned to public office last year when Prime Minister Keir Starmer made him ambassador to the United States. » | Michael D. Shear and Jane Bradley | Reporting from London | Tuesday, February 10, 2026
The ‘Prince of Darkness’’s queer behaviour is indeed very queer! Queers are not supposed to behave in this very queer, disgracefiul way! This queer, therefore, deserves all that is coming to him! This queer has brought shame on himself and on the queer community worldwide, for sure. Shame on him! — © Mark Alexander
« Dirty Sanchez est un tyran et un traître » : sur X, le projet de régularisation de 500.000 migrants du dirigeant espagnol dans le viseur d’Elon Musk
LE FIGARO : Le patron de Tesla enchaîne les messages virulents contre la politique migratoire de Pedro Sanchez, mais aussi contre ses prises de position sur la régulation des plateformes numériques.
« Dirty Sanchez est un tyran et un traître », a lancé le 3 février Elon Musk à l’encontre du premier ministre socialiste espagnol Pedro Sanchez. Depuis plusieurs jours, les deux hommes se livrent une véritable guerre des mots sur X. Entre l’homme le plus riche du monde, fondateur de Tesla et propriétaire de X, et le président du gouvernement espagnol, le fossé idéologique est profond. D’un côté, la figure emblématique de la Silicon Valley et ses positions libertariennes ; de l’autre, un dirigeant socialiste qui prévoit la régularisation prochaine de 500.000 sans papiers.
Tout commence le 29 janvier, lorsque le gouvernement socialiste espagnol annonce la régularisation de 50 000 migrants. Elon Musk, connu pour ses positions anti-immigration, ne tarde pas à réagir en repartageant un tweet affirmant que cette mesure n’a qu’un seul objectif : « vaincre l’extrême droite ». « La logique est simple : légalisez un demi-million de personnes, accélérez leur accès à la citoyenneté (ce qui ne prend que deux ans pour beaucoup d’entre elles), et vous aurez ainsi importé un bloc électoral massif et loyal, redevable à la gauche », explique la publication, ajoutant que le « masque » de Pedro Sanchez serait tombé. En republiant ce message, Elon Musk se contente d’un laconique « wow » . Une réaction à laquelle Pedro Sanchez ne tardera pas à répondre : « Mars peut attendre, l’humanité non. » » | Par Marie de Montalembert de Cers | mardi 10 février 2026
« Dirty Sanchez est un tyran et un traître », a lancé le 3 février Elon Musk à l’encontre du premier ministre socialiste espagnol Pedro Sanchez. Depuis plusieurs jours, les deux hommes se livrent une véritable guerre des mots sur X. Entre l’homme le plus riche du monde, fondateur de Tesla et propriétaire de X, et le président du gouvernement espagnol, le fossé idéologique est profond. D’un côté, la figure emblématique de la Silicon Valley et ses positions libertariennes ; de l’autre, un dirigeant socialiste qui prévoit la régularisation prochaine de 500.000 sans papiers.
Tout commence le 29 janvier, lorsque le gouvernement socialiste espagnol annonce la régularisation de 50 000 migrants. Elon Musk, connu pour ses positions anti-immigration, ne tarde pas à réagir en repartageant un tweet affirmant que cette mesure n’a qu’un seul objectif : « vaincre l’extrême droite ». « La logique est simple : légalisez un demi-million de personnes, accélérez leur accès à la citoyenneté (ce qui ne prend que deux ans pour beaucoup d’entre elles), et vous aurez ainsi importé un bloc électoral massif et loyal, redevable à la gauche », explique la publication, ajoutant que le « masque » de Pedro Sanchez serait tombé. En republiant ce message, Elon Musk se contente d’un laconique « wow » . Une réaction à laquelle Pedro Sanchez ne tardera pas à répondre : « Mars peut attendre, l’humanité non. » » | Par Marie de Montalembert de Cers | mardi 10 février 2026
Das Ende des Zweiten Weltkriegs: Schlachtfeld Deutschland | SPIEGEL TV
Apr 5, 2025 | In den ersten Monaten des Jahres 1945 tobt der Zweite Weltkrieg in Europa. Heftige Kämpfe und Bombenangriffe kosten Hunderttausende Menschen das Leben. Im Westen erobern US-Truppen und britische Einheiten Stadt für Stadt, im Osten rückt die Rote Armee immer weiter Richtung Berlin vor.
Millionen Menschen fliehen, oft ohne Ziel. Die unvermeidbare Niederlage Nazi-Deutschlands zeichnet sich deutlich ab, trotzdem ziehen noch Tausende sehr junge und ältere Männer als letztes Aufgebot für Adolf Hitler in den Kampf - die einen aus blindem Fanatismus, die anderen, weil ihnen bei Verweigerung die Todesstrafe droht.
Als alliierte Soldaten die ersten Konzentrationslager erreichen, erahnen sie das Ausmaß des Grauens, den die verbrecherische Naziherrschaft über die Menschen brachte. »Das Ende des Zweiten Weltkriegs: Schlachtfeld Deutschland« zeichnet den Kriegsverlauf in den letzten Monaten und Wochen vor der Kapitulation Deutschlands nach. Als alles bereits verloren war, aber immer noch gekämpft und gestorben wurde.
Millionen Menschen fliehen, oft ohne Ziel. Die unvermeidbare Niederlage Nazi-Deutschlands zeichnet sich deutlich ab, trotzdem ziehen noch Tausende sehr junge und ältere Männer als letztes Aufgebot für Adolf Hitler in den Kampf - die einen aus blindem Fanatismus, die anderen, weil ihnen bei Verweigerung die Todesstrafe droht.
