Passive smoking is a load of nonsense! — © Mark Alexander
Saturday, June 01, 2024
ForestOnline : Mark Littlewood In Conversation With Simon Clark
Passive smoking is a load of nonsense! — © Mark Alexander
The Gestapo Captain Found Hiding in Rural Argentina | Nazi Hunters | Timeline
Michael Lambert: "Polish Economy Soon to Overtake the UK?"
Jun 1, 2024 | “Last week I visited Lodz in Poland, a city with a population of over 600,000. A former centre for the textile industry, it is now a mixed economy. Lódź is a beautiful city with many outstanding buildings and landmarks. The main street Piotrkowska is full of bars and restaurants. The city is very green with many trees and small parks. Manufaktura is a huge new development of shops, restaurants, and cafés.
The economy of Poland seems to be proceeding very well and I found almost everyone to be positive and patriotic. The people met were all extremely friendly and helpful.”
Britain is well on its way to becoming the backwater of Europe. Most EU countries have overtaken us long ago, and those that haven’t yet, soon will. Poland is clearly one of them. Poland seems to be such a delightful country; the UK, by contrast, looks drab and shabby. It is so sad that so many of the British electorate allowed themselves to be led up the garden path by chancers. – © Mark Alexander
The economy of Poland seems to be proceeding very well and I found almost everyone to be positive and patriotic. The people met were all extremely friendly and helpful.”
Britain is well on its way to becoming the backwater of Europe. Most EU countries have overtaken us long ago, and those that haven’t yet, soon will. Poland is clearly one of them. Poland seems to be such a delightful country; the UK, by contrast, looks drab and shabby. It is so sad that so many of the British electorate allowed themselves to be led up the garden path by chancers. – © Mark Alexander
"Give Adults Freedom of Choice" - The Taxpayers Alliance Talks with Simon Clark
Nov 3, 2023 | Simon Clark, director of smokers' rights group Forest, joins us for this episode of TPA Talks. Reflecting on the upcoming smoking ban after decades of creeping regulation, Simon explains how the war on smokers and the rise of the nanny state have worrying implications for us all - smokers or not
I have been a lifelong Conservative voter, too. But I, like Simon Clark, will never vote for the party again if this ridiculous smoking ban really would be pushed through Parliament. Now, with an election imminent and the Conservatives unlikely to win, the Labour Party is likely to take up this ridiculous and illiberal policy proposal. I speak as an ex-smoker. I gave up smoking in April 2022. I used to smoke twenty cigarettes a day which, back in the day, used to be considered normal, not heavy. Heavy smoking used to be 40 - 60 cigarettes a day! However, with the price of a packet of Marlboro Reds, my cigarettes of choice, brushing £16, it became far too expensive to continue with the habit. So, I gave up. Bang went one of the main pleasures in my life! And I resent that. I object to this Conservative government taking older people's pleasures away from them. I really do. This sort of thing is expected from a more left-wing, socialist government, but not the Tories. — © Mark Alexander
This is one VERY IMPORTANT REASON why I am so against governments interfering with people’s smoking rights. These bans will not stop at smoking. I have said it all along. Now here comes the evidence! Left-wing do-gooders are on the warpath:
Extend success of UK sugar tax to cakes, biscuits and chocolate, experts urge: Exclusive: Co-author of analysis for WHO calls on government to control the food industry rather than being subservient to it »
I have been a lifelong Conservative voter, too. But I, like Simon Clark, will never vote for the party again if this ridiculous smoking ban really would be pushed through Parliament. Now, with an election imminent and the Conservatives unlikely to win, the Labour Party is likely to take up this ridiculous and illiberal policy proposal. I speak as an ex-smoker. I gave up smoking in April 2022. I used to smoke twenty cigarettes a day which, back in the day, used to be considered normal, not heavy. Heavy smoking used to be 40 - 60 cigarettes a day! However, with the price of a packet of Marlboro Reds, my cigarettes of choice, brushing £16, it became far too expensive to continue with the habit. So, I gave up. Bang went one of the main pleasures in my life! And I resent that. I object to this Conservative government taking older people's pleasures away from them. I really do. This sort of thing is expected from a more left-wing, socialist government, but not the Tories. — © Mark Alexander
This is one VERY IMPORTANT REASON why I am so against governments interfering with people’s smoking rights. These bans will not stop at smoking. I have said it all along. Now here comes the evidence! Left-wing do-gooders are on the warpath:
Extend success of UK sugar tax to cakes, biscuits and chocolate, experts urge: Exclusive: Co-author of analysis for WHO calls on government to control the food industry rather than being subservient to it »
Friday, May 31, 2024
Steve Schmidt Reacts to Trump Presser: Take His Threats at Face Value | The Warning
Trump talks BS! — © Mark Alexander
I’m back! Ich bin wieder da! Je suis de retour !
Thank you very much for being so patient and understanding. Now I feel rested. I can blog again without any problems, although less than before.
Ich bedanke mich sehr, daß Sie so geduldig und verständnisvoll gewesen sind. Nun fühle ich mich ausgeruht. Ich kann wieder ohne Weiteres bloggen, obschon weniger als zuvor.
Merci beaucoup pour votre patience et votre compréhension. Maintenant, je me sens reposé. Je peux facilement bloguer à nouveau, bien que moins qu’avant.
© Mark Alexander
Ich bedanke mich sehr, daß Sie so geduldig und verständnisvoll gewesen sind. Nun fühle ich mich ausgeruht. Ich kann wieder ohne Weiteres bloggen, obschon weniger als zuvor.
Merci beaucoup pour votre patience et votre compréhension. Maintenant, je me sens reposé. Je peux facilement bloguer à nouveau, bien que moins qu’avant.
© Mark Alexander
Sunday, February 25, 2024
It’s Time for a Little R&R
I have been blogging daily for a very long time now, but I have had no rest from it. Needless to say, I am feeling rather worn out as a result. I therefore need some rest, a change of mind, a change of perspective. I need a holiday. I am starting that holiday today. I ask you for your understanding.
There is a lot of interesting material up on this blog. In fact, there is material going back more than twenty years. You are free to avail yourselves of it.
I have no idea how long my holiday from blogging will last. I suppose it will last until I feel thoroughly refreshed.
For your understanding in this matter and for your loyalty, I thank you all kindly.
Best wishes,
Mark Alexander
There is a lot of interesting material up on this blog. In fact, there is material going back more than twenty years. You are free to avail yourselves of it.
I have no idea how long my holiday from blogging will last. I suppose it will last until I feel thoroughly refreshed.
For your understanding in this matter and for your loyalty, I thank you all kindly.
Best wishes,
Mark Alexander
Not Without My Daughter : Meet the Real Betty Mahmoody, Played by Sally Field.
May 21, 2017 | This is an account of her experiences in 1984–86, when she left Alpena, Michigan to go to Iran with her husband and daughter for what she was promised would be a short visit. Once there, she and her daughter were held against their will. It was made into a 1991 film starring Sally Field as Betty.
Betty and her daughter became trapped in a nation that was largely hostile to Americans, a family hostile to her, and an abusive husband. According to the book, her husband separated her from her daughter for weeks on end. He also assaulted her and threatened to kill her if she tried to leave.
She eventually escaped with her daughter. The book details her 500-mile escape to Turkey through the snowy Iranian mountains and the help she received from many Iranians. Upon returning to America in 1986, Betty filed for divorce in the USA.
Betty and her daughter became trapped in a nation that was largely hostile to Americans, a family hostile to her, and an abusive husband. According to the book, her husband separated her from her daughter for weeks on end. He also assaulted her and threatened to kill her if she tried to leave.
She eventually escaped with her daughter. The book details her 500-mile escape to Turkey through the snowy Iranian mountains and the help she received from many Iranians. Upon returning to America in 1986, Betty filed for divorce in the USA.
We Confronted Zealous Imams in America’s Muslim City | Documentary
May 29, 2024 | What happens when Muslims take over an American city? Pro-Hamas parades, animal sacrifice, burqas, a ban on LGBT flags, Arabic signs, male and female entrances to Mosques, restrictions on music lessons in schools, the call to prayer blasting over loudspeakers; Strolling the streets of Hamtramck, Michigan, one can hardly recognise that this was once a mighty American industrial centre. A new GB News documentary with US Correspondent Steven Edginton goes to America's only Muslim city to investigate how Islam has changed the town.
The tiny city is known as ‘the world in two square miles’ due to its hugely diverse population. Bosnians, Poles, Bangladeshis, African Americans, French, Germans, and Yemenis are among the many nationalities who populate or once populated the town.
Until a few decades ago Hamtramck was dominated by Poles; one resident told us it was typical to solely speak Polish, read local Polish newspapers, go to Polish banks and go to one of three Polish churches. Just one such church remains now. A flurry of Mosques have taken their place.
