Saturday, April 11, 2026

The Guardian View on Welsh Language Learning: Cultural Shifts Can Deliver a Bright Future for Cymraeg

THE GUARDIAN — OPINION: As Plaid Cymru leads in polls ahead of Senedd elections in May, grassroots enthusiasm for one of its historic causes is growing

In Putting Wales First, a recently translated history of Plaid Cymru’s political ideas, Prof Richard Wyn Jones references a 1940s newspaper editorial satirising the party’s then preoccupations. Poking fun at its focus on language, and nostalgia for a rural society of small-scale landowners, the Western Mail waspishly summed up the vision as “three acres and a Welsh-speaking cow”.

It was a caricature at the time, of course. And it certainly bears no relation to the modern-day Plaid, which launched its Senedd campaign this week from a position of strength at the top of the polls. But Plaid’s historic commitment to safeguarding and promoting Welsh language and culture remains a defining cause. If – as currently seems highly likely – it goes on to lead the next Welsh government after 7 May, it has promised a raft of measures to embed the use of Cymraeg more deeply in everyday life. » | Editorial | Tuesday, March 31, 2026

HAUSER - The Swan

Jan 23, 2026 | HAUSER performing “The Swan” from The Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns with the London Symphony Orchestra …

Faktencheck zum Christentum | ZDF Dokumentation

Feb 5, 2021 | 10 Fakten zum Christentum | ZDF Dokumentation 2018 Die Moderatorin Petra Gerster zeigt wichtige Punkte des Christentums auf.


Eine wunderbare, belehrende Dokumentation. Sehr klar und sehr interessant. — Mark

Bericht erhärtet Hinweise: Irans neuer Führer schwer verletzt und entstellt

BERLINER ZEITUNG: Seit Wochen gibt es keine Bilder von Irans neuem obersten Führer Modschtaba Chamenei. Nun berichtet Reuters unter Berufung auf mehrere Quellen von schweren Verletzungen im Gesicht.

Dieser Screenshot stammt aus diesem Artikel. | Modschtaba Chamenei, neuer oberster Führer des Iran: Das undatierte Archivbild zeigt den Nachfolger von Ali Chamenei.

Irans neuer oberster Führer Modschtaba Chamenei soll bei einem Luftangriff zu Beginn des Krieges schwer verletzt und im Gesicht entstellt worden sein. Das berichtet die Nachrichtenagentur Reuters unter Berufung auf drei mit seinem Umfeld vertraute Personen. Unabhängig überprüfen lassen sich die Angaben nicht.

Nach Darstellung der Quellen wurde Modschtaba Chamenei bei dem Luftangriff am 28. Februar, dem ersten Tag des Krieges, auf einen Regierungskomplex im Zentrum von Teheran verletzt. Dabei sei auch sein Vater und Vorgänger Ali Chamenei getötet worden. Der 56-Jährige habe schwere Verletzungen im Gesicht sowie an den Beinen erlitten. Eine der Quellen sagte laut Reuters, er könnte sogar ein Bein verloren haben.

Trotz seines Zustands sei Modschtaba Chamenei weiterhin in Entscheidungsprozesse eingebunden und nehme per Audiokonferenz an Treffen mit hochrangigen Vertretern teil. Er gelte als geistig klar und arbeite weiter an zentralen Fragen, darunter dem Krieg und den Gesprächen mit den USA. » | Alexander Schmalz | Samstag, 11. April 2026

« Ton grand-père était-il un nazi ? » : les Allemands d’hier et d’aujourd’hui face aux crimes du IIIe Reich

LE FIGARO : RÉCIT - Alors qu’à Berlin, une exposition se penche sur ce que savaient les Allemands vivant dans les années 1930-1940, les archives nationales américaines ont publié des millions de cartes de membres du parti nazi, permettant à chacun de se renseigner sur son histoire familiale.

