Mohammed bin Salman: How Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Rose to Power

BBC: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, is transforming and modernising a deeply conservative country.

Yet at the same time, he has dragged Saudi Arabia into a war in Yemen, and locked up women’s rights protesters, Islamic clerics and bloggers. He is also widely suspected of being behind the murder of critic Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul a year ago.

So just who is the man they call MBS?

Jeddah, September 2013, and under a blazing Red Sea sun the palace guards stepped aside as our car swept through the reinforced gates. It had taken days to get an audience with the ageing then-Saudi Crown Prince and Defence Minister Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Years earlier, in 2004, Prince Salman had been governor of Riyadh when gunmen ambushed our BBC team, shooting me six times, leaving me for dead and killing my Irish cameraman, Simon Cumbers. I’m told the prince visited me in hospital but I have no recollection since I was in a medically induced coma.

Today Salman is king and in frail health. Even then, in 2013, I noticed he was resting his hand on a walking stick as we sat on ornate gilt chairs in a palace reception room.

His long, solemn face cracked frequently into a smile as he spoke slowly, in English, in a deep, stentorian voice, telling me how much he liked London. » | Frank Gardner | Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Donald Trump 'Suggested Shooting Migrants in the Legs'

BBC: US President Donald Trump suggested shooting migrants in the legs to slow them down, according to a new book.

The book, by two New York Times journalists, says Mr Trump suggested extreme methods of deterring migrants from crossing the southern border.

They included building an electrified, spiked border wall and a snake or alligator-infested moat.

Building a wall on the border with Mexico is one of Mr Trump's main policy objectives.

The construction of the wall has now begun, with the Pentagon allocating $3.6bn (£2.9bn) of military funding towards its development.

The White House has not commented on the latest reports . » | Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Looking Back: Interview with Jamal Khashoggi: 'Saudi Arabia is becoming One-man Rule' | November 16, 2017

Ralph Peters: Trump Must Keep 'Throne' to Avoid Prison

Retired Army Lt. Col. Ralph Peters tells CNN's Anderson Cooper that he thinks if President Donald Trump loses the 2020 election, he could be spending time in court for the rest of his life.

In Blow to Hopes for a Brexit Deal, a Leaked British Plan Is Rejected

THE NEW YORK TIMES: MANCHESTER, England — With time running out for a deal on Brexit, the Irish government and European Union officials have rejected the latest British thinking on how to resolve an impasse over the Irish border, a serious setback to prospects for a breakthrough.

Progress on the border issue is urgent if Britain is to agree with the European Union on the terms of its withdrawal, which is scheduled to take effect at the end of the month. Leaving without an agreement, experts warn, would mean a disorderly, possibly chaotic and damaging rupture. » | Stephen Castle | Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Meghan Sues Mail on Sunday as Harry Launches Attack on Tabloid Press

THE GUARDIAN: Prince compares wife’s treatment to Diana’s as proceedings over private letter are announced

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has take the unusual decision to sue the publisher of the Mail on Sunday after the newspaper published a handwritten letter she had sent to her estranged father.

The decision came as Prince Harry launched an extraordinary and highly personal attack on the British tabloid press and its treatment of his wife, saying he could no longer be a “silent witness to her private suffering”.

Emphasising his respect for the importance of “objective, truthful reporting”, he accused parts of the media of “waging campaigns against individuals with no thought to the consequences” and compared the treatment of Meghan to coverage of his mother. » | Jim Waterson, Media editor | Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Coming Soon?

Trump’s in luck! Orange seems to be his favourite colour, so he’ll probably feel at home in the jumpsuit. Pity about the WC, though! Gold toilets don’t come as standard!

Would Trump Resign for Nixon-like Immunity?

Could Trump use his presidency as a bargaining tool to keep himself and his children from facing the consequences of their crimes or do the American people want to see Donald Trump impeached and convicted?

Democracy Now! To Impeach or Not to Impeach? Chris Hedges & John Bonifaz Debate What Congress Should Do Next

House Democrats subpoenaed President Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani Monday, seeking documents related to his work in Ukraine. Last week, Guliani admitted on television that he had urged the Ukrainian government to investigate Trump’s political rival and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. This comes as House Democrats continue to build their case for impeaching the president, following a whistleblower complaint focused on a phone call in which Trump asked the Ukranian president to do him a “favor” investigating the actions of Democrats, including Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Meanwhile, Trump is continuing to threaten lawmakers who are pushing impeachment, and publicly admitted he is trying to find out the identity of the anonymous whistleblower, in possible violation of whistleblower protection laws. We host a debate on impeachment with John Bonifaz, co-founder and president of Free Speech for People, one of the organizations demanding Trump’s impeachment, and Chris Hedges, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, award-winning author and activist.

Brexit: Could Scotland Back Independence to Stay in the EU? – BBC Newsnight

Newsnight explores how #Brexit could impact the union between Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Egypt Protests Continue Despite Government Repression

Angela Joya discusses the return of demonstrations in Egypt against President Al-Sisi. After thousands were arrested and police brutality was unleashed at the protesters, the demonstrations only grow larger.

Österreich: Ex-FPÖ-Chef Heinz-Christian Strache beendet politische Karriere

ZEIT ONLINE: Heinz-Christian Strache hat Konsequenzen aus den Skandalen der vergangenen Monate und der Wahlniederlage der FPÖ gezogen. Seine Parteimitgliedschaft lässt er ruhen.

Der frühere FPÖ-Vorsitzende Heinz-Christian Strache lässt seine Parteimitgliedschaft ruhen. Das teilte er in einer persönlichen Stellungnahme zwei Tage nach der Wahlniederlage für seine Partei mit. Er werde darüber hinaus "jegliche politische Aktivität einstellen und kein Amt mehr anstreben", um eine Spaltung der FPÖ zu verhindern, sagte der frühere Parteivorsitzende. Strache war im Mai wegen der sogenannten Ibiza-Affäre zurückgetreten. » | Quelle: ZEIT ONLINE, zz | Dienstag, 1. Oktober 2019

The Tories Have Lost Their Ideology. Now They Are Merely the Party of Resentment

THE GUARDIAN: After three decades of intellectual decline, the Conservative party stands for nothing but Brexit

What does the Conservative party stand for in 2019? If you survey the central tenets of Tory ideology from the past 50 years, it is hard to find a single one that is still intact.

The party of business is hellbent on undermining access to an export market of half a billion people. The party of law and order is now raging against the judiciary – with senior Tories being regularly asked whether their government intends to obey the law.

The party of “family values” – “back to basics”, as John Major put it – has now fallen for the charms of a famous philanderer, who is currently being dogged by questions about how his “close friend”, Jennifer Arcuri, was awarded £126,000 of grants during his time as London mayor. The party of the establishment is provoking a constitutional crisis, angering the Queen and expelling some of its most distinguished MPs from its benches. » | Tuesday, October 1, 2019

La journée d’hommage à Jacques Chirac en images

Emmanuel Macron a décrété le lundi 30 septembre journée de deuil national, en mémoire de Jacques Chirac. L’ancien président français est mort le 26 septembre, à l’âge de 86 ans.

La journée a commencé avec les honneurs funèbres militaires donnés par Emmanuel Macron aux Invalides en présence de nombreux corps de l’armée. Ensuite, à midi, Mgr Michel Aupetit, archevêque de Paris, a rendu un service solennel dans l’église Saint-Sulpice, la cathédrale Notre-Dame, où sont traditionnellement rendus les services religieux officiels, étant fermée au public depuis l’incendie du 15 avril 2019.

