Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Imperial Boomerang
Suède : le gouvernement envisage d’abaisser la responsabilité pénale à 13 ans pour les crimes les plus graves
LE FIGARO : Le ministre de la Justice suédois a alerté sur la nécessité de prendre des mesures face à une «situation urgente», lors d’une conférence de presse lundi. En dix ans, le nombre de soupçons d’infractions pénales impliquant des jeunes de moins de 15 ans a doublé.
La Suède durcit sa lutte contre la délinquance juvénile. Le ministre de la Justice suédois, Gunnar Strömmer, a annoncé en conférence de presse lundi sa volonté de faire avancer sa proposition d’abaisser l’âge de la responsabilité pénale de 15 à 13 ans pour les crimes «les plus graves». «Nous ne parlons pas d’un abaissement général de l’âge de la responsabilité pénale mais uniquement pour les délits les plus graves tels que les meurtres, les tentatives de meurtre, les attaques à l’explosif avec circonstance aggravante, les agressions sexuelles et les viols avec circonstance aggravante», a précisé le ministre derrière son pupitre. Et d’ajouter : «Nous sommes face à une situation urgente et les mesures que nous prenons doivent refléter les problèmes que nous rencontrons.» » | Par Clara Hidalgo | mardi 27 janvier 2026
La Suède durcit sa lutte contre la délinquance juvénile. Le ministre de la Justice suédois, Gunnar Strömmer, a annoncé en conférence de presse lundi sa volonté de faire avancer sa proposition d’abaisser l’âge de la responsabilité pénale de 15 à 13 ans pour les crimes «les plus graves». «Nous ne parlons pas d’un abaissement général de l’âge de la responsabilité pénale mais uniquement pour les délits les plus graves tels que les meurtres, les tentatives de meurtre, les attaques à l’explosif avec circonstance aggravante, les agressions sexuelles et les viols avec circonstance aggravante», a précisé le ministre derrière son pupitre. Et d’ajouter : «Nous sommes face à une situation urgente et les mesures que nous prenons doivent refléter les problèmes que nous rencontrons.» » | Par Clara Hidalgo | mardi 27 janvier 2026
How Hitler Built a War Economy on Debt and Plunder | SLICE | Full Documentary
Jan 23, 2026 | As soon as he came to power in 1933, Hitler wanted to go to war. Warfare was central to Nazi ideology; the strong had to crush the weak. To go to war, he needed weapons and an army, but Germany had neither. A far cry from the fake images of prosperity, years of adversity had worn the country down. It was a medium-size power like Iran or South Africa today.
The Nazis launched themselves into an extraordinary operation of financial manipulation and managed to revive the economy by producing enormous quantities of weapons. That was the Nazi economic miracle of the 1935-1936 period: an overheated economy that needed a war to continue its mad race. In 1939, Hitler embarked on a war financed on credit, enormous credit using spoliation and upcoming appropriation as collateral.
Documentary: Blood Money Inside the Nazi Economy
EP1 : A World War on Credit
Directed by Gil Rabier
Production: GoGoGo Films (2021)
WIKIPEDIA: Hjalmar Schacht’s Mefo bills »
The Nazis launched themselves into an extraordinary operation of financial manipulation and managed to revive the economy by producing enormous quantities of weapons. That was the Nazi economic miracle of the 1935-1936 period: an overheated economy that needed a war to continue its mad race. In 1939, Hitler embarked on a war financed on credit, enormous credit using spoliation and upcoming appropriation as collateral.
Documentary: Blood Money Inside the Nazi Economy
EP1 : A World War on Credit
Directed by Gil Rabier
Production: GoGoGo Films (2021)
WIKIPEDIA: Hjalmar Schacht’s Mefo bills »
ICE greift zu: Wie Trumps Abschiebepolitik Migranten in New York in Angst versetzt | Weltspiegel
WARNING: Trump’s Fascist Takeover Has Accelerated | Ruth Ben-Ghiat
Inside the Gestapo: Fear, Power and the Nazi State I SLICE History | Full Documentary
Jan 18, 2026 | Behind the name synonymous with sinister memories are notably Göring, the founder, Himmler, the Head of all the Nazi Polices, and above all Heydrich, who has shaped so efficiently the Gestapo until his death. He and his faithful Müller were at the helm of the polymorphic institution that comprised dozens of thousands of agents.