Als alliierte Soldaten die ersten Konzentrationslager erreichen, erahnen sie das Ausmaß des Grauens, den die verbrecherische Naziherrschaft über die Menschen brachte. »Das Ende des Zweiten Weltkriegs: Schlachtfeld Deutschland« zeichnet den Kriegsverlauf in den letzten Monaten und Wochen vor der Kapitulation Deutschlands nach. Als alles bereits verloren war, aber immer noch gekämpft und gestorben wurde.
James Carville: Trump is About to Get the Ass-Whippin' of His Life
Bring on the “ass-whippin”, Mr Carville! I, for one, cannot wait to observe it! I am sure I am not alone; in fact. I know I am not alone. I know of no sane person who can tolerate Trump, still less anyone who likes him! I am waiting for the day when I can uncork a bottle of champagne to celebrate his humiliation and demise. Better still, strip him of his stolen assets and send him to his favourite concentration camp in El Salvador, where he can end his sad, pathetic days. Ooh! And don’t forget to shave off his peroxide-blond locks before he enters the concentration camp! — © Mark Alexander
Kuba steht still: Treibstoffkrise legt Verkehr, Kliniken und Alltag lahm
BERLINER ZEITUNG: Ausbleibende Öllieferungen und verschärfter US-Druck treiben Kuba in eine historische Krise. Nach Jahren der Knappheit geraten Stromversorgung, Nahverkehr und Gesundheitswesen an ihre Grenzen.
Kuba steckt in einer sich dramatisch zuspitzenden Energie- und Versorgungskrise. Auslöser ist vor allem der wachsende Druck der Vereinigten Staaten, der die Insel weitgehend von Öllieferungen aus dem Ausland abgeschnitten hat. Besonders der Ausfall von Lieferungen aus Venezuela hat dazu geführt, dass es an Treibstoff für Stromerzeugung, Transport und Industrie fehlt.
Die Regierung in Havanna reagiert mit landesweiten Rationierungen: Gesundheitsversorgung, Nahverkehr und Bildungsangebote werden eingeschränkt, selbst der internationale Flugverkehr ist betroffen. Andere mögliche Lieferanten sind bislang kaum eingesprungen. Algerien und Russland liefern seit dem vergangenen Jahr keine nennenswerten Mengen mehr. Damit verschärft sich eine ohnehin historische Krise weiter – das Leben der Bevölkerung, seit Jahren von Mangel geprägt, wird von Woche zu Woche spürbar bedrohlicher. » | Alexander Schmalz | Dienstag, 10. Februar 2026
Kuba steckt in einer sich dramatisch zuspitzenden Energie- und Versorgungskrise. Auslöser ist vor allem der wachsende Druck der Vereinigten Staaten, der die Insel weitgehend von Öllieferungen aus dem Ausland abgeschnitten hat. Besonders der Ausfall von Lieferungen aus Venezuela hat dazu geführt, dass es an Treibstoff für Stromerzeugung, Transport und Industrie fehlt.
Die Regierung in Havanna reagiert mit landesweiten Rationierungen: Gesundheitsversorgung, Nahverkehr und Bildungsangebote werden eingeschränkt, selbst der internationale Flugverkehr ist betroffen. Andere mögliche Lieferanten sind bislang kaum eingesprungen. Algerien und Russland liefern seit dem vergangenen Jahr keine nennenswerten Mengen mehr. Damit verschärft sich eine ohnehin historische Krise weiter – das Leben der Bevölkerung, seit Jahren von Mangel geprägt, wird von Woche zu Woche spürbar bedrohlicher. » | Alexander Schmalz | Dienstag, 10. Februar 2026
Queer (2024): Is He Queer?
FYI: Quite by chance and co-incidence, this film is being broadcast tonight at 11pm on BBC 2. I also believe that shortly after that, it will be available for viewing on the BBC iPlayer. I shall be watching it. It should be extremely enjoyable to watch. Luca Guadagnino is a superb film director. He also directed the film, Call Me By Your Name, which was truly superb. One of the best movies I have ever seen. So this film should be great, too. — Mark
Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey : When You Believe | Official HD Video | Reupload
Pourquoi l'extraction des richesses de l'Arctique reste un mirage
Irish Man Held in ICE Detention Says He Fears for His Life and Asks Ireland for Help
THE GUARDIAN: Seamus Culleton describes conditions as ‘torture’ as he pleads with taoiseach to raise his case with Donald Trump
An Irish man who has been held by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement for five months despite having a valid work permit and no criminal record says he fears for his life and has appealed for help from Ireland’s government.
Seamus Culleton said conditions at his detention centre in Texas were akin to “torture” and that the atmosphere was volatile. “I’m not in fear of the other inmates. I’m afraid of the staff. They’re capable of anything.”
Speaking from the El Paso facility to Ireland’s RTÉ radio, Culleton implored the taoiseach, Micheál Martin, to raise his case with Donald Trump when he visits the White House next month for St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
“Just try to get me out of here and do all you can, please. It’s an absolute torture, psychological and physical torture,” Culleton said, adding he did not know how much more he could take. “It’s just a horrible, horrible, horrible place.” » | Rory Carroll, Ireland correspondent | Tuesday, February 10, 2026
An Irish man who has been held by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement for five months despite having a valid work permit and no criminal record says he fears for his life and has appealed for help from Ireland’s government.
Seamus Culleton said conditions at his detention centre in Texas were akin to “torture” and that the atmosphere was volatile. “I’m not in fear of the other inmates. I’m afraid of the staff. They’re capable of anything.”