L’ancien chef de l’Etat a ensuite été enterré au cimetière du Montparnasse dans l’après-midi, en présence de sa famille et de ses proches.

Swedish Navy Returns to Vast Underground HQ amid Russia Fears

THE GUARDIAN: Cavernous docks can shelter warships, with miles of tunnels, offices, and a hospital

Sweden’s navy HQ is returning to a vast underground cold war fortress designed to withstand a nuclear attack, in what has been seen as a defensive move against a resurgent Russia.

After a 25-year absence, the navy will once again be commanded from beneath billions of tonnes of granite as the country strives to build up its defences in response to the perceived threat from Moscow. » | David Crouch in Gothenburg | Monday, September 30, 2019

Saudi Prince Warns Regional War with Iran Could Lead to 'Total Collapse of Global Economy'

THE TELEGRAPH: Awar with Iran would lead to “a total collapse of the global economy”, Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman has said, as he called for a political solution and endorsed talks between Donald Trump and Iranian leaders.

Speaking two weeks after Iran allegedly bombed major Saudi oil facilities, and as new footage of the attack surfaced, the kingdom’s de-facto ruler said that a full-scale conflict in the Persian Gulf would cause oil prices to jump to “unimaginably high numbers that we haven't seen in our lifetimes”.

“The political and peaceful solution is much better than the military one,” Crown Prince Mohammed told CBS News. » | Raf Sanchez, Middle East correspondent | Monday, September 30, 2019

Outrage as Trump Suggests Key Democratic Foe Face Arrest for 'Treason'

THE GUARDIAN: President unleashes barrage littered with false claims

Donald Trump, already facing impeachment, has provoked fresh outrage by suggesting one of his main political adversaries should be arrested for “treason”.

The US president unleashed a barrage of tweets littered with false claims, incendiary language and a refusal to acknowledge wrongdoing in a July phone call with the president of Ukraine.

Trump singled out Adam Schiff, the Democratic chair of the House intelligence committee, who has been criticised for his opening statement at a hearing last week in which he parodied Trump’s conversation with Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Schiff “illegally made up a FAKE & terrible statement, pretended it to be mine as the most important part of my call to the Ukrainian President, and read it aloud to Congress and the American people,” Trump wrote. “It bore NO relationship to what I said on the call. Arrest for Treason?” » | David Smith in Washington and Andrew Roth in Moscow | Monday, September 30, 2019

Harry: The Mysterious Prince – British Royal Family Documentary | Timeline

Who is the 'real' Prince Harry? A feckless playboy partying at nightclubs with a blonde on his lap? Or a physically brave young man destined to distinguish himself in unexpected ways? Despite relentless media scrutiny, much of it negative, Harry remains a tantalising, elusive mystery.

Robert De Niro: Trump Should Not Be President. Period

Actor Robert De Niro tells CNN's Brian Stelter that President Donald Trump has been worse than he "ever could have imagined."

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia | Full Documentary | FRONTLINE

One year after the murder of columnist Jamal Khashoggi, FRONTLINE investigates the rise and rule of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) of Saudi Arabia.

In a never before seen or heard conversation featured in the documentary, the Saudi Crown Prince addresses his role in Khashoggi’s murder exclusively to FRONTLINE correspondent Martin Smith. Smith, who has covered the Middle East for FRONTLINE for 20 years, examines MBS's vision for the future, his handling of dissent, and his relationship with the United States.

Serious Questions Raised about Khashoggi’s Murder in Interviews with Saudi Officials | FRONTLINE

FRONTLINE asks Saudi officials how Khashoggi's murder could have been a "rogue operation."

Saudi officials maintain that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had no prior knowledge of the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.

But in powerful and occasionally contentious new interviews, FRONTLINE correspondent Martin Smith presses high-ranking Saudi official Adel al-Jubeir about how they could come to such a conclusion while the murder is still being investigated.

Europe Isn’t the Enemy – Demonising Us Is Undermining Britain

THE GUARDIAN: The Tories used to worry about being the nasty party. Now they’re making Britain a difficult country to like

Seventeen years ago Theresa May stunned her fellow Conservatives by telling their annual party conference that they were “just plain unattractive”. The Tories, she said, had become “ the nasty party”. Today, from where I sit in western Europe, Britain itself looks just plain unattractive. It seems to have become “the nasty country”. I’m not saying the British people are any worse, or any better, than any other Europeans. I am saying its ruling political party is nasty, as is much of its press. The leader of the Conservative party, and therefore the prime minister, is a man who has personally taken nastiness to an entirely new level, yet is the country’s most popular politician.

Ever since the UK voted to leave the EU, millions of other Europeans like me have been looking for signs that the country is coming around to its old, pragmatic self. It’s a version of Boris Johnson’s cakeism: you want to love Britain and you want to be honest about the kind of country it is now. These two positions have become impossible to hold at the same time. » | Joris Luyendijk | Sunday, September 29, 2019

James Risen: Whistleblower Complaint Shows “Trump Is a Habitual Criminal” Abusing His Office

Democrats are ramping up efforts to impeach President Trump for pressing the president of Ukraine to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his son Hunter. Nearly 90% of House Democrats now support impeachment. On Thursday, a declassified version of a complaint by an anonymous whistleblower was released, detailing his concerns about Trump’s July phone call with Volodymyr Zelensky. In the complaint, the unnamed whistleblower — who has been identified as a CIA official — accused the president of “using the power of his office to solicit interference from a foreign country in the 2020 U.S. election.” The complaint also revealed details about how the White House attempted to “lock down” all records of Trump’s phone conversation with Zelensky by moving a transcript of the call to a standalone computer system reserved for codeword-level intelligence information. The whistleblower wrote in his complaint, “According to White House officials I spoke with, this was 'not the first time' under this Administration that a Presidential transcript was placed into this codeword-level system solely for the purpose of protecting politically sensitive — rather than national security sensitive — information.” For more on the unfolding scandal, we speak with James Risen, senior national security correspondent for The Intercept.

Brexit Anxiety in Ireland's Drummully Polyp | Focus on Europe

People in the Irish enclave of Drummully Polyp fear the introduction of a hard border. Some 200 live in Drummully, which is almost entirely surrounded by Northern Ireland. Many think the return of checkpoints could also lead to a return to violence.

Exclusive Interview with Lady Hale - First 100 Years | November 2017

First 100 Years celebrate the past to change the future for women in law. This is a ground-breaking project, building the only digital platform of stories, videos and artefacts dedicated to the journey of women in law.

In this exclusive interview, Lady Hale, the first female President of the Supreme Court, gives a personal account of her being the 'first' many times over and the role of women in the legal profession.

Lady Hale, President of the UK Supreme Court – BBC HARDtalk

In July 2019, HARDtalk’s Stephen Sackur spoke to Lady Hale, President of the UK Supreme Court. Her role was brought into the spotlight this week when she delivered the verdict of 11 Supreme Court judges which ruled British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's suspension of Parliament was unlawful.

Hommage au Président Jacques Chirac

Suivez l'allocution du Président Emmanuel Macron en hommage au Président Jacques Chirac.

Will Trump Be Impeached?| Inside Story

Details emerge of the White House's efforts to lock down records of a Presidential phone call, leveraging the office of the US President to interfere in the 2020 election.

That's the accusation facing Donald Trump in a whistleblower complaint that's set him on course for an impeachment investigation.