Conservative Yemeni Muslims have flooded into Hamtramck in recent years. In 2021 Hamtramck made history when it became the first American city to elect a full Muslim council and mayor. After 100 years of continuous Polish mayors and politicians, not one remains in local government.
The tiny city is known as ‘the world in two square miles’ due to its hugely diverse population. Bosnians, Poles, Bangladeshis, African Americans, French, Germans, and Yemenis are among the many nationalities who populate or once populated the town.
Until a few decades ago Hamtramck was dominated by Poles; one resident told us it was typical to solely speak Polish, read local Polish newspapers, go to Polish banks and go to one of three Polish churches. Just one such church remains now. A flurry of Mosques have taken their place.
Conservative Yemeni Muslims have flooded into Hamtramck in recent years. In 2021 Hamtramck made history when it became the first American city to elect a full Muslim council and mayor. After 100 years of continuous Polish mayors and politicians, not one remains in local government.
Muslim Town 'Sacrifices ANIMALS' as Women and LGBT Fear for 'Safety' amid 'Radical Islamist CHAOS'
Less Islam, More Inquiry & Sacred British Values 🇬🇧 | Nuriyah Khan's Opening Remarks for Changing Minds 2024
If you like Nuriyah Khan’s work and would like to support her in her activism, you can support her on PayPal here or by becoming a patron on Patreon. You can also follow Nuriyah on X (Twitter). Nuriyah's handle is @nuriyahk21
Stevie Wonder : Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday
Billy Ocean : Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run) | Official HD Video
Javier Milei Wows Crowd by Singing Heavy Metal Song at Book Launch Event
May 24, 2024 | Argentina President Javier Milei sent fans wild on Wednesday night as he dressed like a rockstar and performed one of his favourite heavy metal songs.
Milei performed for 8,000 people at Buenos Aires' historic Luna Park, joined by a party lawmaker on drums and his biographer on bass.
With wild hair, a black leather coat, and jumping around, Milei sang "Panic Show" by La Renga before launching his new book.
"I'm the king, I'm the lion ... I eat the elite for breakfast," Milei shouted the lyrics.
The libertarian leader, in office since December, often likens himself to a fierce lion, cutting budgets and breaking political norms. He frequently targets the political elite, or "caste," blaming them for Argentina's economic woes and soaring triple-digit inflation.
After the performance, the event shifted to the launch of his book "Capitalism, Socialism and the Neoclassical Trap". "The cultural battle must be fought in the classroom, in politics and everywhere, you can't stop fighting because otherwise the lefties will beat us," Milei said.
Not exactly the behaviour we have seen, or come to expect, from presidents of countries, is it? One could never call this behaviour dignified. One can but wonder what the general population of Argentina feels about this wild, outrageous, onstage spectacle! Especially the people who are hurting as a result of Milei’s extreme policies. – © Mark Alexander
Milei performed for 8,000 people at Buenos Aires' historic Luna Park, joined by a party lawmaker on drums and his biographer on bass.
With wild hair, a black leather coat, and jumping around, Milei sang "Panic Show" by La Renga before launching his new book.
"I'm the king, I'm the lion ... I eat the elite for breakfast," Milei shouted the lyrics.
The libertarian leader, in office since December, often likens himself to a fierce lion, cutting budgets and breaking political norms. He frequently targets the political elite, or "caste," blaming them for Argentina's economic woes and soaring triple-digit inflation.
After the performance, the event shifted to the launch of his book "Capitalism, Socialism and the Neoclassical Trap". "The cultural battle must be fought in the classroom, in politics and everywhere, you can't stop fighting because otherwise the lefties will beat us," Milei said.
Not exactly the behaviour we have seen, or come to expect, from presidents of countries, is it? One could never call this behaviour dignified. One can but wonder what the general population of Argentina feels about this wild, outrageous, onstage spectacle! Especially the people who are hurting as a result of Milei’s extreme policies. – © Mark Alexander
Why the Far Right Is Surging in Europe | FT Film
Why Is America Unraveling? | The Agenda
Ne-Yo : Sexy Love | Official Music Video
The Late Queen Elizabeth II's Moving and Funny Speech on Anglo-French Relations (1996)
Rare Footage of 1960s Saudi Arabia - Religion and Reform in the Arab Cold War (1966)
Rachmaninoff : Piano Concerto No.2, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (Ct.rc.: Arthur Rubinstein)
Orleans : Dance with Me
Whitney Houston with Enrique Iglesias : Could I Have This Kiss Forever | Official HD Video
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) : James Taylor
James Taylor : Shower the People
In Memory of Maurizio Pollini: Johannes Brahms - Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15 - Maurizio Pollini
Maurizio Pollini, Acclaimed Italian Pianist, Dies at age 82: The Grammy-winning musician performed frequently at La Scala opera house in Milan. / Maurizio Pollini, a Grammy-winning Italian pianist who performed frequently at La Scala opera house in Milan, has died. He was 82. / Pollini died on Saturday (March 23), La Scala said in a statement. The announcement didn’t specify a cause of death, but Pollini had been forced to cancel a concert at the Salzburg Festival in 2022 because of heart problems. »
I Don't Want to Know Why (with Cindy Fee)
Ne-Yo Ft. FABOLOUS : Link Up Remix | Official Music Video
Saturday, February 24, 2024
Medwedjew droht den Ukrainern mit einem endlosen Krieg
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Wo Russlands opferreicher Vormarsch in der Ukraine „anhalten“ soll, will der frühere Präsident nicht sagen – in Kiew jedenfalls nicht. Verhandlungsbereitschaft lässt der Kreml weiterhin nicht erkennen.
Kurz vor dem zweiten Jahrestag des Überfalls auf die Ukraine an diesem Samstag hat Dmitrij Medwedjew russischen Staatsmedien ein Interview gegeben. Daraus sprechen Angriffslust, Unversöhnlichkeit und Hassbekundungen in einem Ausmaß, das Russlands regelmäßig beteuerte Verhandlungsbereitschaft neuerlich infrage stellt. Medwedjew war Präsident und Ministerpräsident und zählt als Präsident Wladimir Putins Stellvertreter im Vorsitz des Nationalen Sicherheitsrats sowie als Vorsitzender der Machtpartei „Einiges Russland“ zur Kreml-Führungsriege. » | Von Friedrich Schmidt | Samstag, 24. Fevruar 2024
Kurz vor dem zweiten Jahrestag des Überfalls auf die Ukraine an diesem Samstag hat Dmitrij Medwedjew russischen Staatsmedien ein Interview gegeben. Daraus sprechen Angriffslust, Unversöhnlichkeit und Hassbekundungen in einem Ausmaß, das Russlands regelmäßig beteuerte Verhandlungsbereitschaft neuerlich infrage stellt. Medwedjew war Präsident und Ministerpräsident und zählt als Präsident Wladimir Putins Stellvertreter im Vorsitz des Nationalen Sicherheitsrats sowie als Vorsitzender der Machtpartei „Einiges Russland“ zur Kreml-Führungsriege. » | Von Friedrich Schmidt | Samstag, 24. Fevruar 2024
‘My Ultimate and Absolute Revenge’: Trump Gives Chilling CPAC Speech on Presidential Agenda
THE GUARDIAN: Unbound and unhinged, ex-president vilifies immigrants before devolving into bizarre riffs, including calling himself a ‘total genius’
Screenshot from the Guardian | Donald Trump speaks at CPAC in Oxon Hill, Maryland, on 24 February 2024. Photograph: Alex Brandon/AP
Donald Trump styled himself as a “proud political dissident” and promised “judgment day” for political opponents in an address that offered a chilling vision of a democracy in imminent peril.
In classic carnival barker form, the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination accused Joe Biden of weaponising the government against him with “Stalinist show trials”. He pledged to crack down on border security and deliver the biggest deportation in US history if he wins the 5 November election.
“For hardworking Americans, November 5th will be our new liberation day,” Trump told a packed ballroom at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at National Harbor in Maryland. “But for the liars and cheaters and fraudsters and censors and imposters who have commandeered our government, it will be their judgment day!”
He added: “Your victory will be our ultimate vindication, your liberty will be our ultimate reward and the unprecedented success of the United States of America will be my ultimate and absolute revenge.”
The overwhelmingly white crowd, many wearing Make America Great Again regalia, rose to their feet and roared their approval. » | David Smith in Oxon Hill, Maryland | Saturday, February 24, 2024
Donald Trump styled himself as a “proud political dissident” and promised “judgment day” for political opponents in an address that offered a chilling vision of a democracy in imminent peril.
In classic carnival barker form, the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination accused Joe Biden of weaponising the government against him with “Stalinist show trials”. He pledged to crack down on border security and deliver the biggest deportation in US history if he wins the 5 November election.