Que savaient de la Shoah les Allemands vivant dans les années 1930-1940 ? « Nous ne savions pas ! » Pendant longtemps, cette phrase a été « la réaction la plus courante des Allemands lorsqu’on leur parlait de la persécution et de l’assassinat des Juifs européens sous le régime nazi », déclare Andrea Riedle, la directrice de la Topographie de la terreur, ce musée et centre de documentation fondé sur le site de l’ancien siège de la Gestapo à Berlin. « Après la fin du régime, la réaction des contemporains de l’époque nazie a effectivement été, dans l’ensemble, d’affirmer qu’ils n’avaient rien su de ses crimes, confirme au Figaro l’historien Norbert Frei, l’un des plus grands spécialistes allemands du IIIe Reich. Il s’agissait d’une affirmation défensive et, en même temps, d’une attitude de distanciation générale face aux images des montagnes de cadavres dans les camps de concentration libérés, auxquelles les Alliés confrontaient les Allemands. »

Mais cette affirmation - « Nous ne savions pas » - correspondait-elle à la réalité? C’est à cette question sensible que tente de répondre la nouvelle exposition temporaire de la Topographie de la terreur, accessible gratuitement jusqu’au 31 janvier 2027, à travers près de 300 pièces - photos, lettres, enregistrements audio et vidéo, objets du quotidien... L’exposition revient d’abord sur ce que nul ne pouvait ignorer : la persécution des Juifs dès les années 1930, présentée par le régime nazi comme une réponse à la « menace » que ces derniers auraient représentée. « Les Juifs du monde entier veulent détruire l’Allemagne », affirme ainsi en mars 1933 une affiche de propagande appelant au boycott des magasins juifs. « Allemands! Défendez-vous ! N’achetez pas chez les Juifs ! », proclame un panneau tenu par un membre de la Sturmabteilung (SA) campé devant une boutique berlinoise. » | Par Aude Bariéty de Lagarde, correspondante à Berlin | samedi 11 avril 2026

Réservé aux abonnés

Le nouveau guide suprême iranien Mojtaba Khamenei est gravement blessé au visage et aux jambes mais reste mentalement alerte, assure son entourage

LE FIGARO : Mojtaba Khamenei n’est pas réapparu depuis les frappes américano-israéliennes qui ont coûté la vie à son père au début de la guerre en Iran. En convalescence, son état de santé interroge sur sa capacité à diriger le pays.

Le nouveau guide suprême de l’Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, se remet encore de graves blessures au visage et aux jambes subies lors de la frappe aérienne qui a tué son père au début de la guerre, ont indiqué à Reuters trois personnes proches de son entourage. Le visage de Mojtaba Khamenei a été défiguré lors de l’attaque contre le complexe du guide suprême dans le centre de Téhéran, et il a subi une blessure importante à une ou aux deux jambes, selon ces trois sources.

Âgé de 56 ans, il se remet néanmoins de ses blessures et reste mentalement alerte, selon ces personnes, qui ont requis l’anonymat pour évoquer des sujets sensibles. Il participe à des réunions avec de hauts responsables par audioconférence et prend part aux décisions sur des questions majeures, notamment la guerre et les négociations avec Washington, ont indiqué deux d’entre elles. La question de savoir si l’état de santé de Mojtaba Khamenei lui permet de diriger les affaires de l’État intervient à un moment de péril extrême pour l’Iran, avec des négociations de paix cruciales avec les États-Unis qui s’ouvrent samedi dans la capitale pakistanaise, Islamabad. » | Par Le Figaro avec Reuters | samedi 11 avril 2026

I Know Why Melania Is Panicking about Epstein | The Daily Beast Podcast

Apr 11, 2026 | Jennifer Welch, co-host of the hit I’ve Had It podcast, joins Joanna Coles to dissect Melania Trump’s bombshell Epstein statement, sparking a blistering conversation that spirals from political hypocrisy and MAGA infighting to war tensions with Iran and the perilous stakes surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. With unfiltered candor, Welch unpacks conspiracy theories, culture wars, and the power struggles roiling Trumpworld, while exposing the strange alliances, simmering scandals, and high-stakes maneuvering shaping America’s future. From explosive revelations and eyebrow-raising rumors to sharp insights into the forces driving today’s chaos, this electrifying episode pulls back the curtain on a political drama that grows more shocking by the minute.


Very strong language alert!

Russian Hackers Are Using Your Wi-Fi Router to Spy: Here’s How You Can Protect Yourself

Apr 8, 2026 | “There’s absolutely no doubt that not only are they in our edge devices, like Wi-Fi routers, but they’re in our infrastructure.”

Russian hackers are using home Wi-Fi routers as spying devices, giving them access inside the UK and potentially enabling them to carry out attacks, says cybersecurity and fintech specialist Mike Godfrey.