How did Hitler’s small militia become such a relentless and efficient state apparatus in just a few years? How did it manage to create a climate of fear and doubt by adapting to the various times and countries? Why was the Gestapo put in charge of the Final Solution and death camps, becoming the ultimate extermination tool?
From the modest beginning of the militia to the flight of its members, you’re about to relive the story of this chilling institution, the cruel know-how of which scarred all of Europe while inspiring ominous imitations in several other dictatorships.
Based on impressive archival work, interviews with the best experts, and reenacted scenes in order to immerse the viewer in the feverish atmosphere of this dark period, this documentary will reveal the secrets behind the organization and its reign of terror.
Documentary: Gestapo: Hitler’s Secret Police
Directed by Nicolas Bozino
Production: RMC Production (2021)
How did Hitler’s small militia become such a relentless and efficient state apparatus in just a few years? How did it manage to create a climate of fear and doubt by adapting to the various times and countries? Why was the Gestapo put in charge of the Final Solution and death camps, becoming the ultimate extermination tool?
From the modest beginning of the militia to the flight of its members, you’re about to relive the story of this chilling institution, the cruel know-how of which scarred all of Europe while inspiring ominous imitations in several other dictatorships.
Based on impressive archival work, interviews with the best experts, and reenacted scenes in order to immerse the viewer in the feverish atmosphere of this dark period, this documentary will reveal the secrets behind the organization and its reign of terror.
Documentary: Gestapo: Hitler’s Secret Police
Directed by Nicolas Bozino
Production: RMC Production (2021)
"Europe Won't Be Trump's Vassal" – How Davos '26 Changed Everything | Wider View from Brussels
Jan 26, 2026 | After Davos 2026, Europe is rethinking its relationship with the United States. Transatlantic ties are under unprecedented strain.
We discuss why “transactional Trumpism” is now completely unviable. From defense and AI technology to NATO and strategic autonomy, Europe stopped being America’s vassal.
We discuss why “transactional Trumpism” is now completely unviable. From defense and AI technology to NATO and strategic autonomy, Europe stopped being America’s vassal.
International Reporter Reacts in Horror to Trump Davos Disaster
ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here.
‘Mother of All Deals’: EU and India Sign Free Trade Agreement
THE GUARDIAN: Deal expected to ease access for European cars and wine, in return for Indian exports of textiles, gems and pharmaceuticals
India and the EU have finalised a landmark free trade agreement, which the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, hailed as the “mother of all deals”.
The agreement comes after almost two decades of on-off negotiations between India and the EU, which vastly accelerated in the past six months and were finally concluded late on Monday night.
The deal is expected to open up India’s vast and traditionally tightly guarded market to the 27 nations in the bloc, with a focus on manufacturing and the services sector. It is expected to ease market access for key European products, including cars and wine, in return for easier exports of textiles, gems and pharmaceuticals.
The agreement is expected to double EU exports to India by 2032 by eliminating or cutting tariffs in 96.6% of traded goods by value, and will lead to savings of €4bn (£3.5bn) in duties for European companies, the EU said.
“Europe and India are making history today,” von der Leyen said in a statement after landing in Delhi, where she met with the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, on Tuesday. “We have concluded the mother of all deals. We have created a free trade zone of two billion people, with both sides set to benefit.” » | Hannah Ellis-Petersen in Delhi | Tuesday, January 27, 2026
This news should help sober up the backward-thinking Brexiteers! Prepare the stocks for Farage! Rotten eggs at the ready! — © Mark Alexander
India and the EU have finalised a landmark free trade agreement, which the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, hailed as the “mother of all deals”.
The agreement comes after almost two decades of on-off negotiations between India and the EU, which vastly accelerated in the past six months and were finally concluded late on Monday night.