“For hardworking Americans, November 5th will be our new liberation day,” Trump told a packed ballroom at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at National Harbor in Maryland. “But for the liars and cheaters and fraudsters and censors and imposters who have commandeered our government, it will be their judgment day!”
He added: “Your victory will be our ultimate vindication, your liberty will be our ultimate reward and the unprecedented success of the United States of America will be my ultimate and absolute revenge.”
The overwhelmingly white crowd, many wearing Make America Great Again regalia, rose to their feet and roared their approval. » | David Smith in Oxon Hill, Maryland | Saturday, February 24, 2024
En direct, guerre en Ukraine : des milliers de personnes manifestent en France et à l’étranger pour soutenir le pays
LE MONDE : Les hommages se multiplient pour la deuxième année de la guerre. Comme la première ministre italienne, Giorgia Meloni, en déplacement à Kiev à l’occasion de ce deuxième anniversaire, Justin Trudeau, le premier ministre canadien, a signé un accord bilatéral de sécurité avec l’Ukraine. LIVE EN COURS » | samedi 24 février 2024
Nawalnyjs Mutter hat Leichnam ihres Sohns erhalten
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Mehr als eine Woche nach seinem Tod ist der Leichnam des in Haft gestorbenen Oppositionspolitikers Alexej Nawalnyj nach Angaben seiner Sprecherin an seine Mutter übergeben worden.
Die Mutter des in Haft gestorbenen Kremlgegners Alexej Nawalnyj hat dessen Leiche von den Behörden erhalten. Das teilte Nawalnyjs Sprecherin Kira Jarmysch am Samstag auf der Plattform X mit. Sie dankte „allen, die dies mit uns gefordert haben". Angehörige und Unterstützer des Oppositionellen hatten die russische Führung seit Tagen zur Herausgabe des Toten aufgefordert, um ihn menschenwürdig beerdigen zu können.
Sie wisse noch nicht, ob „die Behörden verhindern werden, dass der Ablauf (der Trauerfeier) so abläuft, wie die Familie es wünscht und wie Alexej es verdient", erklärte Jarmisch weiter. » | Quelle: dpa/AFP | Samstag, 24. Februar 2024
Die Mutter des in Haft gestorbenen Kremlgegners Alexej Nawalnyj hat dessen Leiche von den Behörden erhalten. Das teilte Nawalnyjs Sprecherin Kira Jarmysch am Samstag auf der Plattform X mit. Sie dankte „allen, die dies mit uns gefordert haben". Angehörige und Unterstützer des Oppositionellen hatten die russische Führung seit Tagen zur Herausgabe des Toten aufgefordert, um ihn menschenwürdig beerdigen zu können.
Sie wisse noch nicht, ob „die Behörden verhindern werden, dass der Ablauf (der Trauerfeier) so abläuft, wie die Familie es wünscht und wie Alexej es verdient", erklärte Jarmisch weiter. » | Quelle: dpa/AFP | Samstag, 24. Februar 2024
Take Putin Seriously or Risk World War III, Former Head of British Army Warns
James O’Brien: 'Crackers doesn't go far enough': Liz Truss addresses America | LBC
Michael Lambert: Desperate Tories Target Foreign Workers to Save 'Red Wall' Votes
Feb 24, 2024 | The British government seems determined to do everything possible to stop foreigners from coming to the UK. Presumably this is in an attempt to pander to the Daily Express and Daily Mail readers who backed Brexit and who favour tougher restrictions on foreigners coming to the UK.
The latest immigration regulations make it all but impossible for any unskilled worker to come to work in the UK. For skilled workers there are considerable hurdles to overcome. In response to higher than expected and record immigration from non-EU countries following Brexit, the government has now announced that, in future, those wishing to work in the UK will not be allowed to bring their dependants. This will almost certainly result in a significant reduction in those coming and will further add to the UK's woes.
There are no longer any legal routes for asylum seekers to come to the UK or to apply for asylum. There are tens of thousands waiting for their applications to be processed. They are being paid around £6 per day for subsistence whilst just one of the firms providing accommodation made a profit of £62 million last year.
Preventing workers from coming to the UK and failing to process asylum applications from those who have arrived from across the Channel, having no other route to the UK, is stupid and inefficient and will only damage the UK economy more.
The latest immigration regulations make it all but impossible for any unskilled worker to come to work in the UK. For skilled workers there are considerable hurdles to overcome. In response to higher than expected and record immigration from non-EU countries following Brexit, the government has now announced that, in future, those wishing to work in the UK will not be allowed to bring their dependants. This will almost certainly result in a significant reduction in those coming and will further add to the UK's woes.
There are no longer any legal routes for asylum seekers to come to the UK or to apply for asylum. There are tens of thousands waiting for their applications to be processed. They are being paid around £6 per day for subsistence whilst just one of the firms providing accommodation made a profit of £62 million last year.
Preventing workers from coming to the UK and failing to process asylum applications from those who have arrived from across the Channel, having no other route to the UK, is stupid and inefficient and will only damage the UK economy more.
Friday, February 23, 2024
En Argentine, des milliers de personnes manifestent pour « l’urgence alimentaire »
LE MONDE : La mobilisation, sur le thème de « l’urgence alimentaire ne peut plus attendre », répondait à l’appel de syndicats, petits partis et mouvements sociaux de gauche ou d’extrême gauche.
Des manifestations ont rassemblé plusieurs milliers de personnes vendredi 23 février dans diverses villes d’Argentine pour alerter sur l’urgence alimentaire, lors de l’une des mobilisations contre les mesures du gouvernement ultralibéral de Javier Milei. » | Le Monde avec AFP | vendredi 23 février 2024
Des manifestations ont rassemblé plusieurs milliers de personnes vendredi 23 février dans diverses villes d’Argentine pour alerter sur l’urgence alimentaire, lors de l’une des mobilisations contre les mesures du gouvernement ultralibéral de Javier Milei. » | Le Monde avec AFP | vendredi 23 février 2024
Lorry Drivers Who Voted Brexit Regret Everything
Politicians foul up everything! – © Mark Alexander
The Thinking Atheist: Mimzy Vidz: Free from Islam
As hard as it may be for people to realise this, but the very hard fact remains that Islam and Western values are totally and utterly INCOMPATIBLE. Ergo, Islam, as an ideology, doesn’t belong in the West. With Islam in the West in competition with Western, mostly secular values, but based originally on Christianity, it will be either Islam or Western values which will win through in the end. Both cannot survive in tandem. So, I ask you, my readers and followers: Why have we in the West done this to ourselves? Why have we inflicted this pain on our body politic? Why have we endangered our very own survival? – © Mark Alexander
Fur on the Head, Fur on the Chin, Fur on the Chest. What Can One Say? Except Maybe that It's Beautiful!
Les Etats-Unis renforcent leur arsenal de sanctions contre la Russie, en misant sur le temps long
LE MONDE : Après deux ans de guerre en Ukraine, la Maison Blanche a rendu publique une liste de 500 nouveaux noms de personnes ou d’entreprises russes mises à l’index, auxquelles s’ajoutent 26 entités et individus dans 11 pays, qui ont contribué au contournement des précédentes mesures.
Joe Biden rencontre Ioulia Navalnaïa, veuve du chef de l’opposition au Kremlin, Alexeï Navalny, décédé le 16 février dans une prison russe, et sa fille, Dasha, à San Francisco, en Californie, le 22 février 2024. HANDOUT / AFP
Faute d’armes et de munitions, il reste les sanctions. Confrontée au blocage d’une nouvelle tranche d’aide militaire à l’Ukraine au Congrès, la Maison Blanche a décidé de redoubler de vigueur contre la Russie avec un outil déjà très usité, qui a montré ses limites. Dans un communiqué publié vendredi 23 février, date symbolique marquant le début de l’invasion russe il y a deux ans, le président américain, Joe Biden, a confirmé l’adoption de plus de 500 nouvelles sanctions contre des individus et des entités russes. Au total, depuis 2022, les listes du Trésor et du département d’Etat ont enregistré 4 000 noms. » | Par Piotr Smolar (Washington, correspondant) | vendredi 23 février 2024
Faute d’armes et de munitions, il reste les sanctions. Confrontée au blocage d’une nouvelle tranche d’aide militaire à l’Ukraine au Congrès, la Maison Blanche a décidé de redoubler de vigueur contre la Russie avec un outil déjà très usité, qui a montré ses limites. Dans un communiqué publié vendredi 23 février, date symbolique marquant le début de l’invasion russe il y a deux ans, le président américain, Joe Biden, a confirmé l’adoption de plus de 500 nouvelles sanctions contre des individus et des entités russes. Au total, depuis 2022, les listes du Trésor et du département d’Etat ont enregistré 4 000 noms. » | Par Piotr Smolar (Washington, correspondant) | vendredi 23 février 2024
Was die Cannabis-Legalisierung für die Großstädte bedeutet
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Der Bundestag hat die Legalisierung von Cannabis beschlossen. Der Schwarzmarkt in Städten wie Frankfurt wird wohl kaum eingedämmt, fürchtet die Polizei.