Donald Trump has been accused of trying to persuade the Ukrainian leader to dig up dirt on his rival, Joe Biden. So, will the impeachment effort against Donald Trump intensify? Or will it backfire on the President's opponents?

Presenter: Sami Zeidan | Guests Greg Swenson, Spokesman for Republicans Abroad UK; Rina Shah, Republican Strategist; Arshad Hasan, Democratic Political Strategist

Les fumeurs autrichiens peuvent compter sur l’extrême droite

LE MONDE: Lanterne rouge de la lutte contre le tabagisme en Europe, l’Autriche doit interdire la cigarette dans les bars et les restaurants le 1er novembre. Norbert Hofer, le chef du FPÖ, a fait du combat pour la liberté de fumer un point essentiel de sa campagne pour les élections législatives de dimanche.

S’il fallait une preuve que le Parti de la liberté d’Autriche (FPÖ) est le parti de la cigarette, il suffit de voir le nombre impressionnant de délégués qui se précipitent à l’extérieur de la salle pour en griller une à chaque interruption de séance lors des congrès. Réunis à Graz samedi 14 septembre, les cadres du parti d’extrême droite – très majoritairement des hommes blancs fumeurs – ont pu compter sur leur nouveau chef, Norbert Hofer, pour tout faire afin qu’ils puissent continuer de fumer en paix dans un pays qui reste la lanterne rouge européenne de la lutte contre le tabac.

Officiellement, l’Autriche doit, en effet, enfin interdire la cigarette dans les bars et les restaurants à partir du 1er novembre, une mesure déjà en vigueur depuis des années dans la presque totalité de l’Union européenne. Sauf si… l’extrême droite arrive de nouveau à faire annuler la mesure. En effet, à côté de la lutte contre « l’immigration illégale », M. Hofer a fait du combat pour la liberté de fumer un point essentiel de son programme de campagne pour les élections législatives anticipées qui sont organisées dimanche 29 septembre. » [€] | Par Jean-Baptiste Chastand | vendredi 27 septembre 2019

The Guardian View on Egypt: Sisi Isn’t Everyone’s Favourite Dictator

THE GUARDIAN: While foreign leaders buddy up to Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, his people endure a brutal crackdown on rights

Even before Egyptian authorities warned that they would “decisively confront” any protests that take place on Friday, it was evident that it would require extraordinary courage to answer the call to the streets. Abdel Fatah al-Sisi’s regime has repeatedly shown its utter ruthlessness since seizing power six years ago in a coup. Security forces killed thousands of people protesting against the takeover. The country has locked up 60,000 political prisoners. Executions have soared this year. » | Editorial | Thursday, September 26, 2019

MPs of All Parties Must Unite to Rein In This Reckless, Divisive Government

THE GUARDIAN: I fear Boris Johnson will use political chicanery to bypass the anti-no-deal Brexit law. Time for parliament to show its strength

At the moment, our country is more unsettled, more divided, than I can ever recall. Ministers assure us they are moving towards a deal. The European Union tells us they are not – because no new or viable proposals have been put forward by the British government. The prime minister tells us he wishes to have a deal with Europe. But we don’t see him sitting down in Brussels, hammering out an agreement.

Lip service is paid to the unanimous judgment of the supreme court – that it was unlawful to prorogue parliament for five weeks – while the prime minister tells us the court was wrong and he was right. That is the cry of those found guilty of misdemeanours throughout the ages.

Meanwhile, ministers continue to offer fantasy outcomes of what a post-Brexit future holds for people in every corner of our United Kingdom. As day succeeds day, it seems more likely that we will end up leaving the European Union without any deal at all. On Wednesday night, the prime minister wilfully destroyed any hope of cross-party agreement.

The price of such a negotiating failure will be widespread and will affect rich and poor alike – with one difference: the poor will be far less able to protect themselves. » | John Major | Friday, September 27, 2019

Democracy Now! Over 2,000 Arrested in Egypt in Growing Protests Against Sisi, Trump’s “Favorite Dictator”

Demonstrations continued in Egypt Friday, with thousands taking to the streets to demand the resignation of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi over accusations of corruption. Nearly 2,000 people have been arrested over the past week amid protests in Cairo and other cities. The demonstrations were triggered by social media posts by a former army contractor accusing Sisi and other officials of misusing public money. Anti-government protests are rare in Egypt as they’ve been effectively banned since Sisi came to power following the 2013 overthrow of former President Mohamed Morsi and launched a widespread crackdown on dissent. Earlier this week, President Trump praised Sisi as the two leaders met during the U.N. General Assembly here in New York. Trump also recently referred to Sisi as “my favorite dictator.” For more, we’re joined by Sharif Abdel Kouddous, Democracy Now! correspondent and a reporter with the independent, Cairo-based media outlet Mada Masr.

Mada Masr »

Boris Johnson's Sister Says His Language Was 'Tasteless'

The prime minister’s sister, Rachel Johnson, said her brother was wrong to suggest the best way to honour the memory of Jo Cox was to deliver Brexit. She said Johnson’s language used in the Commons on Wednesday was ‘a very tasteless way of honouring the memory of a murdered MP’

US Troops in Saudi Arabia Defend Hegemony, Not Security

Pushback with Aaron Maté

Are New Laws an Assault on Human Rights in Indonesia? | Inside Story

Extra-marital relations outlawed in Indonesia; and jail sentences for insulting the president. These are some of the controversial proposals causing an outcry in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, which are considered disastrous by rights groups.

Thousands of students vented their anger. Coming under pressure, President Joko Widodo postponed the vote on changes to the draft criminal code, but Indonesians still fear it could be passed by parliament.

They're also angry over the passing of another law that weakens Indonesia's anti-corruption organization. The protests have been dismissed by the Indonesian government. So, can the outrage stop the government's plans?

Presenter: Mohammed Jamjoom | Guests: Greg Barton, expert on terrorism at Deakin University: Calvin Dark, former Indonesian Government Campaign Adviser; Damien Kings, conflict resolution specialist

Former French President Jacques Chirac Has Died Aged 86, His Family Says

Trump ‘Must Be Held Accountable,’ Perlosi Says

The Guardian View on Boris Johnson: Guilty but He Won’t Go

THE GUARDIAN: For adherents of a no-deal Brexit the prize of remaking Britain in a reactionary mould was worth dispensing with legislative scrutiny altogether. It took the judges to stop them – for now

he cabinet manual’s rule that the Queen “should not be drawn into party politics” has been broken by Boris Johnson. It was his decision, as prime minister, to advise the monarch to issue an order in council to prorogue parliament for five weeks. That order was declared “unlawful, void and of no effect” by all 11 justices of the highest court in the land in the most significant constitutional judgment in modern times. The government’s decision to disregard convention was taken to evade scrutiny by MPs at a moment of constitutional and political crisis. The Commons will now reconvene. A prime minister found to have acted unlawfully in this manner should not stay in office.

A prime minister with honour would tender their resignation. But Mr Johnson has no honour and no shame. The precedent such an act of defiance sets ought to be unthinkable. The sooner that Britain is rid of him the better. … » | Editorial | Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Breaking News! Trump Ukraine Row: Democrats 'To Launch Trump Impeachment Inquiry'

BBC: Democrats will open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump over claims that he sought political help from Ukraine, US media reports say.

The decision by top Democrat Nancy Pelosi follows growing demands from her party.