The deal is expected to open up India’s vast and traditionally tightly guarded market to the 27 nations in the bloc, with a focus on manufacturing and the services sector. It is expected to ease market access for key European products, including cars and wine, in return for easier exports of textiles, gems and pharmaceuticals.
The agreement is expected to double EU exports to India by 2032 by eliminating or cutting tariffs in 96.6% of traded goods by value, and will lead to savings of €4bn (£3.5bn) in duties for European companies, the EU said.
“Europe and India are making history today,” von der Leyen said in a statement after landing in Delhi, where she met with the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, on Tuesday. “We have concluded the mother of all deals. We have created a free trade zone of two billion people, with both sides set to benefit.” » | Hannah Ellis-Petersen in Delhi | Tuesday, January 27, 2026
This news should help sober up the backward-thinking Brexiteers! Prepare the stocks for Farage! Rotten eggs at the ready! — © Mark Alexander
Monday, January 26, 2026
Is Trump’s “Board of Peace” a Private Global Power Grab Designed to Replace the UN?
ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here.
This corrupt man is so full of bullshit! Look at all those suckers sitting there! — © Mark Alexander
Mini-Nazi Greg Bovino Promises More Murder for Accurately Describing ICE Terror
Greg Bovino is clearly ignorant of the etymology of the word ‘Gestapo’. For Greg Bovino’s education and enlightenment, the German word Gestapo is a portmanteau word. It is a made-up word from the following: Die GEheime STAatsPOlizei, (Geheime = Secret; Staatspolizei = state police). And that is exactly what ICE are: secret state police. Just a little lesson for you, Bovino! — © Mark Alexander
Steve Schmidt: Noem and Bovino Will Face Justice
Kristi Noem is a very, very wicked woman. I’m sure that a special place in Hell is being prepared for her even as I write this. In fact, all of the MAGA bros that take part in this cruelty are wicked. As are the superrich tech bros who finance it. They are no better. No better at all. Terrorists all! So they will all deserve their special place in Hell. And the king of Evil and Wickedness, Donald Trump, must really fear for his future. It’s going to be sizzling hot for him for allowing all this wickedness to take place on his watch, and for directing it. By the way, those dreadful people are indeed Trump’s Gestapo. Make no mistake about it. They are no better than Hitler’s Gestapo.
To Hell with MAGA, to Hell with Trump’s Gestapo, and to Hell with Trump’s America! They ALL deserve to PERISH. The world will be a better place when they do. — © Mark Alexander
Behnam Amjadi, survivant des manifestations en Iran : «J’ai cru que j’allais mourir»
LE FIGARO : RÉCIT - Arrivé il y a une semaine à Istanbul, où il doit se faire opérer de la jambe, un manifestant iranien raconte l’enfer de la répression.
Chaque soir, c’est le même cauchemar. « Je revois les manifestations, je vois la guerre, je vois Khamenei . » À 38 ans, Behnam Amjadi a failli rendre son dernier souffle dans une flaque de sang sur un trottoir de Téhéran où ses bourreaux l’avaient laissé pour mort. Heureusement, un voisin a pu le sauver in extremis la nuit du 9 janvier.
À Istanbul, où il est venu se faire soigner quelques jours plus tard, le manifestant tient à témoigner à visage découvert. Il faut, insiste-t-il, « dénoncer l’horreur à tout prix ». Assis sur le canapé d’une amie, qu’il squatte avec sa jambe plâtrée, il convoque d’un sourire ému le souvenir de ces « soirs de révolte pacifique inoubliables où tout a failli basculer ». « Après plusieurs jours de mobilisation contre la République islamique, tout le monde était dehors : des vieux, des jeunes, des mères avec leurs bébés. » Du jamais-vu pour ce commerçant de la capitale, aguerri aux mouvements de contestation iranienne des années passées. « Cette fois-ci, dit-il, c’était exceptionnel, immense. » » | Par Delphine Minoui | lundi 26 janvier 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Chaque soir, c’est le même cauchemar. « Je revois les manifestations, je vois la guerre, je vois Khamenei . » À 38 ans, Behnam Amjadi a failli rendre son dernier souffle dans une flaque de sang sur un trottoir de Téhéran où ses bourreaux l’avaient laissé pour mort. Heureusement, un voisin a pu le sauver in extremis la nuit du 9 janvier.