Neues Gesetz: Wer einen Joint rauchen will, kann das Cannabis dafür bald legal erwerben. | Bild: DPA
Wenn sich die Befürchtungen der Polizei bewahrheiten, könnte eine solche Situation künftig häufiger eintreten: Eine Polizeistreife kontrolliert im Bahnhofsviertel eine Person, die sie der Dealerszene zuordnet und findet 25 Gramm Cannabis. Nach bisherigem Gesetz eine „nicht geringe Menge“. Doch es ist die Menge, die vom 1. April an jeder, der älter ist als 18 Jahre, legal mit sich führen darf. Und dann passiert: nichts. Eine Strafverfolgung ist dann naturgemäß nicht mehr möglich – und die Frage, woher die Person die Droge hat, ob aus eigenem Anbau oder aus illegaler Herkunft, ist damit auch noch nicht geklärt.
Das Gesetz zur Legalisierung von Cannabis, das am Freitag im Bundestag beschlossen wurde, ist in Polizei und Justiz höchst umstritten. Gerade in Städten wie Frankfurt, in denen ohnehin schon viele Drogen in Umlauf seien, entstehe ein Aufwand, der kaum zu bewältigen sei, sagt der Vorsitzende des Bundes Deutscher Kriminalbeamter, Dirk Peglow. Denn die zulässige Menge muss kontrolliert werden. Peglow befürchtet sogar eine Stärkung des Schwarzmarktes, unter anderem deshalb, weil nicht unterschieden werden könne, ob das Cannabis einer legalen oder einer illegalen Produktion entstammt. » | Von Katharina Iskandar und Falk Heunemann | Freitag, 23. Februar 2024
Meiner Meinung nach ist es ein großer Fehler, das Rauchen von Cannabis zum Vergnügen zu legalisieren. (Die Verwendung von Cannabis für medizinische Zwecke ist ein ganz anderer Fall.) Es ist besonders dumm, das Rauchen von Cannabis zu legalisieren, wenn gleichzeitig ein Krieg gegen das Rauchen von Zigaretten und Tabak herrscht. Gegen das Rauchen von Zigaretten und Tabak zu sein, ist völliger Unsinn, wenn man gleichzeitig den Konsum einer bislang verpönten und illegalen Substanz legalisiert. Das Rauchen von Tabak und Zigaretten, so gefährlich sie auch sein mögen, ist definitiv besser für die Gesundheit als das Rauchen von Cannabis. Zumindest haben sie keine schädliche Wirkung auf das Gehirn. Unsere Politiker haben wirklich den Verstand verloren!
Was mir als Brite wirklich dumm erscheint, ist die Tatsache, dass unser Premierminister – Rishi Sunak – so naiv ist, ein schrittweises Rauchverbot für junge Erwachsene einführen zu wollen. Und das in einer Zeit, in der Länder den Konsum bisher verbotener Substanzen wie Cannabis zunehmend legalisieren! Wie dumm ist das denn? – © Mark Alexander
This, my opinion in English:
In my opinion, it is a huge mistake to legalise the smoking of cannabis for pleasure. (The use of cannabis for medical purposes is a different case altogether.) It is particularly stupid to legalise the smoking of cannabis when, at the same time, there is a war on smoking cigarettes and tobacco. To be against the smoking of cigarettes and tobacco is total and utter nonsense when, at the same time, one is legalising the consumption of a substance which has hitherto been frowned upon and has been illegal. The smoking of tobacco and cigarettes, as dangerous to health as they may be, is definitely better for one's health than the smoking of cannabis. At least they don't have a deleterious effect on the brain. Our politicians have truly taken leave of their senses!
As a Brit, what comes to mind as really stupid is the fact that our prime minister — Rishi Sunak — is so naïve as to want to introduce an incremental smoking ban for young adults. And this at a time of countries increasingly legalising the consumption of hitherto forbidden substances such as cannabis! Just how stupid is that? – © Mark Alexander
Wenn sich die Befürchtungen der Polizei bewahrheiten, könnte eine solche Situation künftig häufiger eintreten: Eine Polizeistreife kontrolliert im Bahnhofsviertel eine Person, die sie der Dealerszene zuordnet und findet 25 Gramm Cannabis. Nach bisherigem Gesetz eine „nicht geringe Menge“. Doch es ist die Menge, die vom 1. April an jeder, der älter ist als 18 Jahre, legal mit sich führen darf. Und dann passiert: nichts. Eine Strafverfolgung ist dann naturgemäß nicht mehr möglich – und die Frage, woher die Person die Droge hat, ob aus eigenem Anbau oder aus illegaler Herkunft, ist damit auch noch nicht geklärt.
Das Gesetz zur Legalisierung von Cannabis, das am Freitag im Bundestag beschlossen wurde, ist in Polizei und Justiz höchst umstritten. Gerade in Städten wie Frankfurt, in denen ohnehin schon viele Drogen in Umlauf seien, entstehe ein Aufwand, der kaum zu bewältigen sei, sagt der Vorsitzende des Bundes Deutscher Kriminalbeamter, Dirk Peglow. Denn die zulässige Menge muss kontrolliert werden. Peglow befürchtet sogar eine Stärkung des Schwarzmarktes, unter anderem deshalb, weil nicht unterschieden werden könne, ob das Cannabis einer legalen oder einer illegalen Produktion entstammt. » | Von Katharina Iskandar und Falk Heunemann | Freitag, 23. Februar 2024
Meiner Meinung nach ist es ein großer Fehler, das Rauchen von Cannabis zum Vergnügen zu legalisieren. (Die Verwendung von Cannabis für medizinische Zwecke ist ein ganz anderer Fall.) Es ist besonders dumm, das Rauchen von Cannabis zu legalisieren, wenn gleichzeitig ein Krieg gegen das Rauchen von Zigaretten und Tabak herrscht. Gegen das Rauchen von Zigaretten und Tabak zu sein, ist völliger Unsinn, wenn man gleichzeitig den Konsum einer bislang verpönten und illegalen Substanz legalisiert. Das Rauchen von Tabak und Zigaretten, so gefährlich sie auch sein mögen, ist definitiv besser für die Gesundheit als das Rauchen von Cannabis. Zumindest haben sie keine schädliche Wirkung auf das Gehirn. Unsere Politiker haben wirklich den Verstand verloren!
Was mir als Brite wirklich dumm erscheint, ist die Tatsache, dass unser Premierminister – Rishi Sunak – so naiv ist, ein schrittweises Rauchverbot für junge Erwachsene einführen zu wollen. Und das in einer Zeit, in der Länder den Konsum bisher verbotener Substanzen wie Cannabis zunehmend legalisieren! Wie dumm ist das denn? – © Mark Alexander
This, my opinion in English:
In my opinion, it is a huge mistake to legalise the smoking of cannabis for pleasure. (The use of cannabis for medical purposes is a different case altogether.) It is particularly stupid to legalise the smoking of cannabis when, at the same time, there is a war on smoking cigarettes and tobacco. To be against the smoking of cigarettes and tobacco is total and utter nonsense when, at the same time, one is legalising the consumption of a substance which has hitherto been frowned upon and has been illegal. The smoking of tobacco and cigarettes, as dangerous to health as they may be, is definitely better for one's health than the smoking of cannabis. At least they don't have a deleterious effect on the brain. Our politicians have truly taken leave of their senses!
As a Brit, what comes to mind as really stupid is the fact that our prime minister — Rishi Sunak — is so naïve as to want to introduce an incremental smoking ban for young adults. And this at a time of countries increasingly legalising the consumption of hitherto forbidden substances such as cannabis! Just how stupid is that? – © Mark Alexander
Lauterbach zur Cannabis Legalisierung: „Gescheiterte Drogenpolitik nimmt eine Wende“
Women Leaving Islam | Documentary
Feb 1, 2021 | In this powerful film, six ex-Muslim women activists share their moving stories of growing up in Muslim families and Muslim-majority countries and the violence, loss and shunning they faced because of their apostasy.
The women talk about everything from tearing their hijab on door handles as a child, wearing a burkini on a beach in Italy, wanting to scream their atheism in Mecca during Hajj, losing custody of a child after a husband’s accusations of blasphemy, reporting a violent fundamentalist father, forging a male guardian’s signature in order to flee their country and being shunned for defending gay rights…
Despite the risks, the women speak of hope, happiness and freedom from Islam and the hijab. The brave women: Fay Rahman, Halima Salat, Mimzy Vidz, Rana Ahmad and Zara Kay reside/have resided in Australia, Britain, Germany, and the Netherlands.