Speaking from the El Paso facility to Ireland’s RTÉ radio, Culleton implored the taoiseach, Micheál Martin, to raise his case with Donald Trump when he visits the White House next month for St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
“Just try to get me out of here and do all you can, please. It’s an absolute torture, psychological and physical torture,” Culleton said, adding he did not know how much more he could take. “It’s just a horrible, horrible, horrible place.” » | Rory Carroll, Ireland correspondent | Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Kiffen erlaubt – Was bringt's? | Agree to Disagree! | ARTE
Meines Erachtens ist es schwierig zu verstehen, wie Regierungen fast im gleichen Atemzug das Verbannen vom Rauchen zu reden können und die Legalisierung vom Cannabis-Konsum. Auf der einen Seite sprechen sie vom Schutz der Gesundheit der Bevölkerung, doch auf der anderen Seite sprechen sie von der Erlaubnis und der Legalisierung einer Substanz, die wir bislang viel zu wenig über die langfristige Gesundheitsschädigende Wirkungen wissen. — © Mark Alexander
Nigel Farage Attacks Labour over Smoking Ban Proposal
Aug 29, 2024 | Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has criticised Sir Keir Starmer's potential plan to ban smoking outside pubs whilst enjoying a pint and smoking a cigarette outside the Westminster Arms pub in Westminster.
Sir Keir has said the Government will 'take decisions' on a potential outdoor smoking ban in an effort to curb preventable deaths and alleviate pressures on the NHS.
I know that this video is a little old now, but the problem of UK smoking bans has not gone away.
Regular visitors to this website will know that I am NO FAN of Nigel Farage; in fact, he is my bête noire, mainly because of his anti-EU stance and his dragging of this country out of the European Union, thus causing the nation to be impoverished and UK citizens to be robbed of many rights. So, seeing me post something positive about him will come as a bit of a surprise to many, I feel sure. However, I like to be fair to all, and on the smoking ban, Nigel Farage is absolutely correct. Even though I am no longer a smoker—I haven’t been a smoker for nearly four years, now—I am four square against any smoking bans. And for many important reasons. These are some important ones…
1. I loathe and despise bans of any kind: they go against my love of freedom and my devotion and commitment to libertarianism. The state should not interfere in my right to live my life as I see fit.
2. A generational smoking ban will be totally and utterly unworkable. Moreover, the police has its work cut out already, trying to police the important things—and they are failing to do that half the time—so let us not add more unworkable tasks to their day-to-day list of crimes and misdemeanours which they have to try and deal with.
3. By outlawing cigarette smoking to the young, you are making it more appealing. Anyone who has ever worked with young people should know that nothing is more appealing to the rebellious youth than something, some activity, which is forbidden. The Bible teaches us this from the story of Adam and Eve. If our politicians want to make smoking more desirable and enticing, then all they have to do is ban it!
4. By making cigarette smoking impossible, either through bans or prohibitive pricing, all you do is push our young people—and older people—to other unhealthy activities and pursuits. No politicians of any stripe are ever going to be able to create Utopia. So, what people will do is increasingly turn to drugs—cannabis, ketamine, fentanyl, cocaine, etc—for their kicks. For, be not mistaken… they will seek out their kicks.
Life is replete with risks and unhealthy activities. No politician can eliminate them, and nor should any politician even try to. Let people work hard and then play. This is the only way to ensure a well-functioning, happy and content society. — © Mark Alexander
Sir Keir has said the Government will 'take decisions' on a potential outdoor smoking ban in an effort to curb preventable deaths and alleviate pressures on the NHS.
I know that this video is a little old now, but the problem of UK smoking bans has not gone away.
Regular visitors to this website will know that I am NO FAN of Nigel Farage; in fact, he is my bête noire, mainly because of his anti-EU stance and his dragging of this country out of the European Union, thus causing the nation to be impoverished and UK citizens to be robbed of many rights. So, seeing me post something positive about him will come as a bit of a surprise to many, I feel sure. However, I like to be fair to all, and on the smoking ban, Nigel Farage is absolutely correct. Even though I am no longer a smoker—I haven’t been a smoker for nearly four years, now—I am four square against any smoking bans. And for many important reasons. These are some important ones…
1. I loathe and despise bans of any kind: they go against my love of freedom and my devotion and commitment to libertarianism. The state should not interfere in my right to live my life as I see fit.
2. A generational smoking ban will be totally and utterly unworkable. Moreover, the police has its work cut out already, trying to police the important things—and they are failing to do that half the time—so let us not add more unworkable tasks to their day-to-day list of crimes and misdemeanours which they have to try and deal with.
3. By outlawing cigarette smoking to the young, you are making it more appealing. Anyone who has ever worked with young people should know that nothing is more appealing to the rebellious youth than something, some activity, which is forbidden. The Bible teaches us this from the story of Adam and Eve. If our politicians want to make smoking more desirable and enticing, then all they have to do is ban it!
4. By making cigarette smoking impossible, either through bans or prohibitive pricing, all you do is push our young people—and older people—to other unhealthy activities and pursuits. No politicians of any stripe are ever going to be able to create Utopia. So, what people will do is increasingly turn to drugs—cannabis, ketamine, fentanyl, cocaine, etc—for their kicks. For, be not mistaken… they will seek out their kicks.
Life is replete with risks and unhealthy activities. No politician can eliminate them, and nor should any politician even try to. Let people work hard and then play. This is the only way to ensure a well-functioning, happy and content society. — © Mark Alexander
Wenig Interesse, kaum Widerstand: Warum Russlands Bevölkerung Putins stärkste Waffe ist
BERLINER ZEITUNG: Das Interesse am Ukraine-Krieg nimmt in Russland ab, doch die Unterstützung bleibt hoch. Lewada-Umfragen zeigen: Politische Apathie stabilisiert Putins Kurs.