Sandra Navidi zur Hormus-Maut | ntv

Apr 11, 2026 | Die Gebühren, die der Iran für die Passage der Straße von Hormus verlangen will, lösen beim US-Präsidenten zunächst Empörung aus. Kurze Zeit später heißt es, man wolle mitverdienen. Für Sandra Navidi ist das keine Überraschung: "Es geht um Erpressung. Da ist Donald Trump natürlich ganz vorne dabei."

Rob Groves: BREXIT - 63% Now Want Back In. Thanks, Trump!

Apr 11, 2026 | Ten years ago, 52% of voters chose to leave the European Union, on the basis of lies painted on a bus and a campaign bankrolled by dodgy money. A decade on, the bill keeps arriving. Haulage companies going bust at twice the pre-Brexit rate, food prices rising, trade barriers grinding away at the economy, and a so-called special relationship with America that turned out to be a vassal state telling itself a flattering story.

Meanwhile, the latest YouGov polling shows 63% of Britons would now vote to rejoin the EU. Among 18-25 year olds, that figure is 86%. Even among retirees, 60% say they'd vote to rejoin. The tide has turned. The argument has been won. The question now is: what happens next?


Michael Lambert: Trump's Puppet Master Exposed: The Netanyahu Iran War Plan

April 11, 2026


Netanyahu's wet dream: the destruction of Iran! — © Mark Alexander

Pete Hegseth Is a Disaster of a Defense Secretary. It’s No Surprise

THE GUARDIAN: The former Fox host has misled the public, prayed for violence and clashed with the press. This is not a serious military leader

With his jawline firm and his hair coiffed, Pete Hegseth was a good fit as a Fox News personality.

As the defense secretary – or secretary of war, as his boss, Donald Trump would have it – he’s disastrous.

His most consequential test, America’s misguided war with Iran, has proven that beyond legitimate argument.

But for those who watched him for years as a rightwing cable news figure, it’s not exactly surprising.

“Hegseth’s distinguishing characteristic on Fox was his fervent support for American service members who had been accused of war crimes,” recalled Matt Gertz, senior fellow at Media Matters, whose job it is to track the relationship between rightwing media and the Trump-led Maga world.

Trump, who watches Fox as if it’s his primary job, liked what he saw in Hegseth. And so, what Gertz calls “a B-level demogogue” jumped from co-host of the weekend Fox & Friends talkshow to the person sixth in line for the US presidency. » | Margaret Sullivan | Friday,April 10, 2026

Friday, April 10, 2026

Why Vienna’s Coffee Houses Are a Real Institution! | Cheers & Chats Ep. 1

Feb 15, 2025 | Even if they offer a wide range of coffee specialties, Viennese coffee houses are not only about having a hot drink or some good food. Their special atmosphere invites you to stay as long as you wish without feeling pressurized to order again or to pay instantly. Taking your time is the motto: whether that means reading the newspaper, chatting with your friends or watching people passing by. Vienna’s coffee houses are a real institution and were made a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage in 2011.

Whitney Houston : Run To You | Official HD Video | Reupload

Nov 14, 2009 | Views on YouTube: 263,215,523

Steve Schmidt: Trump Misplayed the War in Iran. Melania Lied about Epstein.

Apr 10, 2026 | Donald Trump handed the Strait of Hormuz to Iran as a toll road, while Melania Trump held a press conference to deny her ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Steve Schmidt exposes the First Family of Frauds and their delusions.


Please correct me if I am wrong, but wasn’t Melania an illegal immigrant? Didn’t she work in America before obtaining her proper papers? — © Mark Alexander

Democracy Now! Ahead of Hungary Election, JD Vance Campaigns with Orbán in Show of Support for Far Right in Europe

Aug 10, 2026 | Amid strains in U.S.-European relations, the Trump administration has worked to strengthen ties with Hungary and its far-right leader, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who is facing his biggest challenge in 16 years. With just days to go before parliamentary elections, Orbán's Fidesz party is trailing the center-right pro-EU Tisza party led by Péter Magyar. U.S. Vice President JD Vance traveled to Budapest this week and appeared alongside Orbán to openly campaign for his reelection.

"This election is really crucial, not just for Hungary, but for the international right wing," says Kim Lane Scheppele, professor of sociology and international affairs at Princeton University. "There's been a lot of American signaling that the U.S. would really love to have Viktor Orbán be reelected. The problem is the Hungarian people don't seem to agree."

Scheppele also discusses the role of Sebastian Gorka, a top counterterrorism official in the Trump administration, who has longstanding ties to the far right in Hungary and has been instrumental in forging closer ties between the two governments. According to a recent New York Times investigation, Gorka is also leading an effort to target left-wing groups in the United States and abroad as "terrorist organizations."