Mr Trump has denied impropriety but has acknowledged discussing political rival Joe Biden with the Ukrainian president. » | Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Scharia ohne Peitschenhiebe – Indonesien will sein Strafgesetz verschärfen

NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG: Der Entwurf für ein neues Strafgesetzbuch in Indonesien zeigt, wie stark der Einfluss islamischer Moralprediger geworden ist. Es sieht harte Strafen für Abtreibungen sowie aussereheliche und gleichgeschlechtliche sexuelle Beziehungen vor. Präsident Widodo steht zwischen den Fronten.

Indonesien steht vor einer Reform seines Strafgesetzes, von der Islamisten lange nur träumen konnten. Die neue Gesetzessammlung sieht unter anderem vor, dass vorehelicher Sex, Kontakte unter Gleichgeschlechtlichen, Abtreibungen, obszöne Aktivitäten oder Aufklärung über Verhütungsmittel ausserhalb einer Arztpraxis mit Gefängnis bestraft werden können. Abtreibungen ohne «dringenden medizinischen Grund» könnten demnach bis zu vier Jahre Gefängnis zur Folge haben. Auch an anderer Stelle sind Eingriffe in die persönliche Freiheit geplant, die dem Ruf Indonesiens als relativ liberales Land widersprechen. » | Manfred Rist, Singapur | Montag, 23. September 2019

Boris Johnson: Rücktritt, jetzt!

ZEIT ONLINE: Das Urteil des Supreme Courts zeigt: Boris Johnson ist in dieser Krise der Falsche, um Großbritannien zu führen. Er hat Parlament und Queen belogen und muss gehen.

Der britische Supreme Court hat entschieden, einstimmig – und für Boris Johnson vernichtend. Die von ihm verordnete Zwangspause des britischen Unterhauses ist nicht verfassungskonform. Härter hätten die elf Richter des obersten Gerichtshofes nicht urteilen können. Boris Johnson muss die schwerste Niederlage einstecken, die ein britischer Premierminister seit dem Krieg erlebt hat. Eigentlich bleibt ihm jetzt nur eins: Er muss zurücktreten. » | Ein Kommentar von Bettina Schulz, London | Dienstag, 24. September 2019

Supreme Court Announces Prorogation Is 'Unlawful, Void and of No Effect'

The supreme court has ruled that Boris Johnson’s advice to the Queen that parliament should be prorogued for five weeks at the height of the Brexit crisis was unlawful. The judgment from 11 justices on the UK’s highest court follows an emergency three-day hearing last week that exposed fundamental legal differences over interpreting the country’s unwritten constitution. Lady Hale said 11 justices heard the appeal and the judgment is unanimous.

Donald Trump: Skrupellos bis zum Ende

ZEIT ONLINE: Der Skandalanruf des US-Präsidenten in der Ukraine zeigt: Donald Trump ist eine Gefahr, solange er im Amt ist. So darf es eigentlich nicht weitergehen. Wird es aber.

Donald Trump kann jede Hilfe gebrauchen. Auf die Politik des US-Präsidenten trifft das schon lange zu: Seine mexikanische Grenzmauer gegen Einwanderer, sein Handelskrieg gegen China, überhaupt seine außenpolitische Krawallstrategie in vielen Konflikten, die er zum Teil selbst verschlimmert oder sogar begonnen hat – all das entspringt ja mehr einem leidlich scharfen Instinkt als einer umfassenden Einsicht in komplexe Zusammenhänge. Andere müssen dann sehen, dass sie das Beste daraus machen. Unbestritten ist allerdings Trumps Talent, die Schwächen seiner Gegner oder auch des demokratischen Systems zu erkennen und für sich auszunutzen, wenn es seinen Zielen dient. » | Eine Analyse von Carsten Luther | Dienstag, 23. September 2019

Strategic Importance of Aramco and Politics of Saudi Oil

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani is heading to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where he says he will reveal the details of his Gulf security proposal.

Tensions are high in the region after a series of attacks. Most recently, Saudi Arabia's largest oil processing plants have been crippled by Houthi rebel attacks. Saudi Arabia and the United States say Iran is to blame, and US reinforcements are being deployed to the region.

Iran denies involvement in the attacks and has denounced the presence of more foreign troops in the region.

Saudi Arabia may take several months to get their damaged oil facilities back online, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. It contradicts promises by Saudi oil executives of a speedy recovery taking no more than ten weeks.

Aramco's CEO sought to reassure markets in a published letter in which he said the company is "stronger than ever".

Al Jazeera's Osama Bin Javaid joins us live on set.

As

Stevie Wonder: 1976 - Songs in the Key of Life

A Crackdown on Islam Is Spreading Across China

THE NEW YORK TIMES: YINCHUAN, China — In China’s northwest, the government is stripping the most overt expressions of the Islamic faith from a picturesque valley where most residents are devout Muslims. The authorities have destroyed domes and minarets on mosques, including one in a small village near Linxia, a city known as “Little Mecca.”

Similar demolitions have been carried out in Inner Mongolia, Henan and Ningxia, the homeland of China’s largest Muslim ethnic minority, the Hui. In the southern province of Yunnan, three mosques were closed. From Beijing to Ningxia, officials have banned the public use of Arabic script.

This campaign represents the newest front in the Chinese Communist Party’s sweeping rollback of individual religious freedoms, after decades of relative openness that allowed more moderate forms of Islam to blossom. The harsh crackdown on Muslims that began with the Uighurs in Xinjiang is spreading to more regions and more groups. » | Steven Lee Myers | Saturday, September 21, 2019

Trump Admin Threatens to Defund Colleges for Portraying Islam in Positive Light

Donald Trump swears that he doesn’t discriminate against anyone, but the actions of his administration say otherwise. The Department of Education, headed by Betsy DeVos, has warned Duke and UNC that they will cut funding for the colleges if they don’t stop portraying Islam in a positive way. This is a disgusting move by this administration, but sadly, not all that shocking. Ring of Fire’s Farron Cousins discusses this.

Can the US Guarantee Gulf Security? | Inside Story

Washington has blamed Tehran for the attack on Saudi oil facilities and says it's now building a coalition against Iran.

The Gulf region is on the edge. Who's responsible for last week's attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, has led to accusations from different sides. The US and Saudi Arabia say Iran is behind the Aramco strikes. But the Houthis in Yemen say they are responsible and have warned of more to come.

The US Secretary of State visited allies Saudi Arabia and the UAE to talk to their leaders. Mike Pompeo said Washington was seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis, but blamed Iran for seeking an 'all-out war.'

Iran's foreign minister says the U.S. is preparing to use the Aramco incident as an excuse to attack his country, and that Tehran's ready to defend itself. So, will tension escalate even further? Or would diplomacy defuse it?

Presenter: Imran Khan | Guests: Nader Hashemi, Director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver; Mohammad Marandi, Professor of American Studies at the University of Tehran; Adolfo Franco, Republican strategist and former adviser to Senator John McCain

Verlierer Netanjahu

FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: Nach dem Patt der jüngsten Knessetwahl sind Israels Parteichefs auf der Suche nach Koalitionspartnern. Sind damit die Tage von Benjamin Netanjahu als Ministerpräsident gezählt?

Ein Jahrzehnt hatte sich die Parteienlandschaft Israels von der säkularen Mitte weg nach rechts ins religiöse Lager verschoben. In der Zeit regierte als Ministerpräsident Benjamin Netanjahu, der mit seiner Demagogie und Verachtung für das Recht das politische Klima in Israel zunehmend vergiftet hat.