À Istanbul, où il est venu se faire soigner quelques jours plus tard, le manifestant tient à témoigner à visage découvert. Il faut, insiste-t-il, « dénoncer l’horreur à tout prix ». Assis sur le canapé d’une amie, qu’il squatte avec sa jambe plâtrée, il convoque d’un sourire ému le souvenir de ces « soirs de révolte pacifique inoubliables où tout a failli basculer ». « Après plusieurs jours de mobilisation contre la République islamique, tout le monde était dehors : des vieux, des jeunes, des mères avec leurs bébés. » Du jamais-vu pour ce commerçant de la capitale, aguerri aux mouvements de contestation iranienne des années passées. « Cette fois-ci, dit-il, c’était exceptionnel, immense. » » | Par Delphine Minoui | lundi 26 janvier 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Nato Chief Rutte: ‘Keep on Dreaming’ If You Think Europe Could Defend Itself without US
THE GUARDIAN: Mark Rutte said Europe would need to spend ‘billions and billions of euros’ on defence
Rutte also tells EU lawmakers that if they think the EU or Europe as whole can defend itself without the US, they should “keep on dreaming”.
He says Europe’s defence spending would then have to go massively up to 10%, with further need to buy own nuclear capability and spend “billions and billions of euros.”
He also says Europe needs the US and similarly the US needs Nato.
He adds that even as US priorities evolve, there will “always be a very strong conventional US presence in Europe.” » | Europe live with Jakub Krupa | Monday, January 26, 2026
How weak! How feeble! Such a defeatist attitude!
So, Mark Rutte believes that Europeans—naturally, I include Britons in this group—must rely on the mood swings of a fascist, on the vicissitudes of BIG “DADDY”, on the mercurial nature of the orange god across the Pond.
Of course, Europe is not currently in any position to defend the Continent effectively. But with WILL and DETERMINATION and GOOD, SOUND LEADERSHIP, and a STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY, that can all change. However, with Mark Rutte’s defeatist attitude, it will not change. Things will stay the same.
If you don’t believe me, just think of what Winston Churchill achieved when war broke out in 1939. At the time, the United Kingdom‘s finances were in a relatively weak and precarious position. But Winston Churchill refused to let that dampen his determination to defend the nation. At the time, the UK fought without the USA. The USA didn’t enter the war until December 1941. But the UK fought on with courage and determination. And so it must be for Europe in times of danger and war.
Recent political developments and events have shown us Europeans that WE MUST start fending for ourselves. WE MUST NOT CONTINUE to allow others to determine our future or destiny. Nor can we allow European soil to be seized by other nations. Our European identity, unity and cohesion, prosperity, and future depend on it. We cannot afford not to be able to fend for ourselves. If we cannot learn to defend ourselves, European nations will end up as vassal states. And that, of course, is both objectionable and unacceptable.
Europe’s military strength depends on us Europeans: Europeans’ determination; Europeans’ well-trained, well-financed militaries; and Europeans’ willingness to work together as ONE, as a FAMILY OF NATIONS. Each nation will have to work for the GOOD OF ALL.
The best way forward will be achieved when there is a central military command. And to use an apt Arab saying. It is as follows: One hand cannot clap. (يد واحدة لا تصفق). This means that teamwork is essential.
We Europeans must put aside our differences and co-operate. Our future depends on it. It is the ONLY WAY FORWARD. — © Mark Alexander
Rutte also tells EU lawmakers that if they think the EU or Europe as whole can defend itself without the US, they should “keep on dreaming”.
He says Europe’s defence spending would then have to go massively up to 10%, with further need to buy own nuclear capability and spend “billions and billions of euros.”
He also says Europe needs the US and similarly the US needs Nato.