Viktor Orbán, JD Vance, Donald Trump et al — all are birds of a feather! If Hungarians are wise, they will kick the corrupt Orbán out of office and take their country back. Just as Americans need to do with Trump. — © Mark Alexander

Democracy Now! can be supported here.

Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey : When You Believe | Official HD Video | Reupload

May 10, 2014 | Official HD Video for ”When You Believe” by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey | Views on YouTube: 581,523,052

Giovanni Siracusa: How to Cook Eggplant (Aubergine) Caponata: It’s Sicily in a Pan! — Caponata di melanzane

Jan 17, 2026 | Eggplant caponata is full of flavo[u]r. This is how to make it the traditional way.

This authentic eggplant dish is a Sicilian staple found alongside fresh arancini and bread. It's the perfect Italian appetizer or side dish that brings the Mediterranean to your kitchen.

Whatever you do, don’t buy caponata in a can! This one-pot recipe is a naturally vegan and vegetarian dish, making it a fantastic option for anyone looking for plant-based Italian recipes.

Once you see how simple it is to prepare, you’ll never go back to store-bought.



Click here for the full recipe. Then click on ‘more’

The Guardian View on Trump’s Civilisational Threats: The Words That Fuel War Must Be Condemned

THE GUARDIAN — OPINION: Military euphemisms can be deadly. Yet the brutal rhetoric of the US and Israel is proving still more lethal

“Metaphors can kill,” the linguist George Lakoff wrote in an influential essay on the Gulf war. “The use of a metaphor with a set of definitions becomes pernicious when it hides realities in a harmful way.” He described the effects of the US employment of business cost-and-benefit analogies, sporting comparisons and the fairytale of the just war with heroes and villains.

All veiled the reality of conflict. Euphemism was long the preferred choice for the US military. Spokespeople discussed “collateral damage” rather than civilian deaths and “surgical strikes”, framing destruction as both precise and part of a necessary and ultimately healing process. Donald Trump chooses naked menace instead. This week he issued a genocidal threat against Iran, having previously threatened to bomb it “back to the stone age” and destroy bridges and power plants – schools and medical facilities having already been pulverised. He said that he was “not at all” concerned about potential war crimes. » | Editorial | Friday, April 10, 2026

I condemn Donald Trump in the strongest possible terms. I also condemn the clueless Americans who put Donald Trump into office. When it comes to politics, economics, and geopolitics, Donald Trump is totally clueless. He is also a know-nothing. When did he last read a book? Has he ever read a book? As for his disgusting comments on Iran, they show us all how depraved Donald Trump is.

Iran can boast of its civilisation being more than 7,000 year old! Please remind me… What is America celebrating this year? Ah! That’s it… Its 250th anniversary! Hardly a comparison can be made between these two at all! The USA is a mere upstart when it comes to civilisation.

After those dreadful comments made by Donald Trump about the annihilation of Iran/Persia, the powers-that-be in America should start thinking about removing this dangerous man from office. For the sake of the world, and also for the sake of America. Only a person with diminished mental faculties would utter something so crass and awful about a nation and its people. — © Mark Alexander

Quitting Smoking: Today Is My Fourth Anniversary

MARK ALEXABDER: For those who are interested, today, April 10th, marks exactly four years since I smoked my last cigarette.

Even though I had smoked twenty cigarettes a day for most of my adult life, and even though I derived a great deal of pleasure from my smoking habit, it was a HABIT. It WAS NOT an ADDICTION! For this reason, quitting was relatively easy for me. I quit cold turkey.

Have I ever craved cigarettes since quitting? No, definitely not! But have I missed it occasionally? Certainly, I have. Just like you miss a friend when he/she goes away, or passes on. Because in many ways, cigarettes are like friends; they keep one company.

So many people complain about the smell of the smoke emanating from another’s burning cigarette. I wouldn’t. In fact, since quitting, I have hardly ever smelt cigarette smoke, because I no longer know anyone in my circle of friends who still indulges in the habit. In fact, I would love to smell cigarette smoke one day to remind me of my past pleasure.

Despite having quit, this blog remains a welcoming space for smokers from all over the world. Smoking, to me, is actually one of life’s great pleasures. The western world has grown far too intolerant of the pleasurable habit. I look back fondly on my smoking years.