Diesen Trend scheint die jüngste Parlamentswahl gebrochen zu haben. Denn sie stärkte erstmals wieder das säkulare Lager. Zudem könnte sie das Ende der politischen Karriere Netanjahus eingeläutet haben. So verlor keine Partei gegenüber der Wahl im April stärker als sein Likud, und er wird sich nun Anklagen wegen Korruption stellen müssen. Niemand sollte Netanjahu aber vorzeitig abschreiben. Denn in Israel vermag es niemand mit dem Taktiker der Macht aufzunehmen. Derzeit ist eine Konstellation, mit der er noch einmal in das rettende Amt des Ministerpräsidenten einziehen könnte, von dem er bei einer Anklage nicht gleich zurücktreten müsste, aber nicht in Sicht. » | Ein Kommentar von Rainer Hermann | Freitag, 20. September 2019

Ben Ali, l’ex-autocrate tunisien renversé par le « printemps arabe », est mort

LE MONDE: L’ex-autocrate, à la tête de son pays de 1987 à 2011, est mort, jeudi, à l’âge de 83 ans en Arabie saoudite, où il vivait en exil depuis la révolution de 2011.

Le président déchu de Tunisie, Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali, est mort, jeudi 19 septembre, à l’âge de 83 ans en Arabie saoudite, où il vivait en exil depuis la révolution de 2011, a indiqué à l’Agence France-Presse le ministère tunisien des affaires étrangères. « Nous avons eu la confirmation de sa mort il y a trente minutes », a ajouté le ministère, sans plus de détails.

Après plus de deux décennies d’un pouvoir répressif, Ben Ali avait été renversé début 2011 par un mouvement populaire, point de départ d’une vague de révoltes dans la région connue sous le nom de « printemps arabe ». » | Par Florence Beaugé | jeudi 19 septembre 2019

Has Bibi Lost It? Israel Vote Fails to Deliver Majority for Netanyahu

Could it really be the end for Israel's longest-serving prime minister? Benjamin Netanyahu's gamble of a second snap election to try and rule without hard right rival Avigdor Liberman backfiring. Now the Likud leader could be facing corruption charges. François Picard's panel draws possible scenarios.

US Dials Back Iran Rhetoric and Seeks 'Peaceful Resolution' over Saudi Attack

THE GUARDIAN: Mike Pompeo says goal is to ‘get back on the diplomatic path’ following Trump’s remarks that the US was ‘locked and loaded’

The US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, has said Washington and its allies were seeking a “peaceful resolution” with Iran in the wake of the attack on Saudi oil facilities, making clear that Washington would limit its initial response to further sanctions.

Pompeo’s remarks, made on his return trip to Washington after visits to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, mark a significant cooling of rhetoric after Donald Trump had warned the US was “locked and loaded” and Pompeo had said the attack, which he blamed on Iran, was “an act of war”.

The Pentagon said its goal was “to deter conflict and get back on the diplomatic path” and stopped short of definitively blaming Tehran for the air strikes which knocked out half Saudi Arabia’s oil production, deferring to Riyadh to make that assessment. » | Julian Burger in Washington | Thursday, September 19, 2019

Cameron and the Queen: Palace 'Displeasure' over Comments

Sir Paul McCartney: Brexit Vote Probably a Mistake

Iran Foreign Minister: US Strike Would Trigger 'All Out War'

Iran Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tells CNN's Nick Paton Walsh that a US or Saudi strike on its territory would trigger an "all out war." Zarif added that Iran hopes to avoid a military confrontation.

Reflections | Sami Yusuf & Dr Umar Faruq Abd-Allah

Dr Umar Faruq Abd-Allah is an American Muslim who is the Scholar in Residence at the Oasis Initiative based in Chicago, a non-profit organization that educates Muslims in the US about Islamic teachings. He is a respected author and a sought-after teacher and lecturer.

Matters of Faith: Charles Le Gai Eaton Charles Le Gai Eaton: Life and Works (Parts 1 & 2 of 2)

Charles Le Gai Eaton: Life and Works

Should Trump Have the Power to Take Us to War?

Tensions between Iran and the United States are growing thanks to President Trump. But does Trump have the ability to take us to war?

Only Congress can authorize a war. It’s right there in the Constitution. It requires a majority vote of both the House and the Senate to authorize war, and any war that is not authorized by Congress is illegal. The president does not have the power to start a war; that power is exclusively given to Congress. The Founders did this because they did not want any president to ever acquire the king-like power of war-making: they believed it was too much power in the hands of one person, and thus could lead to disaster.

If Donald Trump tries to take us into war with Iran, Congress and massive public opinion must stop him. Call your member of the House and both your senators today.

Raw Politics In Full: Brexit Disconnect

Tesa Arcilla is joined by politicians and journalists to discuss the major political issues that are defining and dividing Europe today.

Full Interview: Edward Snowden On Trump, Privacy, And Threats To Democracy | The 11th Hour | MSNBC

Watch the interview here »

How Dangerous Is Chlorinated Chicken?

Listen to the podcast here »

Bettel's Anger Highlights a Bleak Truth: The EU27 Just Wants Britain to Go

THE GUARDIAN: Luxembourg PM’s exasperation is shared by EU officials and national leaders

It was, by any standards, an unusual spectacle: the leader of the European Union’s second-smallest country deciding to empty-chair the British prime minister at what was supposed to have been a joint press conference after their meeting.

Ostensibly, logistics were the problem: No 10 was concerned by the small but very noisy protest awaiting Boris Johnson outside; Luxembourg government officials said there was no room big enough to move the event inside.

Whatever the reason, the press conference that Xavier Bettel ended up giving alone – gesturing to the lectern where his counterpart should have stood – served as a striking symbol of EU leaders’ mounting frustration with the Brexit process.

The Luxembourg prime minister did not hold back. The leave campaign had been built on lies, he said. Johnson’s oft-repeated claims of progress in the talks were baseless. London had come up with nothing to replace the backstop.

Above all, the UK – not the EU – was to blame for the impasse. “I just want to repeat and remind that Theresa May accepted the withdrawal agreement,” he said. Britain’s “homemade” problems were causing “general problems” for the whole of the EU. » | Jon Henley | Monday, September 16, 2019

Xavier Bettel on Brexit, mocks Boris Johnson »

Incredible Sulk Morphs from Green to Yellow as He Is Bested by Bettel

THE GUARDIAN: PM implodes under weight of his own narcissism as Luxembourg leader lets rip

Exit the Incredible Sulk. It was bad enough getting owned on Twitter by the actor who played the Incredible Hulk – comparing yourself to a comic book hero with anger management issues was always asking for trouble when you’ve got form with the Camberwell police. Classic Dom.

But Boris Johnson’s day just got a whole lot worse when he was completely owned by about 50 unthreatening protesters – this was Luxembourg, where crime waves are measured in the number of people not paying parking fines – and Xavier Bettel, the country’s prime minister.

Faced with a handful of people shouting: “We don’t like you very much,” Johnson imploded under the weight of his own narcissism. The Incredible Bulk morphed from green to yellow and fled sobbing indoors. He’d been in some tricky situations before where the future of the world had been at risk from super-soldiers powered by gamma radiation. But nothing as dangerous as this.