Den jüngsten Umfragen des unabhängigen russischen Meinungsforschungsinstitutes Lewada-Zentrum zufolge stagniert das Interesse der russischen Bevölkerung am Kriegsgeschehen in der Ukraine seit dem Höchstwert von 66 Prozent im September 2022 bei rund 50 Prozent. Im Januar 2026 verfolgten nur noch 45 Prozent der Befragten (13 Prozent „sehr aufmerksam“ und 32 Prozent „ziemlich aufmerksam“) das Kriegsgeschehen.
Auch die Unterstützung der sogenannten Spezialmilitäroperation bleibt nach wie vor auf einem hohen Niveau. Demnach befürworten im Januar 76 Prozent der Befragten das Vorgehen der russischen Streitkräfte in der Ukraine; davon 43 Prozent „definitiv ja“ und 33 Prozent „eher ja“. Gleichzeitig bleibt die Zahl derjenigen, die den Kriegshandlungen gegenüber eine ablehnende Haltung zeigen, mit 16 Prozent deutlich unter der 20-Prozent-Marke. Selbst wenn man 8 Prozent der Befragten mit „keiner Antwort“ zu den Kriegsgegnern hinzurechnet, bleibt die Zahl der skeptisch eingestellten Personen unter 25 Prozent. Im Übrigen wurde die höchste Negativstimmung unmittelbar nach dem Ausbruch der Kampfhandlungen Ende Februar 2022 mit 23 Prozent (sowie 9 Prozent „keine Antwort“) gemessen. » | Alexander Dubowy | Dienstag, 10. Februar 2026
Den jüngsten Umfragen des unabhängigen russischen Meinungsforschungsinstitutes Lewada-Zentrum zufolge stagniert das Interesse der russischen Bevölkerung am Kriegsgeschehen in der Ukraine seit dem Höchstwert von 66 Prozent im September 2022 bei rund 50 Prozent. Im Januar 2026 verfolgten nur noch 45 Prozent der Befragten (13 Prozent „sehr aufmerksam“ und 32 Prozent „ziemlich aufmerksam“) das Kriegsgeschehen.
Auch die Unterstützung der sogenannten Spezialmilitäroperation bleibt nach wie vor auf einem hohen Niveau. Demnach befürworten im Januar 76 Prozent der Befragten das Vorgehen der russischen Streitkräfte in der Ukraine; davon 43 Prozent „definitiv ja“ und 33 Prozent „eher ja“. Gleichzeitig bleibt die Zahl derjenigen, die den Kriegshandlungen gegenüber eine ablehnende Haltung zeigen, mit 16 Prozent deutlich unter der 20-Prozent-Marke. Selbst wenn man 8 Prozent der Befragten mit „keiner Antwort“ zu den Kriegsgegnern hinzurechnet, bleibt die Zahl der skeptisch eingestellten Personen unter 25 Prozent. Im Übrigen wurde die höchste Negativstimmung unmittelbar nach dem Ausbruch der Kampfhandlungen Ende Februar 2022 mit 23 Prozent (sowie 9 Prozent „keine Antwort“) gemessen. » | Alexander Dubowy | Dienstag, 10. Februar 2026
Affaire Epstein : « profondément inquiet » pour son frère Andrew, le roi Charles III se dit « prêt à aider » la police
LE FIGARO : Les enquêteurs ont indiqué lundi « examiner » des informations selon lesquelles Andrew aurait transmis en 2010 à Jeffrey Epstein des rapports confidentiels alors qu’il était envoyé spécial au Commerce.
Après huit jours de nouvelles révélations concernant les liens entre Andrew et le pédocriminel Jeffrey Epstein, Charles III et son fils William sont sortis lundi de leur réserve pour exprimer leur préoccupation, le roi se disant même « prêt à aider » la police. Dans un communiqué de Buckingham Palace, le roi, qui avait déjà pris la mesure historique en octobre de déchoir son cadet de ses titres royaux et de le forcer à quitter sa résidence de Windsor, est allé plus loin, semblant accentuer la pression pour qu’Andrew témoigne auprès de la police.
« C’est à Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor de répondre aux allégations spécifiques », souligne le communiqué, « mais si nous sommes sollicités par la police de la Thames Valley (qui couvre le domaine de Windsor, ndlr), nous sommes prêts à la soutenir », indique le palais. La police avait indiqué plus tôt lundi « examiner » des informations selon lesquelles Andrew aurait transmis en 2010 au financier américain des rapports confidentiels alors qu’il était envoyé spécial au commerce international. Ces informations sont venues de nouveaux courriels ayant émergé au cours des dernières 24 heures des millions de documents tirés des dossiers Epstein publiés fin janvier par le ministère américain de la Justice. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | lundi 9 février 2026
Après huit jours de nouvelles révélations concernant les liens entre Andrew et le pédocriminel Jeffrey Epstein, Charles III et son fils William sont sortis lundi de leur réserve pour exprimer leur préoccupation, le roi se disant même « prêt à aider » la police. Dans un communiqué de Buckingham Palace, le roi, qui avait déjà pris la mesure historique en octobre de déchoir son cadet de ses titres royaux et de le forcer à quitter sa résidence de Windsor, est allé plus loin, semblant accentuer la pression pour qu’Andrew témoigne auprès de la police.