They are from backgrounds as diverse as Bangladeshi, British, Egyptian/Moroccan, Saudi, Somali/Kenyan, Pakistani and Tanzanian.
The women talk about everything from tearing their hijab on door handles as a child, wearing a burkini on a beach in Italy, wanting to scream their atheism in Mecca during Hajj, losing custody of a child after a husband’s accusations of blasphemy, reporting a violent fundamentalist father, forging a male guardian’s signature in order to flee their country and being shunned for defending gay rights…
Despite the risks, the women speak of hope, happiness and freedom from Islam and the hijab. The brave women: Fay Rahman, Halima Salat, Mimzy Vidz, Rana Ahmad and Zara Kay reside/have resided in Australia, Britain, Germany, and the Netherlands.
They are from backgrounds as diverse as Bangladeshi, British, Egyptian/Moroccan, Saudi, Somali/Kenyan, Pakistani and Tanzanian.
Shamima Begum Loses Appeal over British Citizenship | BBC News
Feb 23, 2024 | Shamima Begum has lost her latest bid to overturn a decision by the UK government to strip her British citizenship.
The Court of Appeal ruling means she remains in Syria with no chance of return to the UK.
Begum left her home in London aged 15 in 2015 to travel to Syria to join Islamic State group. The now 24-year-old's lawyers brought a bid to overturn a 2023 decision at the Court of Appeal, with the Home Office opposing the challenge.
The Home Office argued the "key feature" of Begum's case was national security.
The Court of Appeal ruling means she remains in Syria with no chance of return to the UK.
Begum left her home in London aged 15 in 2015 to travel to Syria to join Islamic State group. The now 24-year-old's lawyers brought a bid to overturn a 2023 decision at the Court of Appeal, with the Home Office opposing the challenge.
The Home Office argued the "key feature" of Begum's case was national security.
Liz Truss: I Would Vote for Donald Trump
THE TELEGRAPH: Exclusive: Former PM defends sharing stage with election-deniers as she effectively endorses Republican frontrunner
Liz Truss gives a speech during the Conservative Political Action Conference in the US | CREDIT: SHAWN THEW/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Liz Truss said she would vote for Donald Trump over Joe Biden if she were an American citizen, effectively endorsing the Republican frontrunner in his race to reclaim the White House in November.
Ms Truss attacked Mr Biden for projecting “weakness” on the global stage, telling The Telegraph the Republican Party was more “pro-Britain” and could deliver on Ronald Reagan’s philosophy of “peace through strength”.
The former prime minister was in the Washington suburbs to share a stage with Mr Trump at a major US conservative conference.
Speaking after her speech to grassroots activists, Ms Truss said raging global conflicts called for strong US leadership on the world stage.
She said: “I think that we need peace through strength. And I think that is what we would see if the Republicans were back in, and also I think the Republicans are more pro-Britain than the Democrats.” » | Rozina Sabur, Deputy US Editor, Oxon Hill, Maryland | Friday, February 23, 2024 [£]
If any of you were wondering whether Liz Truss had a screw loose, wonder no longer! She’s just confirmed our worst fears: she definitely has a screw loose! – © Mark Alexander
Liz Truss said she would vote for Donald Trump over Joe Biden if she were an American citizen, effectively endorsing the Republican frontrunner in his race to reclaim the White House in November.
Ms Truss attacked Mr Biden for projecting “weakness” on the global stage, telling The Telegraph the Republican Party was more “pro-Britain” and could deliver on Ronald Reagan’s philosophy of “peace through strength”.
The former prime minister was in the Washington suburbs to share a stage with Mr Trump at a major US conservative conference.
Speaking after her speech to grassroots activists, Ms Truss said raging global conflicts called for strong US leadership on the world stage.
She said: “I think that we need peace through strength. And I think that is what we would see if the Republicans were back in, and also I think the Republicans are more pro-Britain than the Democrats.” » | Rozina Sabur, Deputy US Editor, Oxon Hill, Maryland | Friday, February 23, 2024 [£]
If any of you were wondering whether Liz Truss had a screw loose, wonder no longer! She’s just confirmed our worst fears: she definitely has a screw loose! – © Mark Alexander
Fire in High-Rise Apartment Complex Kills at Least 4 in Valencia, Spain
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The leader of the regional government declared a three-day mourning period.
A day after a fire roared through a high-rise residential complex in the Spanish city of Valencia, killing at least four people and leaving at least 14 missing, there were fears on Friday that those numbers could rise, because high temperatures inside the charred structure have prevented emergency workers from searching inside. » | Rachel Chaundler, Reporting from Zaragoza, Spain | Friday, February 23, 2024
A day after a fire roared through a high-rise residential complex in the Spanish city of Valencia, killing at least four people and leaving at least 14 missing, there were fears on Friday that those numbers could rise, because high temperatures inside the charred structure have prevented emergency workers from searching inside. » | Rachel Chaundler, Reporting from Zaragoza, Spain | Friday, February 23, 2024
Why I Left Islam | Fay Rahman
Can Gabriel Attal Win Over France?
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The new prime minister wants to succeed President Macron. But first he must see off the far right and define himself before a restive public.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal arriving at Hotel Matignon, the prime minister’s residence, in Paris this month. | Benoit Tessier/Reuters
Gabriel Attal, 34, is a new kind of French prime minister, more inclined to Diet Coke than a good Burgundy, at home with social media and revelations about his personal life, a natural communicator who reels off one liners like “France rhymes with power” to assert his “authority,” a favorite word.
Since taking office in early January, the boyish-looking Mr. Attal has waded into the countryside, far from his familiar haunts in the chic quarters of Paris, muddied his dress shoes, propped his notes on a choreographed bale of hay, and calmed protesting farmers through adroit negotiation leavened by multiple concessions.
He has told rail workers threatening a strike that “working is a duty,” not an everyday French admonition. He has shown off his new dog on Instagram and explained that he called the high-energy Chow Chow “Volta” after the inventor of the electric battery. He has told the National Assembly that he is the living proof of a changing France as “a prime minister who assumes his homosexuality.” » | Roger Cohen | Friday, February 23, 2024
Gabriel Attal, 34, is a new kind of French prime minister, more inclined to Diet Coke than a good Burgundy, at home with social media and revelations about his personal life, a natural communicator who reels off one liners like “France rhymes with power” to assert his “authority,” a favorite word.
Since taking office in early January, the boyish-looking Mr. Attal has waded into the countryside, far from his familiar haunts in the chic quarters of Paris, muddied his dress shoes, propped his notes on a choreographed bale of hay, and calmed protesting farmers through adroit negotiation leavened by multiple concessions.
He has told rail workers threatening a strike that “working is a duty,” not an everyday French admonition. He has shown off his new dog on Instagram and explained that he called the high-energy Chow Chow “Volta” after the inventor of the electric battery. He has told the National Assembly that he is the living proof of a changing France as “a prime minister who assumes his homosexuality.” » | Roger Cohen | Friday, February 23, 2024
Thursday, February 22, 2024
Ottolenghi: Grilled Red Cabbage with Gorgonzola and Grapes
Get the recipe here.
L’Inde rêve de remplacer la Chine comme usine du monde
LE MONDE : Le pays attire une part croissante de la production de smartphones. Mais ses faiblesses structurelles, comme la pauvreté, sont un obstacle.
Les annonces prestigieuses se multiplient comme autant de trophées pour l’Inde. Le géant sud-asiatique, qui rêve de rivaliser avec la Chine dans les chaînes de valeur mondiales, peut se targuer d’avoir attiré, ces dernières années, les plus grands noms de l’électronique. Apple fabrique désormais en Inde des iPhone 15, Google son nouveau Pixel 8 et Samsung son Galaxy S24. Même Elon Musk envisage d’y implanter une usine de véhicules électriques. » | Par Carole Dieterich (New Delhi, correspondance) | jeudi 22 février 2024 [€]
Article réservé aux abonnés
Les annonces prestigieuses se multiplient comme autant de trophées pour l’Inde. Le géant sud-asiatique, qui rêve de rivaliser avec la Chine dans les chaînes de valeur mondiales, peut se targuer d’avoir attiré, ces dernières années, les plus grands noms de l’électronique. Apple fabrique désormais en Inde des iPhone 15, Google son nouveau Pixel 8 et Samsung son Galaxy S24. Même Elon Musk envisage d’y implanter une usine de véhicules électriques. » | Par Carole Dieterich (New Delhi, correspondance) | jeudi 22 février 2024 [€]
Article réservé aux abonnés
La mère d’Alexeï Navalny dit avoir vu le corps de son fils et accuse les autorités russes de faire pression sur elle afin qu’un « enterrement secret » soit organisé
LE MONDE : La dépouille de l’opposant russe, mort vendredi dans la colonie pénitentiaire où il était incarcéré, n’avait jusqu’ici pas encore été localisée par son entourage.