He begged Bettel to move their joint press conference somewhere less noisy. Preferably somewhere no one would ask him any difficult questions. Bettel demurred. The lecterns were set up, the journalists were in place and he’d go ahead without him. Johnson was about to be humiliated by the second smallest country in the EU. Taking back control by losing control. Classic Dom. » | Johnn Crace | Monday, September 16, 2019

Will the Attacks on Saudi Oil Facilities Cripple Global Supplies? | Inside Story

Oil prices soar as Saudi Arabia tries to reassure market.

Saudi Arabia is trying to reassure the world that it will quickly recover from Saturday's attacks on its oil plants. However, the reassurance failed to stop oil prices soaring 19 percent - their highest-ever increase in a day.

Prices have since eased, but concerns remain about the 50 percent cut for the world's biggest crude exporter.

Houthi fighters in Yemen are vowing more attacks to cripple the Saudi economy. President Donald Trump warned that the US is 'locked and loaded' to respond, and ready to release emergency oil reserves if needed.

Will the attack force us to rethink our reliance on oil?

Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra | Guests: Jawad Anani - Former Deputy Prime Minister of Jordan; Cornelia Meyer - Oil and gas specialist, Meyer Resources financial advisory firm; Bill Law - Journalist and Gulf affairs analyst

Johnson Humiliated by Luxembourg PM at 'Empty Chair' Press Conference

THE GUARDIAN: Xavier Bettel gesticulates at empty podium as British PM skips press conference amid loud protests

Boris Johnson has been left humiliated after being forced by anti-Brexit protesters to cancel an appearance at a press conference, leaving Luxembourg’s prime minister to lecture and gesticulate at an empty podium about the dangers of the UK prime minister playing politics with people’s lives.

Johnson was booed and jeered as he left a working lunch in Luxembourgwith the European commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker, before being forced to abandon plans to speak alongside the country’s prime minister, Xavier Bettel.

The cancellation left Johnson scuttling past the waiting lecterns in a courtyard outside the prime minister’s office to chants by British protesters a few metres away.

Bettel did not mince his words as he took the lectern next to the one left empty by the British prime minister’s no-show, with the union flag still in position. » | Daniel Boffey in Luxembourg | Monday, September 16, 2019

Lib Dems Pledge to Cancel Brexit If They Win General Election

BBC: The Liberal Democrats have pledged to cancel Brexit if they come to power at the next general election.

Members voted for the new policy at their party conference in Bournemouth by an overwhelming majority.

Previously, the party has backed another referendum or "People's Vote", saying they would campaign to Remain.

After the vote, their leader Jo Swinson, said: "We will do all we can to fight for our place in Europe, and to stop Brexit altogether."

The commitment only comes into force if the party wins the election as a majority government. » | Sunday, September 15, 2019

How Will Saudi Arabia Respond to Attacks on Oil Facilities? | Inside Story

Drone attacks force world's largest oil exporter to halve output. It's being described as an unprecedented attack on the world's energy supply.

Oil prices are expected to rise after Saudi Arabia was forced to cut production in half. Houthi rebels in Yemen say their latest drone attacks knocked out the world's largest crude processing plant.

Iran is dismissing US accusations that it was responsible. Is the possibility of a war between Iran and the Saudis increasing?

Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra | Guests: Hussain Al Bukhaiti - Yemeni affairs specialist; Simon Mabon - Director, Richardson Institute for Peace Studies, Lancaster University; Josh Young - Portfolio Manager, Bison Interests energy investment firm

Trump Is Seriously, Frighteningly Unstable – The World Is In Danger

THE GUARDIAN: It is almost too late for impeachment. The 25th amendment is untested. The ballot box offers our only remaining hope

In retrospect, what’s most disturbing about “Sharpiegate” isn’t Trump’s clumsy effort to doctor a National Weather Service map or even his brazen move to get the same agency to lie on his behalf.

It’s how utterly petty his motive was. We’ve had presidents trying to cover up a sexual liaison with an intern and a botched burglary, but never have we had one who went to such lengths to cover up an inaccurate weather forecast. Alabama being hit by a hurricane? Friends, this is not rational behavior.

Trump also cancelled a meeting with the Taliban at Camp David. The meeting was to have been secret. It was scheduled for the week of the anniversary of 9/11. He cancelled it by tweet.

Does any of this strike you as even remotely rational? » | Robert Reich | Sunday, September 15, 2019

‘Johnson Is a Liar Who Only Backed Leave to Help His Career’ – David Cameron

THE OBSERVER: Former PM vents fury in his memoirs at his old colleagues over their stance on Brexit and compares Leave campaign to racist Tory electioneering in 1964

Boris Johnson is a liar who only backed the Leave campaign to help his career and Michael Gove was a “foam-flecked Faragist” whose “one quality” was disloyalty, David Cameron writes in his memoirs.

The former prime minister poured vituperation on both his former colleagues Priti Patel, the current home secretary, and Dominic Cummings, the No 10 adviser, in extracts from the book published on Sunday.

In what may be Cameron’s most explosive allegation yet, he effectively accused Boris Johnson of mounting a racist election campaign by focusing on Turkey and its possible accession to the EU.

“It didn’t take long to figure out Leave’s obsession,” he writes. “Why focus on a country that wasn’t an EU member?

“The answer was that it was a Muslim country, which piqued fears about Islamism, mass migration and the transformation of communities. It was blatant.” » | Michael Savage and Emma Graham-Harrison | Sunday, September 15, 2019

Fareed Zakaria: Trump's Foreign Policy Is In Shambles

President Donald Trump claimed he was a great dealmaker, but after the collapse of deals with Iran, North Korea and the Taliban, has that claim been proven otherwise?

EU Officials Reject Boris Johnson Claim of 'Huge Progress' in Brexit Talks

THE GUARDIAN: PM’s upbeat account dismissed as Jean-Claude Juncker warns time is running out

EU officials have rejected Boris Johnson’s claim that “a huge amount of progress” is being made in Brexit talks, as Jean-Claude Juncker warned that time is running out.

Juncker, who will stand down as European commission president on 31 October, is expected to ask Johnson to spell out his ideas for replacing the Irish backstop when the pair meet over lunch in Luxembourg on Monday.

Johnson told the Mail on Sunday there were “real signs of movement” in Berlin, Paris and Dublin on getting rid of the backstop, the persistent stumbling block to a Brexit agreement. “A huge amount of progress is being made,” he said.

But EU officials involved in talks with Johnson’s envoy, David Frost, have dismissed his upbeat account. » | Jennifer Rankin and Daniel Boffey | Sunday, September 15, 2019

UK, EU Relationship Will 'Never Be the Same Again' | Conflict Zone

Britain's ruling Conservatives are buckling under the weight of Brexit. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expelled many of his own MPs for breaking the whip on a key vote and shut down parliament, but not before it denied him an early election and instead legislated to force Johnson to request an extension to the UK's Brexit deadline from Brussels. But will he obey the law? This week Conflict Zone's Tim Sebastian meets pro-Brexit Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen in London.

Conflict Zone is Deutsche Welle's top political interview. Every week, our host Tim Sebastian is face to face with global decision-makers, seeking straight answers to straight questions, putting the spotlight on controversial issues and calling the powerful to account.

Sam Gyimah Slams ‘Populist Johnson’ as He Joins Lib Dems

THE GUARDIAN: The MP says he has joined Jo Swinson’s party to fight No 10’s ‘scorched earth approach’ to leaving the EU

Boris Johnson has suffered a fresh blow as the former Tory universities minister Sam Gyimah dramatically defected to the Liberal Democrats, accusing the prime minister of “veering towards populism and English nationalism”.