He adds that even as US priorities evolve, there will “always be a very strong conventional US presence in Europe.” » | Europe live with Jakub Krupa | Monday, January 26, 2026
How weak! How feeble! Such a defeatist attitude!
So, Mark Rutte believes that Europeans—naturally, I include Britons in this group—must rely on the mood swings of a fascist, on the vicissitudes of BIG “DADDY”, on the mercurial nature of the orange god across the Pond.
Of course, Europe is not currently in any position to defend the Continent effectively. But with WILL and DETERMINATION and GOOD, SOUND LEADERSHIP, and a STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY, that can all change. However, with Mark Rutte’s defeatist attitude, it will not change. Things will stay the same.
If you don’t believe me, just think of what Winston Churchill achieved when war broke out in 1939. At the time, the United Kingdom‘s finances were in a relatively weak and precarious position. But Winston Churchill refused to let that dampen his determination to defend the nation. At the time, the UK fought without the USA. The USA didn’t enter the war until December 1941. But the UK fought on with courage and determination. And so it must be for Europe in times of danger and war.
Recent political developments and events have shown us Europeans that WE MUST start fending for ourselves. WE MUST NOT CONTINUE to allow others to determine our future or destiny. Nor can we allow European soil to be seized by other nations. Our European identity, unity and cohesion, prosperity, and future depend on it. We cannot afford not to be able to fend for ourselves. If we cannot learn to defend ourselves, European nations will end up as vassal states. And that, of course, is both objectionable and unacceptable.
Europe’s military strength depends on us Europeans: Europeans’ determination; Europeans’ well-trained, well-financed militaries; and Europeans’ willingness to work together as ONE, as a FAMILY OF NATIONS. Each nation will have to work for the GOOD OF ALL.
The best way forward will be achieved when there is a central military command. And to use an apt Arab saying. It is as follows: One hand cannot clap. (يد واحدة لا تصفق). This means that teamwork is essential.
We Europeans must put aside our differences and co-operate. Our future depends on it. It is the ONLY WAY FORWARD. — © Mark Alexander
Zigarette als Statussymbol: Wie Rauchen wieder cool wurde
MONOPOL: Stars von heute rauchen wieder Kette, fast wie James Dean und Co. in den 50ern. Risiken hin oder her, die Kippe ist zurück in der Popkultur - oder war sie nie weg?
In einem weißen "Nova Cora"-Kleid von Vivienne Westwood, Pumps von Jimmy Choo und einer schlichten Schleppe sitzt Sängerin Charli XCX an einem Tisch der Trattoria Dalla in London. Soeben hat sie sich mit dem Drummer der Band The 1975 vermählt, und jetzt genießt sie erstmal - eine Zigarette.
Nichts Ungewöhnliches, die Britin raucht auf der Bühne, hat von Sängerin Rosalía zu ihrem Geburtstag einen Zigaretten-Blumenstrauß bekommen und auch bei ihrer Hochzeitsparty die Glimmstängel verteilt. Der Besitzer der Location Ellie's Bar erzählte später dem "Face Magazine", dass zehn Packungen Vogue Essence Bleue auf Silbertabletts bereitlagen.
Charli ist nicht die Einzige, die gern öffentlich raucht. Auch ihre Popstar-Kolleginnen greifen gerade sehr performativ zur Zigarette - sei es privat oder bei der Arbeit. Sängerin Addison Rae pafft im Musikvideo zu ihrem Song "Aquamarine" zwei Kippen gleichzeitig. Sabrina Carpenter benutzt im Clip zu "Manchild"eine Gabel als Zigarettenhalter und soll während der Met Gala eine Zigarre genossen haben. Auch Dua Lipa kennt man mit Zigarette zwischen den Fingern, ebenso Lorde.