« C’est à Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor de répondre aux allégations spécifiques », souligne le communiqué, « mais si nous sommes sollicités par la police de la Thames Valley (qui couvre le domaine de Windsor, ndlr), nous sommes prêts à la soutenir », indique le palais. La police avait indiqué plus tôt lundi « examiner » des informations selon lesquelles Andrew aurait transmis en 2010 au financier américain des rapports confidentiels alors qu’il était envoyé spécial au commerce international. Ces informations sont venues de nouveaux courriels ayant émergé au cours des dernières 24 heures des millions de documents tirés des dossiers Epstein publiés fin janvier par le ministère américain de la Justice. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | lundi 9 février 2026
Thom Hartmann: Trump's Silencing of Voice of America Is Another Gift to Authoritarians
Feb 9, 2026 | Trump killed Voice of America, our message to Europe, and is replacing it with right-wing think tanks in Europe. How is this all going to play out?
Thom Hartmann discusses what he calls "propaganda operations" funded by the United States in Europe, a significant topic in current geopolitics. He recalls Donald Trump's actions regarding the Voice of America, highlighting a critical moment in us politics explained.
This analysis offers important political news and sheds light on the nature of information warfare in international relations.
Thom Hartmann discusses what he calls "propaganda operations" funded by the United States in Europe, a significant topic in current geopolitics. He recalls Donald Trump's actions regarding the Voice of America, highlighting a critical moment in us politics explained.
This analysis offers important political news and sheds light on the nature of information warfare in international relations.
Epstein Files Expose Central Europe as a “Hunting Ground” | News in Depth
Feb 6, 2026 | Matthew Day says the new Jeffrey Epstein files show Central and Eastern Europe – especially Poland – served as a recruiting ground, with Warsaw as the operation's travel hub for moving young women abroad.
He explains that Epstein’s team didn’t only use agencies to find women; they also drove through villages looking for girls, often targeting poor or broken homes with promises of money, apartments, or education.
According to witness testimony, this allegedly happened at a shocking scale, sometimes around five underage girls a week in the early 2000s. Day also warns that beyond trafficking, there may be a blackmail angle involving powerful people, which is why governments like Poland are treating this as a national security issue.
His bottom line: there are millions of documents still unseen, key names are redacted, and until everything comes out, real accountability is likely to remain nonexistent.
He explains that Epstein’s team didn’t only use agencies to find women; they also drove through villages looking for girls, often targeting poor or broken homes with promises of money, apartments, or education.
According to witness testimony, this allegedly happened at a shocking scale, sometimes around five underage girls a week in the early 2000s. Day also warns that beyond trafficking, there may be a blackmail angle involving powerful people, which is why governments like Poland are treating this as a national security issue.
His bottom line: there are millions of documents still unseen, key names are redacted, and until everything comes out, real accountability is likely to remain nonexistent.
Skiing - A History | ARTE.tv Documentary
Feb 8, 2026 | Skiing, a popular winter sport for Europe’s middle-classes, is much older than many people think: Remains of wooden skis have been found in Scandinavia dating back thousands of years. Skiing began as a means of survival in prehistoric times, only becoming synonymous with glamour and leisure in the modern era.
Skiing - A History | ARTE.tv Documentary
Available until: 03/03/2026
Skiing - A History | ARTE.tv Documentary
Available until: 03/03/2026
Michael Wolff Breaks His Silence after Bombshell Epstein Release
How Bezos, Musk, and Trump Took Over the Media (and Why the Midterms Are at Risk)
ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here.
Die Geschichte Chinas (1/3) | Doku HD Reupload | ARTE
Feb 8, 2026 | Die dreiteilige Doku erzählt anhand außergewöhnlicher Archivbilder von Chinas Aufstieg und Fall im Laufe der Geschichte. Dank der Einordnungen internationaler Historiker:innen entsteht eine völlig neue Perspektive auf 150 Jahre chinesischer Geschichte. Teil 1: China ist den Europäern Anfang des 19. Jahrhunderts unheimlich. Das "Reich der Mitte" schottet sich ab ...
Mehr als 2.000 Jahre lang wähnte sich China im Zentrum der Welt, ohne ernstzunehmende Gegner und hermetisch abgeriegelt von Fremden, die allesamt als unbedeutende Barbaren galten. Doch im 19. Jahrhundert sah sich das Reich der Mitte mit der geballten Macht der Europäer konfrontiert. Ein brutaler Schock, der das Land fast vernichtet hätte.
Aber China gab sich nicht geschlagen, sondern interessierte sich zunehmend für neue Ideen aus aller Welt – aus Russland, Deutschland, Japan und den USA – und machte sie sich zunutze.
Von den luxuriösen Kaiserpalästen bis zu den überfüllten Straßen Pekings, von durch Krieg und Hungersnot verwüsteten Landstrichen bis zu den Kreisen der im Exil lebenden chinesischen Intellektuellen erfanden außergewöhnliche Frauen und Männer das Land neu. Wie wurde China in anderthalb Jahrhunderten wieder zu dem, was es zwei Jahrtausende lang war: eine führende Weltmacht? Die dreiteilige Dokumentation sucht nach Antworten.
Die erste Folge beginnt in der Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts, als China angegriffen wird und begreift, dass es sich neu erfinden muss, um nicht unterzugehen. Rebellenführer, Mandarine und mächtige Frauen kämpfen im Namen von Idealen, die uns heute widersprüchlich erscheinen, indem sie Anschauungen aus der chinesischen Tradition mit Elementen aus dem Christentum, dem Nationalismus oder dem Feminismus verbinden. In diesem halben Jahrhundert steht die Nation am Rande des Abgrunds und versucht einen Weg zu finden, zu überleben. Ohne ihre Identität zu preiszugeben, erfindet sie sich neu.