In a major coup for the Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson at the start of her party’s annual conference, Gyimah said he had left the Conservatives to fight against the government’s “scorched earth approach” to delivering Brexit regardless of the cost to the country.

Announcing his defection exclusively to the Observer as his new party gathered in Bournemouth, Gyimah said centrists were being “cast out of both main parties”. The East Surrey MP called on them to unite and fight back against the drift to the extremes. » | Michael Savage | Saturday, September 14, 2019

THE OBSERVER: Sam Gyimah: ‘I am an outcast in the Tory party’ »

The Road to No-deal Brexit? Boris Johnson's "People vs Parliament" Strategy

After the overnight proroguing of parliament, could the UK be headed straight towards a no-deal Brexit? Boris Johnson's bound by law now to ask for an extension unless there's an agreement with the European Union... but the new PM's defiant, saying come what may, Britain's leaving October 31st. With MPs in recess for the next five weeks, François Picard's panel measures just how much Johnson is testing the UK's democracy.

Moscow: Edward Snowden In Exile: ‘You Have to Be Ready to Stand for Something’

Edward Snowden has spent the last six years living in exile in Russia and has now decided to publish his memoirs, Permanent Record. In the book he reflects on his life leading up to the biggest leak of top secret documents in history, and the impact this had on his relationship with his partner, Lindsay Mills. The Guardian's Ewen MacAskill, who helped break Snowden's story in 2013, has been given exclusive access to meet him

THE GUARDIAN: The man whose state surveillance revelations rocked the world speaks exclusively to the Guardian about his new life and concerns for the future »

Trump Explains His Distinctive Orange Hue: It's the Lightbulbs

THE GUARDIAN: President says energy-efficient bulbs do him no favours / ‘The light’s no good. I always look orange. And so do you!’

It’s been the subject of intense debate among late-night comedians and Donald Trump’s many online critics: why, in certain circumstances, does the president of the United States sometimes appear … orange?

Now Trump himself has come up with an answer – and it’s not one anyone was expecting. The problem, apparently, is energy-efficient lightbulbs.

Talking before an audience of Republican legislators in Baltimore on Thursday night, Trump gave a rambling speech in which he tackled criticism of his recent plans to weaken regulations on environmentally friendly bulbs. » | Edward Helmore | Friday, September 13, 2019

Exclusive: Juncker Brands Britons ‘Part-time Europeans’ Who Were Never Fully in the Union

Boris Johnson Has No Right to Call Himself a One-nation Conservative

THE GUARDIAN: The prime minister is no ‘Brexity Hezza’. I can’t relate to his rightwing, foreigner-bashing, inward-looking view of the world

I have been around long enough to know that I should not always be surprised or shocked about what is written in the Sun newspaper. But it was reported yesterday that Boris Johnson was telling cabinet colleagues he was “basically a Brexity Hezza” – with the newspaper helpfully explaining this was a “reference to Tory wet Michael Heseltine who battled rightwing PM Margaret Thatcher”.

The quotes have not been denied and I assume they were well sourced. Part of me is even a little flattered, not least because there is a side to the prime minister that I like. He succeeded me as MP for Henley and I got to know him. More importantly, as mayor of London, he once showed a capacity to govern in the tradition of one-nation conservatism.

There is, however, a “but” – a very big “but”. Because a “Brexity Hezza” is a simple contradiction in terms. My commitment to Britain being part of Europe and maintaining our influence in the world goes to the heart of my politics. And I fear that any traces of liberal conservatism that still exist within the prime minister have long since been captured by the rightwing, foreigner-bashing, inward-looking view of the world that has come to characterise his fellow Brexiters inside the Downing Street bunker. It is simply not possible to be a “one nation” Conservative and also pursue a “Little Englander” strategy obviously crafted to appeal to the likes of Nigel Farage and his followers. » | Michael Heseltine | Thursday, September 12, 2019

THE GUARDIAN: Heseltine: imposing no-deal Brexit 'intolerable' attack on democracy »

Shaykh Hasib Noor - Jesus: Son of Mary - Islamic Version

In Islam, Jesus is understood to be the penultimate prophet and messenger of God (Allah) and therefore holds great importance in the Islamic faith. But how similar and/or different is the Islamic version of the story of Jesus from that of the Christian tradition? This lecture by Shaykh Hasib Noor looks to share the Islamic version of the story of Jesus, son of Mary.

I am placing this lecture up because I believe it is one of the clearest explanations I have heard of the Muslim Jesus. It is a very interesting lecture, and very well delivered too.

As people, we need to understand each other. Without understanding, there can be no harmony. It doesn’t matter whether we are of the Christian faith, of the Islamic faith, or of no faith at all, it is always good to see things from another’s perspective.

Watching this is well worth your time. Even if you don’t agree with all of it, you will certainly enjoy it. – Mark

Scots Judges Rule Parliament Suspension Unlawful

Amid what is now a full-blown constitutional crisis, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court next week, when the country’s top judges will decide whether Scotland's Court of Session was correct in ruling that the Prime Minister acted in an "improper" and "unlawful" way in suspending parliament for five weeks. Opposition MPs leapt on the ruling, saying that parliament should be recalled immediately. Former attorney general and Tory rebel Dominic Grieve said that if Boris Johnson had misled the Queen over the reasons for prorogation, then he should resign.

Opinion: Tom Watson Says PM Is 'Disgraceful' and Calls for Referendum before Election

The deputy Labour party leader said Boris Johnson was 'worse than Thatcher' in a speech at the Creative Industries Federation in London on Wednesday as he called for a referendum before a general election. Watson said: 'There is no such thing as a good Brexit deal' and urged his party to 'unequivocally back remain'

John Bolton Ousted | Inside Story

He was the longest-serving US National Security Advisor under President Donald Trump. But that wasn't enough to save him. Just like his predecessors, John Bolton has been tweeted out of the White House.

Bolton was known for his hardline stance against countries like Iran and North Korea. And he'd disagreed with the president over foreign policy - most recently on Afghanistan. He opposed Trump's plan to bring members of the Taliban to Camp David to sign a peace accord.

Those views led to the president firing him, although Bolton says he resigned; so what does his departure mean for US foreign policy? And is there anyone who can hold onto one of the most powerful positions in the White House?

Presenter: Imran Khan Guests John Jones, Former Senate National Security Director under former National Security Advisor Chuck Schumer Scott Lucas, Founder and Editor of EA World View and Professor of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Birmingham. Jenna Ben-Yehuda, President and CEO of the Truman National Security Project.

Boris Johnson "Nothing Like” Churchill – Nicholas Soames | Times News

Nicholas Soames reflects on his expulsion from the Tory party and says Boris Johnson is nothing like his grandfather Winston Churchill.

Sir Nicholas is more horrified by Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Commons leader. His behaviour this week, lolling on the front bench, was “repulsive”, he says. “He is in serious danger of believing his own shtick. He is an absolute fraud, he is a living example of what a moderately cut double-breasted suit and a decent tie can do with an ultra-posh voice and a bit of ginger stuck up his arse. You do not behave like that as leader of the House.” Both men went to Eton but Sir Nicholas says Rees-Mogg’s behaviour has nothing to do with his school. “I thought it was bloody bad manners and he of all people should know better. He has had all the advantages and frankly nanny made a serious bish. I wanted to kick him firmly in the arse and say, ‘What the hell do you think you are playing at? Sit up!’ ” His speech in the Brexit debate was “the lowest form of student union hackery, insolence and bad manners”. Read the full article here » | September 6, 2019

Why Scaramucci Now Calls Trump 'Horrific' and 'Despicable'

Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci reacts to President Trump's feud with with John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen.