© Mark Alexander
All Rights Reserved

Benyamin Netanyahou accuse l'Espagne d'« hostilité » et l'exclut du mécanisme de surveillance de la trêve à Gaza

LE FIGARO : «L’Espagne a choisi d’être contre Israël de façon répétée (...) Ceux qui attaquent l’État d’Israël au lieu de s’en prendre aux régimes terroristes ne seront pas nos partenaires pour façonner l’avenir de la région», a déclaré le premier ministre israélien.

Le premier ministre israélien Benyamin Netanyahou a accusé vendredi l'Espagne d'« hostilité » envers son pays et a annoncé l'exclusion de Madrid du mécanisme de surveillance international de la trêve dans la bande de Gaza. « L'Espagne a choisi d'être contre Israël de façon répétée (...) Ceux qui attaquent l'Etat d'Israël au lieu de s'en prendre aux régimes terroristes ne seront pas nos partenaires pour façonner l'avenir de la région », a déclaré Benyamin Netanyahou dans un message vidéo.

Il a accusé Madrid, avec qui Israël entretient des relations exécrables, de faire preuve d'« hypocrisie » et d'« hostilité », et de « diffamer les soldats de l'armée israélienne ». « J’ai donc ordonné aujourd'hui d'exclure les représentants espagnols du centre de coordination de Kiryat Gat », mis en place sous supervision américaine pour surveiller le cessez-le-feu entré en vigueur le 10 octobre entre Israël et le mouvement islamiste palestinien Hamas à Gaza. Le Centre de coordination militaro-civile (CCMC) est un organisme de surveillance sous supervision américaine de la fragile trêve. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | vendredi 10 avril 2026

Die Straße von Hormus ist nur bedingt geöffnet, trotz Trumps martialischem Getöse | ntv

Apr 10, 2026 | Chaos und eine ominöse Liste

Vor der Waffenruhe droht Trump dem Iran mit martialischem Getöse. Zentrale Bedingung: die Öffnung der Straße von Hormus. Das ist nur bedingt passiert - und doch kommt vom US-Präsidenten seither vor allem Schweigen. ntv-US-Korrespondent Gordian Fritz erkennt darin die Hilflosigkeit Trumps.


Can Viktor Orbán Lose Power after 16 Years in Charge of Hungary? | DW News

Apr 10, 2026 | Hungary votes on Sunday in a parliamentary election that could end Viktor Orbán’s 16 year grip on power. Once dominant, the nationalist prime minister is now trailing in opinion polls amid economic stagnation and growing frustration among voters. The election pits Orbán’s vision of a more authoritarian Hungary with closer ties to Russia against an opposition promising a return to a pro European course.

Zsuzsanna Végh, programme officer at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, explains why Orbán is suddenly vulnerable — and what the outcome could mean for Hungary’s democracy and its place in Europe.


Himmlers Enkel: Das Blut eines Massenmörders | SPIEGEL TV

Apr 10, 2026 | Henrik Lenkeit schaute sich im vergangenen Jahr eine SPIEGEL-TV-Dokumentation über Heinrich Himmler an. Und erfährt: Der SS-Chef hatte eine heimliche Geliebte. Nach einer längeren Recherche wird klar, dass Lenkeit ein Enkel des Massenmörders ist. Was macht das mit ihm?

Trump Is Losing…

…a tremendous amount of credibility.

Iran Will Not Back Down on Maximum Control over Strait of Hormuz Demands

Apr 10, 2026 | “They will be trying to secure confirmation of Iran’s ability, or right, to do whatever it wants in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Iran is “an extremely tough negotiator” and will likely try to secure “maximum advantage” over the Strait of Hormuz, including imposing tolls, says former British Ambassador to Israel Matthew Gould.


Marandi: Iran Won’t Change Positions amid Trump’s Instability

Prof Marandi explains why.

Why Is Melania Trying to Clear Her Name from Epstein?

Chris Cuomo tells us what he thinks.

US-Iran War | It’s a Defeat for the US: Jeffrey Sachs Slams Trump over Iran Ceasefire

Apr 9, 2026 | Renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs has sharply criticized Donald Trump over the Iran ceasefire, calling it a strategic setback for the United States. The fragile truce follows weeks of escalation, with analysts noting that key US war objectives remain unmet while Iran retains leverage in the region

Cuba : le président dit qu'il ne démissionnera pas sous la pression américaine

LE FIGARO : « Nous sommes un État libre et souverain, un État libre. Nous jouissons d’autodétermination et sommes indépendants, nous ne sommes pas soumis aux intentions des États-Unis », a déclaré le président cubain Miguel Diaz-Canel.