Dokureihe, Regie: Karim Miske und Ilana Navaro (F 2022, 54 Min)
Video verfügbar bis zum 14/07/2026
Mehr als 2.000 Jahre lang wähnte sich China im Zentrum der Welt, ohne ernstzunehmende Gegner und hermetisch abgeriegelt von Fremden, die allesamt als unbedeutende Barbaren galten. Doch im 19. Jahrhundert sah sich das Reich der Mitte mit der geballten Macht der Europäer konfrontiert. Ein brutaler Schock, der das Land fast vernichtet hätte.
Aber China gab sich nicht geschlagen, sondern interessierte sich zunehmend für neue Ideen aus aller Welt – aus Russland, Deutschland, Japan und den USA – und machte sie sich zunutze.
Von den luxuriösen Kaiserpalästen bis zu den überfüllten Straßen Pekings, von durch Krieg und Hungersnot verwüsteten Landstrichen bis zu den Kreisen der im Exil lebenden chinesischen Intellektuellen erfanden außergewöhnliche Frauen und Männer das Land neu. Wie wurde China in anderthalb Jahrhunderten wieder zu dem, was es zwei Jahrtausende lang war: eine führende Weltmacht? Die dreiteilige Dokumentation sucht nach Antworten.
Die erste Folge beginnt in der Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts, als China angegriffen wird und begreift, dass es sich neu erfinden muss, um nicht unterzugehen. Rebellenführer, Mandarine und mächtige Frauen kämpfen im Namen von Idealen, die uns heute widersprüchlich erscheinen, indem sie Anschauungen aus der chinesischen Tradition mit Elementen aus dem Christentum, dem Nationalismus oder dem Feminismus verbinden. In diesem halben Jahrhundert steht die Nation am Rande des Abgrunds und versucht einen Weg zu finden, zu überleben. Ohne ihre Identität zu preiszugeben, erfindet sie sich neu.
Dokureihe, Regie: Karim Miske und Ilana Navaro (F 2022, 54 Min)
Video verfügbar bis zum 14/07/2026
Maxwell Offers to Speak ‘Fully' about Epstein Files If Pardoned by Trump | ABC NEWS
Feb 9, 2026 | Ghislaine Maxwell, the partner of Jeffrey Esptein, has appeared before a US congressional committee to testify on the White House’s handling of files from an investigation into the late convicted sex trafficker.
Maxwell pleaded the Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate herself, but her lawyer says she is willing to speak ‘fully and honestly’ if US President Donald Trump grants her clemency.
Americas Editor John Lyons says a presidential pardon would risk outraging Trump’s MAGA base, which is already agitated by the administration’s delay in releasing more Epstein files.
Maxwell pleaded the Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate herself, but her lawyer says she is willing to speak ‘fully and honestly’ if US President Donald Trump grants her clemency.
Americas Editor John Lyons says a presidential pardon would risk outraging Trump’s MAGA base, which is already agitated by the administration’s delay in releasing more Epstein files.
Monday, February 09, 2026
Prince Andrew, Epstein, and the Psychology of Entitlement | A Psychiatrist with Andrew Lownie
Feb 6, 2026 | In this episode of Shrinking the World, consultant psychiatrist Dr Raj Persaud is joined by historian and author Andrew Lownie to examine the psychology behind Jeffrey Epstein’s relationships with powerful and influential figures — including Prince Andrew.
Rather than focusing on allegations or sensational detail, this discussion explores the psychological patterns that appear repeatedly in Epstein’s social world: power, entitlement, flattery, transactional relationships, and the erosion of boundaries among elites who are used to access and privilege.
Rather than focusing on allegations or sensational detail, this discussion explores the psychological patterns that appear repeatedly in Epstein’s social world: power, entitlement, flattery, transactional relationships, and the erosion of boundaries among elites who are used to access and privilege.
La police britannique «examine» des informations selon lesquelles Andrew aurait transmis des rapports confidentiels à Epstein
LE FIGARO : Dans un communiqué transmis à l’AFP, la police régionale de Windsor a confirmé avoir été saisie à la suite de ces informations contenues dans des courriels diffusés par le ministère américain de la Justice.
La police britannique a indiqué lundi « examiner » des informations selon lesquelles l'ex-prince Andrew pourrait avoir transmis au pédocriminel Jeffrey Epstein des informations confidentielles alors qu'il était envoyé spécial au Commerce en 2010. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | lundi 9 février 2026
La police britannique a indiqué lundi « examiner » des informations selon lesquelles l'ex-prince Andrew pourrait avoir transmis au pédocriminel Jeffrey Epstein des informations confidentielles alors qu'il était envoyé spécial au Commerce en 2010. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | lundi 9 février 2026
"Journalism Deserves Better": Ex-Washington Post Staffers Slam Billionaire Bezos for Gutting Paper
Democracy Now! can be supported here.
IHIP News: JD Vance Booed at Olympics, Sending Him into a Stage 5 Meltdown
Very strong language alert!
Steve Schmidt: Love Will Defeat Trump’s Hate
Giovanni Siracusa: Rustic Italian Chicken and Potatoes: Easy One Pan Family Dinner — Pollo alla contadina
Jan 10, 2026 | This is the kind of dish my grandmother used to make for us growing up. It’s a simple, one-pan meal made with real ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
My family had a farm in Sicily, which is why we ate this so often. It's called Pollo alla Contadina, which means "Farmer" or "Country-style" chicken.
In the countryside, you ate off the land, and that is exactly what authentic Italian home cooking is all about.
My family had a farm in Sicily, which is why we ate this so often. It's called Pollo alla Contadina, which means "Farmer" or "Country-style" chicken.