La mère de l’opposant russe Alexeï Navalny, Lioudmila Navalnaïa, a déclaré, jeudi 22 février, avoir pu voir le corps de son fils, mort vendredi dans une colonie pénitentiaire russe. Dans un court message vidéo diffusé par l’entourage de l’opposant, Mme Navalnaïa accuse par ailleurs les autorités russes de menaces à son encontre pour qu’un « enterrement secret » d’Alexeï Navalny soit organisé. » | Le Monde | jeudi 22 février 2024
La mère de l’opposant russe Alexeï Navalny, Lioudmila Navalnaïa, a déclaré, jeudi 22 février, avoir pu voir le corps de son fils, mort vendredi dans une colonie pénitentiaire russe. Dans un court message vidéo diffusé par l’entourage de l’opposant, Mme Navalnaïa accuse par ailleurs les autorités russes de menaces à son encontre pour qu’un « enterrement secret » d’Alexeï Navalny soit organisé. » | Le Monde | jeudi 22 février 2024
Alexey Navalny’s Mentor and Friend: Putin Is “Evil, and a Killer” | Amanpour & Company
Attaques du 7 octobre 2023 : un rapport israélien pointe des violences sexuelles « systématiques »
LE MONDE : Ces violences ont été perpétrées par le Hamas « délibérément contre les civils israéliens », note document, fondé sur les récits de témoins.
Les attaques du Hamas en Israël, le 7 octobre 2023 ont donné lieu à des violences sexuelles « systématiques » et « préméditées », selon un rapport israélien publié le mercredi 21 février. Ce document a été rédigé par l’association des centres d’aide aux victimes de viol en Israël (ARCCI), qui chapeaute de centres de lutte contre les violences sexuelles à travers le pays. Il décrit ces exactions comme une partie intégrante des attaques du 7 octobre 2023. » | Le Monde avec AFP | mercredi 21 2024
Les attaques du Hamas en Israël, le 7 octobre 2023 ont donné lieu à des violences sexuelles « systématiques » et « préméditées », selon un rapport israélien publié le mercredi 21 février. Ce document a été rédigé par l’association des centres d’aide aux victimes de viol en Israël (ARCCI), qui chapeaute de centres de lutte contre les violences sexuelles à travers le pays. Il décrit ces exactions comme une partie intégrante des attaques du 7 octobre 2023. » | Le Monde avec AFP | mercredi 21 2024
Tucker Carlson: They Want Julian Assange to Die in Prison for Embarrassing the CIA
Related.
Biden nennt Putin einen „durchgeknallten Mistkerl“
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE: Der US-Präsident ist dafür bekannt, öfter mal zu fluchen. Wenn es um Kremlchef Putin geht, hält Biden sich mit seiner Wortwahl nicht zurück.
US-Präsident Joe Biden hat das russische Staatsoberhaupt Wladimir Putin einen „durchgeknallten Mistkerl“ genannt. Bei einem Treffen mit Spendern der Demokratischen Partei in San Francisco sagte Biden, der Klimawandel sei trotz des „durchgeknallten Mistkerls Putin“ die „existenzielle Bedrohung für die Menschheit“. Auf Englisch benutzte der Präsident die Ausdrucksweise „SOB“, kurz für die Beleidigung „son of a bitch“ (wörtlich: Sohn einer Hündin), was im Deutschen etwa mit „Mistkerl“, „Arschloch“ oder gar „Hurensohn“ übersetzt werden kann. » | Quelle: AFP | Donnerstag, 22. Februar 2024
US-Präsident Joe Biden hat das russische Staatsoberhaupt Wladimir Putin einen „durchgeknallten Mistkerl“ genannt. Bei einem Treffen mit Spendern der Demokratischen Partei in San Francisco sagte Biden, der Klimawandel sei trotz des „durchgeknallten Mistkerls Putin“ die „existenzielle Bedrohung für die Menschheit“. Auf Englisch benutzte der Präsident die Ausdrucksweise „SOB“, kurz für die Beleidigung „son of a bitch“ (wörtlich: Sohn einer Hündin), was im Deutschen etwa mit „Mistkerl“, „Arschloch“ oder gar „Hurensohn“ übersetzt werden kann. » | Quelle: AFP | Donnerstag, 22. Februar 2024
Dan Wootton No Longer Being Investigated over Sexual Assault Allegations
THE TELEGRAPH: Met Police to take no further action after GB News host accused of using online pseudonym to offer money to colleagues for explicit material
Dan Wootton remains suspended over his programme in which he and his guest, Laurence Fox, made remarks about Ava Evans | CREDIT: GB NEWS
Police have dropped their investigation into Dan Wootton, the GB News presenter, over alleged sexual offences.
Wootton, 40, was accused of using an online pseudonym to offer thousands of pounds to colleagues in exchange for explicit material.
The Metropolitan Police said that it had been contacted in June 2023 with allegations of sexual offences committed by a man in his 40s.
A spokesman said: “Officers assessed all information available to establish whether any criminal offence has taken place.
“An investigation was commenced into these allegations. All parties involved have now been advised that no further action will be taken. There were no arrests during the investigation.”
Wootton said he had also been cleared in a second investigation conducted by Police Scotland. » | Anita Singh, Entertainment Editor | Wednesday, February 21, 2024 [£]
Police have dropped their investigation into Dan Wootton, the GB News presenter, over alleged sexual offences.
Wootton, 40, was accused of using an online pseudonym to offer thousands of pounds to colleagues in exchange for explicit material.
The Metropolitan Police said that it had been contacted in June 2023 with allegations of sexual offences committed by a man in his 40s.
A spokesman said: “Officers assessed all information available to establish whether any criminal offence has taken place.
“An investigation was commenced into these allegations. All parties involved have now been advised that no further action will be taken. There were no arrests during the investigation.”
Wootton said he had also been cleared in a second investigation conducted by Police Scotland. » | Anita Singh, Entertainment Editor | Wednesday, February 21, 2024 [£]
Britain’s ‘Deep State’ Thwarted My Plans, Liz Truss Tells US Far-right Summit
THE GUARDIAN: Former Conservative PM, whose tenure lasted 50 days, tells CPAC she fell victim to UK’s ‘establishment … its bureaucrats and lawyers’
Screenshot from the Guardian. | Liz Truss with Nigel Farage at the CPAC summit on Wednesday. Photograph: José Luis Magaña/AP
Liz Truss, the former British prime minister, spoke at a far-right conference in America on Wednesday, styling herself as a populist who took on America’s equivalent of the “deep state” in her own country.
Truss was among the headline speakers at this week’s Conservative Political Action Conference at the National Harbor in Maryland. CPAC is billed as the biggest annual gathering of conservatives in the US but has in recent years embraced Donald Trump’s brand of nativist-populism.
In Wednesday’s opening session, an “international summit”, the ex-PM sat side by side with Nigel Farage, former leader of the Brexit party, both with small union flags on the table in front of them. » | David Smith in Oxon Hill, Maryland | Thursday, February 22, 2024
Liz Truss is totally and utterly delusional. The trouble is that the American far-right will lap the crap up. It's just what they want to hear. – © Mark Alexander
‘She’s totally lost it’: inside story of the unravelling of Liz Truss’s premiership: Approaching one year on from the start of her tenure, a look back on how it all fell apart within 49 days »
Liz Truss, the former British prime minister, spoke at a far-right conference in America on Wednesday, styling herself as a populist who took on America’s equivalent of the “deep state” in her own country.
Truss was among the headline speakers at this week’s Conservative Political Action Conference at the National Harbor in Maryland. CPAC is billed as the biggest annual gathering of conservatives in the US but has in recent years embraced Donald Trump’s brand of nativist-populism.
In Wednesday’s opening session, an “international summit”, the ex-PM sat side by side with Nigel Farage, former leader of the Brexit party, both with small union flags on the table in front of them. » | David Smith in Oxon Hill, Maryland | Thursday, February 22, 2024
Liz Truss is totally and utterly delusional. The trouble is that the American far-right will lap the crap up. It's just what they want to hear. – © Mark Alexander
‘She’s totally lost it’: inside story of the unravelling of Liz Truss’s premiership: Approaching one year on from the start of her tenure, a look back on how it all fell apart within 49 days »
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
This Is What Will Happen If Trump Is President | The Warning
Ali Malik | Ex-Muslim on the Prophet Mohammed
You can follow Ali Malik on X / Twitter jere.
King Says He's Been Reduced to Tears by Public Support as He Returns to Work after Cancer Diagnosis
THE TELEGRAPH: The monarch has been photographed meeting Rishi Sunak for their first official audience of the year
The King has said the messages and cards he has received since his cancer diagnosis have reduced him to tears, as he returns to his audiences with the Prime Minister for the first time this year.