Rauchen wird gerade wieder salonfähig, nachdem viele dem ungesunden Laster gefühlt für immer abgeschworen hatten. Lange galt es schlicht als uncool und offensichtlich lebensgefährlich. Doch während vor etwa 20 Jahren die Schüler-VZ-Gruppe "Ich rauche nicht, denn es gibt coolere Wege zu sterben" eine der beliebtesten ihrer Art war, scheint es heute wieder ein akzeptierter Weg zu sein, diese Welt zu verlassen. » |Leonie Wessel | Freitag, 25. Juli 2025
NYT: Pop Culture Takes Up Smoking Again: From movies and TV shows to music, the habit is no longer taboo. It’s even being celebrated for the way it makes characters look cool or powerful. »
In einem weißen "Nova Cora"-Kleid von Vivienne Westwood, Pumps von Jimmy Choo und einer schlichten Schleppe sitzt Sängerin Charli XCX an einem Tisch der Trattoria Dalla in London. Soeben hat sie sich mit dem Drummer der Band The 1975 vermählt, und jetzt genießt sie erstmal - eine Zigarette.
Nichts Ungewöhnliches, die Britin raucht auf der Bühne, hat von Sängerin Rosalía zu ihrem Geburtstag einen Zigaretten-Blumenstrauß bekommen und auch bei ihrer Hochzeitsparty die Glimmstängel verteilt. Der Besitzer der Location Ellie's Bar erzählte später dem "Face Magazine", dass zehn Packungen Vogue Essence Bleue auf Silbertabletts bereitlagen.
Charli ist nicht die Einzige, die gern öffentlich raucht. Auch ihre Popstar-Kolleginnen greifen gerade sehr performativ zur Zigarette - sei es privat oder bei der Arbeit. Sängerin Addison Rae pafft im Musikvideo zu ihrem Song "Aquamarine" zwei Kippen gleichzeitig. Sabrina Carpenter benutzt im Clip zu "Manchild"eine Gabel als Zigarettenhalter und soll während der Met Gala eine Zigarre genossen haben. Auch Dua Lipa kennt man mit Zigarette zwischen den Fingern, ebenso Lorde.
Rauchen wird gerade wieder salonfähig, nachdem viele dem ungesunden Laster gefühlt für immer abgeschworen hatten. Lange galt es schlicht als uncool und offensichtlich lebensgefährlich. Doch während vor etwa 20 Jahren die Schüler-VZ-Gruppe "Ich rauche nicht, denn es gibt coolere Wege zu sterben" eine der beliebtesten ihrer Art war, scheint es heute wieder ein akzeptierter Weg zu sein, diese Welt zu verlassen. » |Leonie Wessel | Freitag, 25. Juli 2025
NYT: Pop Culture Takes Up Smoking Again: From movies and TV shows to music, the habit is no longer taboo. It’s even being celebrated for the way it makes characters look cool or powerful. »
Rise to Power: Mussolini's March on Rome I SLICE History | Full Documentary | Reupload
May 19, 2024 | In the fall of 1922, former teacher and journalist Benito Mussolini had only recently been elected to parliament when he seized power. His legal coup d’état, which began on 24 October in Naples, was a masterstroke.
Standing before 40,000 Fascist party members, he issued an ultimatum to the fragile Italian parliamentary monarchy: “Either they hand us the power, or we will descend on Rome!”
The militants, wearing black shirts and armed with clubs, headed for the capital. Following on from this legendary march on Rome, Mussolini headed up a totalitarian regime that lasted two decades.
Mussolini, Il Duce, took power and consolidated it until the Second Italo-Ethiopian War in the mid-1930s. He was a populist leader in terms of how he spoke to the Italian people, and a dictator in terms of how he exerted his power.
He came from the extreme left but governed from the extreme right. Mussolini invented the new ideology of fascism and was helped in his mission by the business community who wanted an end to left-wing rule.
Despite his brutality, he sought to please the Italian people, promising them a return to the grandeur of Rome. He enjoyed undeniable success for several years, both at home and abroad, until his inevitable downfall.
Documentary : Mussolini, the First Fascist
Directed by Serge de Sampigny
Production: Histodoc
Standing before 40,000 Fascist party members, he issued an ultimatum to the fragile Italian parliamentary monarchy: “Either they hand us the power, or we will descend on Rome!”
The militants, wearing black shirts and armed with clubs, headed for the capital. Following on from this legendary march on Rome, Mussolini headed up a totalitarian regime that lasted two decades.