In the countryside, you ate off the land, and that is exactly what authentic Italian home cooking is all about.
UK-Saudi Arabia Relations: Prince William’s First Official Trip to Riyadh
Hong Kong Court Sentences Jimmy Lai to 20 Years
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The media tycoon, a Chinese-born British citizen, had been a persistent critic of Beijing. The sentence is the harshest penalty so far under a national security law.
Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong pro-democracy media mogul who spent decades as a defiant thorn in Beijing’s side, was sentenced on Monday to 20 years in prison, the harshest penalty ever handed down for a national security offense in the semiautonomous territory.
The landmark ruling completes a yearslong effort by Beijing to dismantle the influence of a man it blamed for masterminding Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.
Mr. Lai, 78, smiled and waved at the public gallery after his sentencing. His wife, Teresa Lai, sat emotionless with her arms folded, and weeping could be heard in the back of the gallery.
His daughter, Claire Lai, said the sentence was “heartbreakingly cruel.” She added: “If this sentence is carried out, he will die a martyr behind bars.”
In December, Mr. Lai was found guilty of “conspiracy to collude with foreign forces” that stemmed from meetings he had held with politicians in the United States. He was also convicted of conspiracy to publish seditious material in Apple Daily, the now-shuttered Chinese-language pro-democracy newspaper he founded in 1995. » | David Pierson and Francesca Regalado | Published: Sunday, February 8, 2026. Updated: Monday, February 9, 2026
Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong pro-democracy media mogul who spent decades as a defiant thorn in Beijing’s side, was sentenced on Monday to 20 years in prison, the harshest penalty ever handed down for a national security offense in the semiautonomous territory.
The landmark ruling completes a yearslong effort by Beijing to dismantle the influence of a man it blamed for masterminding Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.
Mr. Lai, 78, smiled and waved at the public gallery after his sentencing. His wife, Teresa Lai, sat emotionless with her arms folded, and weeping could be heard in the back of the gallery.
His daughter, Claire Lai, said the sentence was “heartbreakingly cruel.” She added: “If this sentence is carried out, he will die a martyr behind bars.”
In December, Mr. Lai was found guilty of “conspiracy to collude with foreign forces” that stemmed from meetings he had held with politicians in the United States. He was also convicted of conspiracy to publish seditious material in Apple Daily, the now-shuttered Chinese-language pro-democracy newspaper he founded in 1995. » | David Pierson and Francesca Regalado | Published: Sunday, February 8, 2026. Updated: Monday, February 9, 2026
Europe’s ‘Painful’ Realisation It Must Be Bolder with US Set Out in Security Report
THE GUARDIAN: Need for greater military autonomy also accepted, says report for Munich Security Conference, which takes place this week
Europe has come to the painful realisation that it needs to be more assertive and more militarily independent from an authoritarian US administration that no longer shares a commitment to liberal democratic norms and values, a report prepared by the Munich Security Conference asserts.
The report sets the scene for an all-out ideological confrontation with the Trump White House at the high-level annual meeting of security policy specialists, which starts on Friday.
In a now infamous speech to last year’s MSC, the US vice-president, JD Vance, claimed European elites were suppressing free speech and “opening the floodgates” to mass migration. The address marked the moment Europe realised the Trump administration would no longer be a reliable trading and security partner.
Since then European leaders and Donald Trump’s team have waged a series of running battles over topics including the US push to force Ukraine to make territorial concessions to Russia, Trump’s threats to seize Greenland, and a series of protectionist US measures ranging from tariff barriers to inward investment bans.
The divide was starkly set out in a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month by the Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, who warned of a rupture between the US and its western allies.
Vance’s assessment of Europe’s decline was reinforced in the latest US national security strategy, which accused European leaders of overseeing “civilisational erasure”. More recently, Trump disparaged the courage with which European members of Nato fought in Afghanistan, remarks that caused deep offence among Europe’s military leaders. » | Patrick Wintour, Diplomatic editor | Monday, February 9, 2026
Europe has come to the painful realisation that it needs to be more assertive and more militarily independent from an authoritarian US administration that no longer shares a commitment to liberal democratic norms and values, a report prepared by the Munich Security Conference asserts.
The report sets the scene for an all-out ideological confrontation with the Trump White House at the high-level annual meeting of security policy specialists, which starts on Friday.
In a now infamous speech to last year’s MSC, the US vice-president, JD Vance, claimed European elites were suppressing free speech and “opening the floodgates” to mass migration. The address marked the moment Europe realised the Trump administration would no longer be a reliable trading and security partner.
Since then European leaders and Donald Trump’s team have waged a series of running battles over topics including the US push to force Ukraine to make territorial concessions to Russia, Trump’s threats to seize Greenland, and a series of protectionist US measures ranging from tariff barriers to inward investment bans.
The divide was starkly set out in a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month by the Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, who warned of a rupture between the US and its western allies.
Vance’s assessment of Europe’s decline was reinforced in the latest US national security strategy, which accused European leaders of overseeing “civilisational erasure”. More recently, Trump disparaged the courage with which European members of Nato fought in Afghanistan, remarks that caused deep offence among Europe’s military leaders. » | Patrick Wintour, Diplomatic editor | Monday, February 9, 2026
How Peter Thiel Is Destroying Democracy
Dec 7, 2025 | This is Peter Thiel - a major player in Silicon Valley who wants to transform humanity. But what does he actually want? What’s his problem with democracy? And is there an endgame?