Le président cubain Miguel Diaz-Canel a affirmé jeudi qu'il ne démissionnera pas sous la pression des États-Unis, appelant au dialogue avec le gouvernement de Donald Trump, dans sa première interview à une chaîne américaine. « Nous sommes un État libre et souverain, un État libre. Nous jouissons d'autodétermination et sommes indépendants, nous ne sommes pas soumis aux intentions des États-Unis », a-t-il déclaré selon la transcription en anglais de son entretien avec la chaîne NBC News.

« Le gouvernement américain qui a mis en œuvre cette politique hostile à l'égard de Cuba, n'a pas le droit moral de demander quoi que ce soit de Cuba », a déclaré le dirigeant. Les relations entre les États-Unis et Cuba ont connu récemment un regain de tensions. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | vendredi 10 avril 2026

"The War Is Turning Iran into a Major World Power": U. of Chicago Professor Robert Pape

Apr 9, 2026 | Will Iran join China, Russia and the United States as a fourth major power on the world stage? Iran's resilience in the face of the U.S.-Israeli war is already shifting the global balance of power, says American political scientist Robert Pape. "What you are seeing with Iran is that its geography, in combination with a level of drone technology that we simply cannot destroy," is demonstrating to other countries that they may not have to stay beholden to U.S. hegemony. "What makes us think we're really going to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power in the next six months or a year?" asks Pape. "Iran is far stronger than it was just 40 days ago. It is in control of 20% of the world's oil. It is now an emerging fourth center of power. … The United States is on one side, and the rivals are China, Russia and now Iran."

Trump Says Iran's Handling of Strait of Hormuz Is 'Not the Agreement We Have' | BBC News

Apr 10, 2026 | US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of doing a "very poor job" in handling oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz, arguing it was "not the agreement we have".

It comes as the ceasefire between the US and Iran was agreed earlier this week, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aiming to begin direct talks with Lebanon for peaceful relations.

A US State Department official confirmed it would host a meeting next week in Washington "to discuss ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel and Lebanon".

After Israeli strikes continued in Lebanon throughout Thursday, Trump said that Israel would be "scaling back" its strikes in the country to support peace talks.


Melania Trump Made ‘Personal Decision’ to Publicly Deny Epstein Ties

Apr 10, 2026 | “We have heard from people around Melania that she really felt a personal need and desire to do this herself. This decision really came from her personally.”

The White House was “certainly surprised” after the First Lady Melania Trump made a public address denying any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, reports Trevor Hunnicutt.


"She Was Separating Herself from Him" | Melania Trump's Biographer Analyses Her Epstein Comments

Aug 10, 2026 | What prompted US First Lady Melania Trump to make her statement about Epstein? Katie Razzall speaks to Melania biographer Mary Jordan about what might be behind the First Lady's thinking.


NYT: Melania Trump Says She Was Not Associated With Jeffrey Epstein: »

Watch Melania Trump speaking in this NYT video here.

Had Bush and Blair Been Punished for Iraq War Crimes, Iran Might Have Been Spared | MEE Opinion

Apr 10, 2026 | Peter Oborne, associate editor of Middle East Eye, argues that on the 23rd anniversary of the Iraq War, the US-Israeli campaign against Iran is a “war of aggression” that mirrors the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Referring to the Nuremberg Tribunal’s definition of aggression as the “supreme international crime,” Oborne points out that both the Iraq War and the conflict with Iran lack a legal basis and result in widespread devastation and human suffering.

He further suggests that these wars are not isolated incidents but rather part of a broader ongoing strategy of Western or US-led military interventions. Oborne condemns Western leaders for failing to learn from decades of “bloodstained” interventions throughout the Middle East.



America is a warmongering, bellicose nation. Just imagine how peaceful the world would be if America’s wings were clipped and its power curtailed! — © Mark Alexander

Steve Rosenberg: "Forecasts of a Deeper, More Protracted Recession in Russia": Russian Paper

Aug 10, 2026 | In today’s Russian papers: latest data “rules out stabilisation or economic growth [in Russia]…forecasts of a deeper & more protracted recession.” Plus, Russian kindergartens to teach “traditional values” via games. And watch to the end for a Russian joke that’s a real puzzle...