The King told Rishi Sunak: “I’ve had so many messages and cards, you can’t believe it. They’ve reduced me to tears, most of them.”
Told by the Prime Minister that it was “wonderful to see you looking so well”, the King joked it was “all done by mirrors”.
Photographs and filmed footage of the first minute of the Buckingham Palace audience, which is traditionally held privately, show the King appearing to be in good health, if a little croaky in voice.
Usually, the meeting is held entirely in private, but the King and his aides are mindful of the public’s interest in his health as he undergoes treatment for cancer. » | Hannah Furness | Wednesday, February 21, 2024 [£]
Nawalnyjs Mutter fordert Freigabe des Leichnams ihres Sohnes | FAZ
'Anti-American Crap': Former GOP Congressman Calls Out Trump's Navalny Comments
Letitia James Says She Will Seize Trump’s Assets If He Doesn’tPpay $355m Fraud Fine
THE GUARDIAN: New York attorney general says she may seek enforcement mechanisms in court if ex-president doesn’t have funds to pay
The New York state attorney general, Letitia James, said that she will seize Donald Trump’s assets if he does not pay the $355m civil fraud fine stemming from his financial fraud trial.
“If he does not have funds to pay off the judgment, then we will seek judgment enforcement mechanisms in court, and we will ask the judge to seize his assets,” James said to ABC News in an interview on Tuesday evening.
The New York state attorney general, Letitia James, said that she will seize Donald Trump’s assets if he does not pay the $355m civil fraud fine stemming from his financial fraud trial.
“If he does not have funds to pay off the judgment, then we will seek judgment enforcement mechanisms in court, and we will ask the judge to seize his assets,” James said to ABC News in an interview on Tuesday evening. » | Gloria Oladipo in New York | Wednesday, February 21, 2024
The New York state attorney general, Letitia James, said that she will seize Donald Trump’s assets if he does not pay the $355m civil fraud fine stemming from his financial fraud trial.
“If he does not have funds to pay off the judgment, then we will seek judgment enforcement mechanisms in court, and we will ask the judge to seize his assets,” James said to ABC News in an interview on Tuesday evening.
The New York state attorney general, Letitia James, said that she will seize Donald Trump’s assets if he does not pay the $355m civil fraud fine stemming from his financial fraud trial.
“If he does not have funds to pay off the judgment, then we will seek judgment enforcement mechanisms in court, and we will ask the judge to seize his assets,” James said to ABC News in an interview on Tuesday evening. » | Gloria Oladipo in New York | Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Leaving Islam | Ali Malik
Nuriyah Khan | Leaving Islam, Women & Human Rights
The Thinking Atheist: Why Isn't the West Talking about Islam? | With Nuriyah Khan
Follow Nuriyah on X / Twitter here
How Georgia's National Dish Khachapuri Is Made | DW Food
‘Putin Will Spark a Third World War If Russia Claims Victory in Ukraine’
THE TELEGRAPH: Ukrainian steel magnate Yuriy Ryzhenkov warns of global fallout from the Kremlin’s war
Vladimir Putin will spark a third world war if the Russian president is allowed to declare victory in Ukraine, according to the boss of the country’s biggest private employer.
Yuriy Ryzhenkov, chief executive of Metinvest, which ran the sprawling Azovstal steelworks that became the site of a relentless Russian assault at the start of the 2022 invasion, warned of the consequences of a Kremlin victory.
“I don’t believe that if Ukraine fails, Putin will stop,” he said in an interview ahead of the two year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. “The Baltic states, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia are the next targets.”
Ryzhenkov’s comments were made just days before Putin threatened the US with a global war that will “bring humanity to the brink” if Capitol Hill deploys troops to Ukraine. » | Szu Ping Chan |Wednesday, February 21, 2024 [£]
Vladimir Putin will spark a third world war if the Russian president is allowed to declare victory in Ukraine, according to the boss of the country’s biggest private employer.
Yuriy Ryzhenkov, chief executive of Metinvest, which ran the sprawling Azovstal steelworks that became the site of a relentless Russian assault at the start of the 2022 invasion, warned of the consequences of a Kremlin victory.
“I don’t believe that if Ukraine fails, Putin will stop,” he said in an interview ahead of the two year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. “The Baltic states, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia are the next targets.”
Ryzhenkov’s comments were made just days before Putin threatened the US with a global war that will “bring humanity to the brink” if Capitol Hill deploys troops to Ukraine. » | Szu Ping Chan |Wednesday, February 21, 2024 [£]
Jon Danzig: A Vote for Brexit Was a Vote for Putin
Motive is the key incentive for any crime. There have never been any benefits for Britain doing Brexit. Not even one. Any apparent motive for leaving the EU was based on a pack of astonishing, outrageous lies.
But the benefits to Russia from Brexit are both clear and enormous.
For almost two decades, Putin has harboured antagonism over the loss of the Soviet empire, to be successfully replaced by the enlargement of the EU, encroaching on what he considered to be Russian territory.
In 2005 he declared: “the collapse of the Soviet Union was a major geopolitical disaster”
Putin has used covert techniques to destabilise the European Union in his imperial goal to create a new Russian empire, starting with his invasions of Ukraine.
A win for ‘Leave’ was all part of that agenda.
𝗔 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗲.
The lies that led to Brexit, in part fuelled and funded by Putin, were compelling, convincing, and used the powerful techniques of psychological warfare.
All of us were misled. But now Britain and Britons must decide where we stand and which side we support.
Our political elite allowed our country to become a stooge for Putin’s nefarious intentions, with absolutely no benefits to us.
But the reality is that it’s the EU we should be supporting, not Putin. The EU stands for what Britain and Britons really stand for and have always stood for.
We must support the EU project and start our journey – however long it takes – to rejoining our true family in Europe.
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻, 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗶𝗺 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗨. – © Jon Danzig
You can comment on this on YouTube here.
Jon Danzig’s article can be found on his blog here.
Jonathan Pie: Recession Hits
This country is f****d. And it was the Tories “what done it”! Kick the ruthless, incompetent, greedy “basterds” out! – © Mark Alexander
Assange Might Be Assassinated If Extradited, Lawyers Claim | DW News
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Ne-Yo : Go On Girl | Official Music Video
Sometimes Angelic to Look at, Sometimes Hectoring, Often Steely Inside – the Soviet Union’s “Iron Lady”. The Woman Who Broke Britain, the Woman Who Sold Off the Family Silver – for a Song…
Nawalnyjs Mutter richtet sich per Videobotschaft an Wladimir Putin
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE – UKRAINE-LIVEBLOG: Moskau verbietet US-Sender in Russland +++ Plattform X sperrt kurzzeitig Konto von Julija Nawalnaja +++ Ukraine fordert nach Tod von Nawalnyj weitere Sanktionen gegen Russland +++ Alle Entwicklungen im Liveblog
AUSZUG:
Die Mutter des in Haft gestorbenen Kremlgegners Alexej Nawalnyj hat sich per Videobotschaft an Kremlchef Wladimir Putin mit der Bitte um Herausgabe des Leichnams gewandt. Sie stehe vor dem Straflager „Polarwolf“ und warte schon den fünften Tag darauf, dass sie ihren Sohn sehen dürfe, sagte Ljudmila Nawalnaja in der am Dienstag veröffentlichen Videobotschaft. Dort sei er am 16. Februar gestorben. „Ich wende mich an Sie, Wladimir Putin. Die Entscheidung der Frage hängt nur von Ihnen ab. Lassen Sie mich doch endlich meinen Sohn sehen“, sagte sie. „Ich fordere, unverzüglich den Körper Alexejs herauszugeben, damit ich ihn auf menschliche Weise beerdigen kann“, sagte sie. Sie erhalte bisher weder den Leichnam noch werde ihr gesagt, wo der Körper aufbewahrt werde.
Zuvor hatten Ermittler nach Angaben von Nawalnyjs Team gesagt, dass die Leiche wegen Untersuchungen noch 14 Tage unter Verschluss gehalten werde. Dagegen fordern Angehörige und Mitarbeiter des Oppositionellen die Herausgabe des Leichnams. » | Gregpr Grosse | Dienstag, 20. Februar 2024
AUSZUG:
Die Mutter des in Haft gestorbenen Kremlgegners Alexej Nawalnyj hat sich per Videobotschaft an Kremlchef Wladimir Putin mit der Bitte um Herausgabe des Leichnams gewandt. Sie stehe vor dem Straflager „Polarwolf“ und warte schon den fünften Tag darauf, dass sie ihren Sohn sehen dürfe, sagte Ljudmila Nawalnaja in der am Dienstag veröffentlichen Videobotschaft. Dort sei er am 16. Februar gestorben. „Ich wende mich an Sie, Wladimir Putin. Die Entscheidung der Frage hängt nur von Ihnen ab. Lassen Sie mich doch endlich meinen Sohn sehen“, sagte sie. „Ich fordere, unverzüglich den Körper Alexejs herauszugeben, damit ich ihn auf menschliche Weise beerdigen kann“, sagte sie. Sie erhalte bisher weder den Leichnam noch werde ihr gesagt, wo der Körper aufbewahrt werde.