Portugal Elects Socialist as President But Far-right Rival Takes Record Vote Share
THE GUARDIAN: António José Seguro scores resounding win despite André Ventura’s populist Chega party securing 33.2% of votes
The moderate socialist António José Seguro won a resounding victory in the second round of Portugal’s presidential election on Sunday, triumphing over his far-right opponent, André Ventura, whose Chega party still managed to take a record share of the vote.
Seguro won 66.8% of votes to Ventura’s 33.2% in the election, which went ahead despite weeks of disruption caused by deadly storms. The vote to elect a successor to the outgoing president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, was marked by a cross-party push to head off the prospect of a Chega victory, with some senior rightwing figures throwing their weight behind the centre-left candidate to keep Ventura from entering the presidential palace.
“The response the Portuguese people gave today, their commitment to freedom, democracy, and the future of our country, leaves me naturally moved and proud of our nation,” said Seguro.
Ventura, a former football pundit, columnist, seminarian and novelist who founded Chega seven years ago, said the result showed that “the message from the Portuguese people is clear”, adding that Chega was now the main party on the right and would “soon be governing Portugal”. Earlier on Sunday, he had accused “the entire political system” of uniting against him. » | Sam Jones in Madrid, and agency | Monday, February 9, 2026
The moderate socialist António José Seguro won a resounding victory in the second round of Portugal’s presidential election on Sunday, triumphing over his far-right opponent, André Ventura, whose Chega party still managed to take a record share of the vote.
Seguro won 66.8% of votes to Ventura’s 33.2% in the election, which went ahead despite weeks of disruption caused by deadly storms. The vote to elect a successor to the outgoing president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, was marked by a cross-party push to head off the prospect of a Chega victory, with some senior rightwing figures throwing their weight behind the centre-left candidate to keep Ventura from entering the presidential palace.
“The response the Portuguese people gave today, their commitment to freedom, democracy, and the future of our country, leaves me naturally moved and proud of our nation,” said Seguro.
Ventura, a former football pundit, columnist, seminarian and novelist who founded Chega seven years ago, said the result showed that “the message from the Portuguese people is clear”, adding that Chega was now the main party on the right and would “soon be governing Portugal”. Earlier on Sunday, he had accused “the entire political system” of uniting against him. » | Sam Jones in Madrid, and agency | Monday, February 9, 2026
Michael Popok on Trump's Illegal Moves to Take Over the World | The Weekend Show
ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here.
JD Vance: A Monstrosity of Dishonor.
Landslide Win for Centre-left Candidate António José Seguro in Portugal’s Presidential Runoff
THE GUARDIAN: Moderate socialist defeats far-right populist André Ventura, with exit polls putting him comfortably above two-thirds of vote
Moderate socialist António José Seguro secured a landslide victory and a five-year term as Portugal’s president in a runoff vote on Sunday, beating his far-right, anti-establishment rival André Ventura, exit polls and partial results showed.
A succession of storms in recent days failed to deter voters, with turnout at about the same level as in the first round on 18 January, even though three municipal councils in southern and central Portugal had to postpone voting by a week due to floods.
“The response the Portuguese people gave today, their commitment to freedom, democracy, and the future of our country, leaves me naturally moved and proud of our nation,” Seguro, 63, told reporters. » | Associated Press in Lisbon | Sunday, February 8, 2026
Moderate socialist António José Seguro secured a landslide victory and a five-year term as Portugal’s president in a runoff vote on Sunday, beating his far-right, anti-establishment rival André Ventura, exit polls and partial results showed.
A succession of storms in recent days failed to deter voters, with turnout at about the same level as in the first round on 18 January, even though three municipal councils in southern and central Portugal had to postpone voting by a week due to floods.
“The response the Portuguese people gave today, their commitment to freedom, democracy, and the future of our country, leaves me naturally moved and proud of our nation,” Seguro, 63, told reporters. » | Associated Press in Lisbon | Sunday, February 8, 2026
Sunday, February 08, 2026
Video Essay: “Luca Guadagnino: Projecting Desire” | MUBI
The Fallout and Impact of the Epstein Files | BBC News
Feb 6, 2026 | The list of some of the world's most rich and powerful people with ties to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has lengthened, after the US government released millions of new files from its investigation into the disgraced financier.
The latest drop of material on 30 January included three million pages, 180,000 images, 2,000 videos, and a number of household names like Richard Branson, Bill Gates and Elon Musk
. There is no suggestion that appearing in the documents implies any wrongdoing. Many people who have featured in previous releases have denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
One would be forgiven for concluding that all people at the top, all the one-percenters, are crooked, corrupt, bent, and perverted! And that goes for many members of royal families, too, it seems. What a pack of wankers all these sad people are! Seemingly, even shedfuls of money—amounts of money that most people could only dream of—aren’t enough for them. They also apparently need to be turned on by perversion as well!
And these people expect everyone to respect them! Those days are well and truly over. These depraved people have shown us all just who they really are. — © Mark Alexander
The latest drop of material on 30 January included three million pages, 180,000 images, 2,000 videos, and a number of household names like Richard Branson, Bill Gates and Elon Musk
. There is no suggestion that appearing in the documents implies any wrongdoing. Many people who have featured in previous releases have denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
One would be forgiven for concluding that all people at the top, all the one-percenters, are crooked, corrupt, bent, and perverted! And that goes for many members of royal families, too, it seems. What a pack of wankers all these sad people are! Seemingly, even shedfuls of money—amounts of money that most people could only dream of—aren’t enough for them. They also apparently need to be turned on by perversion as well!
And these people expect everyone to respect them! Those days are well and truly over. These depraved people have shown us all just who they really are. — © Mark Alexander
Sir Ed Davey Calls Trump an “International Gangster.”
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