Wahlen in Ungarn: Orbán vor dem Aus? | ARTE Europa - Die Woche

Apr 10, 2026 | Seit Jahren blockiert Viktor Orbán wichtige Entscheidungen, etwa wenn es um die Unterstützung der Ukraine geht. Zudem geht er in Ungarn gegen freie Medien, Justiz sowie Minderheiten vor und versteht sich blendend mit Wladimir Putin. Die EU-Kommission hat deshalb bereits Fördergelder für Ungarn eingefroren, abgeschwächt hat Orban seinen Kurs deshalb aber nicht. Durch die Wahlen am Sonntag könnten die Karten jetzt neu gemischt werden.

Video verfügbar bis zum 08/07/2026



Hoffentlich jagen die ungarischen Wähler diesen korrupten Mann aus dem Amt. Das Trump-Regime pflegt eine enge Beziehung zu Orbán. Wir alle wissen, dass Trump korrupt ist, daher sollte es uns nicht überraschen, dass Orbán so gut mit ihm auskommt. Gleich und gleich gesellt sich gern! – © Mark Alexander

Trump Has Committed the Biggest Geopolitical Blunder in History | Former US Army General

Apr 9, 2026 | “Anybody who thinks we’re better off today than we were 40 days ago… is obviously delusional.”

Trump’s war in Iran has damaged the US’s relationship with its allies, pushed Iranians further into the hands of the regime, and meant that “America’s status has gone way down”, says former chief logistician for all US and Coalition forces under General Petraeus during the Iraq War, General Steven Anderson.


Thursday, April 09, 2026

Steve Schmidt: The Dangerous Alliance between MAGA and Europe’s Far Right

Apr 9, 2026 | JD Vance’s Hungary trip is stirring backlash and questions about his political strategy. Steve Schmidt breaks down what happened, the alliances involved, and why it could matter for 2026.


It is to be hoped that Hungarian voters find it within themselves to kick that repugnant, objectionable, loathsome and corrupt Viktor Orbán OUT OF OFFICE. People like Viktor Orbán, JD Vance, and Donald Trump are so odious. They seem to be competing with each other to steal the ‘crown of odiousness’! Fact is, when it comes to odiousness, it would be difficult to slip a cigarette paper between them! — © Mark Alexander

Seong-Jin Cho – Mozart: Rondo in A Minor, K. 511

Sep 27, 2017 | After the celebrated 2018 Mozart album of Chopin-Award winner Seong-Jin Cho, the South Korean pianist returns to Europe with recitals in Autumn. Especially for this occasion and in addition to his latest album, he recorded the Rondo in A minor, K.511. With frequent oscillation between minor and major it is one of Mozart's most important individual pieces.

Trump stellt Europa Ultimatum: USA verlangen Militärpläne für Straße von Hormus

BERLINER ZEITUNG: Donald Trump setzt die europäischen Nato-Partner unter Zugzwang. Europäische Staaten sollen binnen weniger Tage konkrete Militärpläne vorlegen.

Die USA verlangen von europäischen Verbündeten kurzfristig konkrete militärische Pläne zur Sicherung der Straße von Hormus. Das berichtet die Nachrichtenagentur Bloomberg unter Berufung auf einen hochrangigen Nato-Vertreter. Demnach sollen die Staaten innerhalb weniger Tage darlegen, wie sie die Schifffahrt durch die strategisch wichtige Meerenge absichern wollen. Die Forderung sei bei Gesprächen zwischen US-Regierungsvertretern und der Nato im Weißen Haus sowie im Pentagon und im Außenministerium vorgebracht worden.

US-Präsident Donald Trump hatte gestern bei einem Treffen im Weißen Haus mit Nato-Generalsekretär Mark Rutte darüber gesprochen, heißt es. Der Nato-Chef bestätigte nach dem Gespräch dem US-Sender CNN, Trump sei „eindeutig enttäuscht“. » | Alexander Schmalz | Donnerstag, 9. April 2026

Kein Deal in Sicht: Bereiten sich Iran und die USA auf den großen Krieg vor?

BERLINER ZEITUNG: Beide Seiten könnte die Waffenruhe als Atempause sehen. Israel will weiterkämpfen. Die große Frage: Greift China aktiv in den Krieg ein?

Die Waffenruhe zwischen den USA und dem Iran erweist sich als brüchig. Es ist unklar, ob eine der beiden Seiten oder beide die Pause lediglich nutzen wollen, um sich auf eine neue Runde der militärischen Auseinandersetzung vorzubereiten. Vordergründig ist Israel das größte Hindernis.