Zuvor hatten Ermittler nach Angaben von Nawalnyjs Team gesagt, dass die Leiche wegen Untersuchungen noch 14 Tage unter Verschluss gehalten werde. Dagegen fordern Angehörige und Mitarbeiter des Oppositionellen die Herausgabe des Leichnams. » | Gregpr Grosse | Dienstag, 20. Februar 2024
En Russie, une ressortissante américaine arrêtée pour trahison
LE MONDE : Les services secrets russes accusent cette résidente de Los Angeles de 33 ans d’avoir récolté des fonds pour l’armée ukrainienne depuis le début de l’invasion militaire russe en Ukraine, le 24 février 2022.
Une ressortissante américaine, également détentrice de la nationalité russe, a été arrêtée à Iekaterinbourg, en Russie, pour trahison par le service fédéral de sécurité (FSB), ont fait savoir les agences russes, mardi 20 février. Le FSB « a mis fin, à Iekaterinbourg, aux activités illégales d’une résidente de Los Angeles âgée de 33 ans, détentrice des nationalités russe et américaine », et dont le nom n’a pas été dévoilé, a précisé le service aux médias russes. » | Le Monde avec AFP | mardi 20 février 2024
Une ressortissante américaine, également détentrice de la nationalité russe, a été arrêtée à Iekaterinbourg, en Russie, pour trahison par le service fédéral de sécurité (FSB), ont fait savoir les agences russes, mardi 20 février. Le FSB « a mis fin, à Iekaterinbourg, aux activités illégales d’une résidente de Los Angeles âgée de 33 ans, détentrice des nationalités russe et américaine », et dont le nom n’a pas été dévoilé, a précisé le service aux médias russes. » | Le Monde avec AFP | mardi 20 février 2024
Something for the Killjoys of This World!
I have nearly lost my life on three separate occasions. I am being serious. I have survived each misadventure and have fully recovered from everything. I can assure you that after such experiences, one has a very, very different take on the dangers of smoking. People who go on about the dangers of smoking come over to me as snowflakes. And as for people caring about secondhand smoke – what a joke! Don't make me laugh! I was once run over by an oncoming car, smashing the man's windscreen! Worrying about the dangers of smoking is rather pathetic by comparison with such an experience. People who worry about such trivialities need to get out a bit more; they need to start living! Even though I no longer smoke (though I could always decide to go back to smoking), smokers are very welcome on this website. They are not welcome in so many places these days, I know. But rest assured, you ARE welcome here. Very welcome, in fact. This website is a website for grown-ups. – © Mark Alexander
Genghis Khan | BBC Select
See the full story on BBC Select here.
Angela Merkel & Joachim Sauer Scheidung! Traurige Trennung nach 24 Jahren Ehe
Julian Assange: Wikileaks Founder in Last-ditch Bid to Avoid US Extradition | BBC News
Feb 20, 2024 | Lawyers for Julian Assange are launching what could be his final bid to avoid extradition to the US to face trial over leaking military secrets.
The two-day hearing at the High Court in London is due to hear his team argue he should be allowed a full appeal. There is no guarantee that will be granted and if turned down, he could be handed over within weeks.
Supporters of the Wikileaks founder say he exposed wrongdoing, but the US says Mr Assange put lives at risk.
The two-day hearing at the High Court in London is due to hear his team argue he should be allowed a full appeal. There is no guarantee that will be granted and if turned down, he could be handed over within weeks.
Supporters of the Wikileaks founder say he exposed wrongdoing, but the US says Mr Assange put lives at risk.
Julian Assange Makes Final Appeal against Extradition to US | DW News
It is a NATIONAL DISGRACE that the government and authorities in this country have imprisoned this poor ailing man for so long. That they are thinking of extraditing him to the USA where he faces a lifetime in prison is nothing short of an OUTRAGE.
Our government is behaving like America’s little poodle! Further, it is incredible that our government can condemn Putin for the horrendous imprisonment of Navalny and his subsequent death yet see nothing wrong with this inhumane treatment of Julian Assange, who has suffered unnecessarily for so long anyway.
Conditions in Belmarsh Prison can only be marginally better, if any better at all, than the conditions that the poor ailing Navalny was kept under. So there is a stench of HYPOCRISY in criticising Putin for keeping Navalny in prison in dreadful conditions when we are doing much the same with Assange! Further, our government was quick to condemn Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin for what happened to Navalny — and rightly so — but what makes Julian Assange’s case any different? Navalny fought for what he considered to be right; Julian Assange has fought for what he considered to be right. So what’s the difference? Further, what will happen if Assange dies in custody? There will be egg on many people’s faces then! And what will our government and authorities have to say if the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin condemn them for Assange’s death?
This is a perfect example of DOUBLE STANDARDS! In fact, not only should Julian Assange be released, he should be given millions in compensation for the way he has been badly treated thus far!
FREE ASSANGE NOW! – © Mark Alexander
Inside the Mind of Donald Trump: His Niece Mary Trump Speaks to Andrew Marr | LBC
Feb 19, 2024 | Mary L Trump, niece of the former President Donald Trump, joined Andrew Marr on LBC to discuss her uncle's hopes at the next election and what that means for international stability.
Mary Lea Trump is an American psychologist and writer. A niece of former US president Donald Trump, she has been critical of him as well as the rest of the Trump family. Her 2020 book about him and the family, Too Much and Never Enough, sold nearly one million copies on the day of its release.
Mary Lea Trump is an American psychologist and writer. A niece of former US president Donald Trump, she has been critical of him as well as the rest of the Trump family. Her 2020 book about him and the family, Too Much and Never Enough, sold nearly one million copies on the day of its release.
Monday, February 19, 2024
Why Donald Trump Was the Most Corrupt President in History | The Warning
Navalny’s Widow Pledges to Carry On Opposition Leader’s Work
Read the accompanying NYT article here.
Inside Aleksei Navalny’s Final Months, in His Own Words: Trump. Indian food. Matthew Perry. And books, books, books. Excerpts from letters obtained by The Times show Mr. Navalny’s active mind, even amid brutal prison conditions. »
"Haven't Met You Yet" | Michael Bublé: Tour Stop 148 | Great Performances on PBS
Au Maroc, le renouveau d’un christianisme aux accents subsahariens
LE MONDE : REPORTAGE A l’instar du reste du Maghreb, les temples et les églises du royaume chérifien connaissent une effervescence inédite au contact des communautés de migrants subsahariens.
Yeux clos, mains jointes, corps se balançant au rythme des suppliques du chœur – « Dieu, ne nous laisse pas tomber ! » –, le cénacle de fidèles est plongé dans une intense émotion. Ici et là, un doigt essuie une larme. Ce dimanche 28 janvier, l’Assemblée des missionnaires de Jésus-Christ célèbre son culte hebdomadaire dans un appartement situé en sous-sol d’un immeuble de Riad El-Oulfa, un quartier populaire de Casablanca. « Amen ! », « Alléluia ! », « Dieu soit loué ! » : les acclamations bibliques fusent, tandis que quatre jeunes choristes, vêtues d’un caftan orné de la main de Fatima, interprètent avec ferveur des cantiques, à grand renfort de déhanchements. Ambiance gospel incandescente. » | Par Frédéric Bobin (Casablanca, Rabat Envoyé spécial) \ dimanche 18 février 2024 [€]
Article réservé aux abonnés
Yeux clos, mains jointes, corps se balançant au rythme des suppliques du chœur – « Dieu, ne nous laisse pas tomber ! » –, le cénacle de fidèles est plongé dans une intense émotion. Ici et là, un doigt essuie une larme. Ce dimanche 28 janvier, l’Assemblée des missionnaires de Jésus-Christ célèbre son culte hebdomadaire dans un appartement situé en sous-sol d’un immeuble de Riad El-Oulfa, un quartier populaire de Casablanca. « Amen ! », « Alléluia ! », « Dieu soit loué ! » : les acclamations bibliques fusent, tandis que quatre jeunes choristes, vêtues d’un caftan orné de la main de Fatima, interprètent avec ferveur des cantiques, à grand renfort de déhanchements. Ambiance gospel incandescente. » | Par Frédéric Bobin (Casablanca, Rabat Envoyé spécial) \ dimanche 18 février 2024 [€]
Article réservé aux abonnés
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