Intel Chair Schiff: Bolton Should Have Never Been National Security Advisor | The Last Word | MSNBC

House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff says that the newly-ousted John Bolton left several foreign policy matters, like Iran, most volatile. Schiff also discusses upcoming moves by the Judiciary Committee on impeachment.

Controversial Trump Aide John Bolton Exits White House Knocking Trump | The Beat with Ari Melber | MSNBC

President Trump has fired controversial National Security Advisor John Bolton on Twitter, after they ‘strongly disagreed.’ Sparking more controversary, Bolton offered a different recount, saying he previously ‘offered to resign.’ Former Obama official Richard Stengel argues ‘the problem with replacing Bolton’ is ‘when someone leaves the Trump administration, they’re never replaced by a better actor.’

The Guardian View on John Bolton: Good Riddance, But the Problem Is His Boss

THE GUARDIAN: Many will rightly celebrate the departure of the US national security adviser. But however welcome the news, it reflects the deeper problems with this administration

No sensible observer of international affairs could lament Donald Trump’s announcement that he has fired John Bolton as his national security adviser – though in typically combative style, Mr Bolton insists that he quit. Whatever the precise manner of his departure, plenty of people in Washington, including lifelong Republicans, are cheering. Many others around the world will celebrate. This is a rare presidential outcome that can be welcomed even by those who despise Mr Trump and all he stands for.

The political demise of the reckless uberhawk who bears so much responsibility for so much appalling American foreign policy in the past, and who had attempted to steer the president towards so much more, is welcome. When he entered the administration last spring – as the president’s third permanent national security adviser in 14 months – he had been arguing forcefully for “preemptive” attacks on North Korea. There was an obvious clash of wills with Mr Trump: unlike the president, he believes in aggressive foreign intervention and an international military presence to match. One fear was that his indisputable tactical skills within the government machine and sheer relentlessness might allow him to prevail. » | Editorial | Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Boris Johnson's Brexit Stalemate | Inside Story

Only a few days ago he said he would rather 'die in a ditch' than ask the EU for an extension to Brexit negotiations. But it seems Boris Johnson may have to admit defeat and find another way to deal with his deeply divided government.

His attempt to call an early election has been thrown out, and Parliament has been suspended for the next five weeks. He needed more than 430 votes to get a snap election - he only got 293.

That's left him cornered if he wants the UK to leave the bloc on October 31st. So, what are his options now? And where does this leave Brexit?

Presenter: Mohammed Jamjoom | Guests Bobby Friedman, political commentator on UK politics and the author of 'Bercow, Mr Speaker: Rowdy Living in the Tory Party'; Alex De Ruyter, director of the Centre for Brexit Studies at Birmingham City University; Sonia Purnell, journalist and author of 'Just Boris: A Tale of Blond Ambition'

Could MPs Take the PM to Court to Force Brexit Delay?

A cross-party group of MPs - including some former Conservatives recently expelled from the party - say they are willing to go to court to stop Boris Johnson breaking the law by refusing to delay Brexit.

The Guardian View on the World and Brexit: Rue Britannia

THE GUARDIAN: A project supposed to enhance Britain’s international stature has only served to diminish it

The case for Brexit rested largely upon two misapprehensions – or, to put it less kindly, lies. The first was the belief that engaging in a deep and broad partnership, with the necessary compromises and disadvantages that brings alongside all its benefits, was an act of treacherous self-sabotage. The second was a wholly unrealistic assessment of Britain’s international status and heft, rooted in a vague, nostalgic vision of its imperial past. A third myth sprang from these two: that a post-Brexit Britannia would emerge triumphant, a beacon of democracy, parliamentary sovereignty and prosperity, shining across the waves.

The last three years have left such ideas in tatters; the last week has ripped the remaining shreds away. Its events have left Britain appearing not only backwards-looking, irrational and divided, but fanatical, bitter, frivolous, chaotic and heedless of any legal or customary impediment to the executive. Boris Johnson promised a stroll to sunlit meadows; now he offers a grim, hellish march towards no deal, and his troops have had enough. » | Editorial | Sunday, September 8, 2019

Boris Johnson 'Will Be Forced from Power If He Defies No-deal Law'

THE OBSERVER: If PM fails to comply with anti-no deal act passed by parliament this week, he could face jail, legal experts warn

Boris Johnson would trigger a legal and constitutional crisis that would force his resignation as prime minister if he failed to obey a law mandating him to seek another extension to Brexit, according to high-level legal advice obtained by Labour.

The conclusions of a team of leading QCs, which have been sent to the shadow Brexit secretary, Keir Starmer, make clear that the prime minister would be declared in contempt of court if he tried to remain in No 10 while refusing to obey legislation to prevent the UK crashing out of the EU without a deal on 31 October. The new law is expected to gain royal assent from the Queen early next week.

The legal advice, from lawyers at Matrix Chambers, says: “If the prime minister refused to comply with this order, then, while we would be in historically uncharted political territory, the legal position would remain clear – the prime minister would be in contempt of an order of the court and would be exposed to a full range of sanctions.” » | Toby Helm, Michael Savage, Andrew Rawnsleyand Daniel Boffey in Brussels | Saturday, September 7, 2019

France 24 – The Debate: Has Johnson Lost Control? Move to Block No-deal Brexit Triggers Call for Snap Poll

Brexit: The End of the Road for Johnson? | DW Quadriga

Showdown in the United Kingdom. PM Johnson versus parliament; deal versus no deal. The Brexit endgame has begun. Guests: Friedrich Thelen (political adviser), Jon Worth (blogger), Alex Forrest Whiting (DW)

Could Trump Be Crueler Than We Thought?

Donald Trump may be crueler than we had all thought but the people around the world are better than we ever believed.

Sir Nicholas Soames Says Tories Started Resembling 'Brexit Sect'

THE GUARDIAN: Expelled party rebel also attacked Boris Johnson’s leadership and called Jacob Rees-Mogg a ‘fraud’

Tory grandee Sir Nicholas Soames has launched a searing attack on Boris Johnson’s leadership and Jacob Rees-Mogg, whom he called a “fraud”, adding the Conservative party is lurching towards a divisive, potentially catastrophic form of “hard-right” conservatism.

In an interview with the Times, Soames – who is the grandson of Sir Winston Churchill – said the Conservatives were starting to resemble a “Brexit sect”, after he had the whip removed for rebelling against the Johnson government along with 20 other MPs.

“I am worried about the Tory party because give or take the odd spasm we have always been seen as pragmatic, sensible, good at our job, sane, reasonable and having the interests of the whole country,” he said. “Now it is beginning to look like a Brexit sect.” » | Lanre Bakare | Saturday, September 7, 2019

Opposition Parties Reject Johnson's Election Call as No-deal Brexit Bill Passes Parliament

Boris Johnson has arrived at the Queen's summer residence of Balmoral tonight, a man with rapidly dwindling political options.

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines — September 6, 2019

Turban und Hakenkreuz - Der Großmufti und die Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei

PM Says 'Rather Be Dead In A Ditch' Than Delay Brexit – As His Brother Resigns As Minister

It was already a bit of a stretch to see losing his majority, expelling more than twenty colleagues from his parliamentary party and losing three Commons votes as part of an ingenious plan masterminded by his chief adviser Dominic Cummings.