Israel erklärte, dass die Waffenruhe nicht für den Libanon gelte, und griff dort am Mittwoch mehr als 100 Ziele an. Libanesische Behörden berichteten von 180 Toten und 900 Verletzten. Die israelische Luftwaffe bombardierte auch das Stadtzentrum von Beirut, ein eindeutig ziviles Ziel. Die Hisbollah teilte am Donnerstag mit, sie habe Israel als Vergeltung mit einem Raketenangriff beschossen und werde ihre Angriffe fortsetzen, bis die israelische Aggression gegen den Libanon beendet sei. Auch Vizepräsident JD Vance erklärte am Mittwoch, dass der Libanon nicht Teil der Vereinbarung sei. » | Michael Maier | Donnerstag, 9. April 2026

Fillet Steak with Bordelaise Done Right with Pierre Koffmann | Meet Your Maestro | BBC Maestro

Apr 8, 2026 | Watch renowned French chef Pierre Koffmann prepare fillet steak with Bordelaise sauce, demonstrating the precision and technique behind this classic French dish.

Pope at Odds with Trump after ‘Very Strange’ Pentagon Meeting, Says Confidante of Pope Leo

Apr 9, 2026 | “It is a fragile moment between the Holy See and the United States.”

A reported Pentagon meeting perceived as a “threat” by the Vatican has deepened tensions between Pope Leo and the Trump, amid wider disagreements over war and diplomacy, says confidante of Pope Leo Christopher Hale.



This wonderful pope is a blessing for a very troubled world. — © Mark Alexander

L’éditorial de Philippe Gélie : « Trêve en Iran, les trois défis de Donald Trump »

LE FIGARO : Le fossé entre les interprétations américaines et iraniennes, contradictoirement triomphales, ouvre un espace à de funestes malentendus.

Entre une escalade militaire majeure aux conséquences considérables et une trêve temporaire destinée à donner sa chance à la diplomatie, nul ne saurait reprocher à Donald Trump d’avoir choisi la seconde option. Mais il serait naïf de croire que la première a totalement disparu de l’horizon.

La guerre d’Iran n’est pas finie. Après quarante jours de frappes aériennes, le conflit déclenché par le président américain a acquis sa dynamique propre, qu’une ébauche d’entente n’a pas instantanément enrayée. À peine annoncée, la « trêve fragile », comme la qualifie son maître d’œuvre, le vice-président JD Vance, a été malmenée par toutes les parties, au Liban et dans le Golfe. Le fossé entre les interprétations américaines et iraniennes, contradictoirement triomphales, ouvre un espace à de funestes malentendus. … » | Par Philippe Gélie | mercredi 8 avril 2026

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Les Français rejettent massivement Donald Trump et sa guerre contre l’Iran

LE FIGARO : SONDAGE - Une majorité estime que Téhéran sort vainqueur d’un conflit qui renforce le régime et fragilise la paix dans le monde, selon le sondage Odoxa-Backbone pour Le Figaro.

La France semble pour le moins sceptique sur l’issue de la guerre en Iran. Alors que Donald Trump revendique une victoire totale après le cessez-le-feu proclamé mardi, 58 % des Français estiment que l’Iran en sort en fait comme le vainqueur (contre 41 % pour les États-Unis) selon un sondage réalisé par Odoxa-Backbone pour Le Figaro*. » | Par Tanguy Berthemet et Service Infographie | jeudi 9 avril 2026

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JD Vance’s Claims about Orbán, the EU and Hungary Fact-checked

THE GUARDIAN: US vice-president said bloc tried to ‘destroy’ country’s economy, despite it being a net recipient of EU funds

During his visit to Budapest, where he heaped praise on the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán, days before the country’s decisive election, JD Vance claimed the EU was responsible for “one of the worst examples of election interference” he had ever seen.

Standing alongside Orbán on Tuesday, the US vice-president said: “The bureaucrats in Brussels have tried to destroy the economy of Hungary. They have tried to make Hungary less energy-independent. They have tried to drive up costs for Hungarian consumers. And they’ve done it all because they hate this guy.”

How do these claims stand up? » | Jennifer Rankin in Brussels | Thursday, April 9, 2026

JD Vance must be just as ill-informed as his boss. He is certainly just as odious. — © Mark Alexander