Mussolini, Il Duce, took power and consolidated it until the Second Italo-Ethiopian War in the mid-1930s. He was a populist leader in terms of how he spoke to the Italian people, and a dictator in terms of how he exerted his power.
He came from the extreme left but governed from the extreme right. Mussolini invented the new ideology of fascism and was helped in his mission by the business community who wanted an end to left-wing rule.
Despite his brutality, he sought to please the Italian people, promising them a return to the grandeur of Rome. He enjoyed undeniable success for several years, both at home and abroad, until his inevitable downfall.
Documentary : Mussolini, the First Fascist
Directed by Serge de Sampigny
Production: Histodoc
Authoritarianism Decoded: How Fascism Takes Over without Force
Dec 22, 2025 | Fascism, authoritarianism, cult psychology, propaganda, Trump, Mussolini, and modern machismos explained. Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat joins cult expert Dr. Steven Hassan to break down how dictators rise, how mind control works, and why democracy is under threat.
In this wide-ranging discussion, NYU historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat, author of Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present, explains how fascist leaders from Mussolini and Hitler to modern authoritarian figures like President Donald Trump use propaganda, victimhood narratives, disinformation, and psychological manipulation to gain and maintain power. Dr Hassan connects these historical patterns to cult dynamics, mind control, and the follower–leader relationship he has studied for decades.
In this wide-ranging discussion, NYU historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat, author of Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present, explains how fascist leaders from Mussolini and Hitler to modern authoritarian figures like President Donald Trump use propaganda, victimhood narratives, disinformation, and psychological manipulation to gain and maintain power. Dr Hassan connects these historical patterns to cult dynamics, mind control, and the follower–leader relationship he has studied for decades.
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman Defects to Reform UK
THE GUARDIAN: Braverman becomes third sitting Conservative MP to join Nigel Farage’s party in little more than a week
Suella Braverman has defected to Reform, the third sitting Conservative MP to join Nigel Farage’s party in little more than a week.
Arriving as a surprise speaker at a Reform event in London, Braverman, who has been an MP since 2015 and served as home secretary under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, said: “Today am announcing that I resign the Conservative whip. I have resigned the Conservative whip and my party membership of 30 years because I believe with my heart and soul that a better future is possible for us.”
She added: “I feel like I have come home.” » | Ben Quinn, Peter Walker and Priya Bharadia | Monday, January 26, 2026
I see that the Conservative Party, or what’s left of it, is being purified! Reform UK is like the drain in your kitchen sink: all the crud and dregs are drawn down in the vortex first! 😊 — © Mark Alexander
Suella Braverman has defected to Reform, the third sitting Conservative MP to join Nigel Farage’s party in little more than a week.
Arriving as a surprise speaker at a Reform event in London, Braverman, who has been an MP since 2015 and served as home secretary under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, said: “Today am announcing that I resign the Conservative whip. I have resigned the Conservative whip and my party membership of 30 years because I believe with my heart and soul that a better future is possible for us.”
She added: “I feel like I have come home.” » | Ben Quinn, Peter Walker and Priya Bharadia | Monday, January 26, 2026
I see that the Conservative Party, or what’s left of it, is being purified! Reform UK is like the drain in your kitchen sink: all the crud and dregs are drawn down in the vortex first! 😊 — © Mark Alexander
Trump Panics as Nation Finally Wakes Up…
Trump should have been incarcerated long ago. He is a known and convicted felon and sex offender. The mess, chaos and cruelty we see happening in the streets in America right now is a direct result of electing—in this case re-electing—a criminal to the highest office in the land. The man is messing up America and is doing his level best to mess up the rest of the world, too, by destroying the rules-based world order. He should be removed from office before he manages to cause a major conflagration, or even a world war. — © Mark Alexander
‘We Are On Our Own Here’: Minneapolis Residents Fear ‘Untrained’ ICE Agents
Jan 26, 2026 | “At my niece’s school, there are ICE agents driving by, waving at them, tauntingly saying, like, ‘we’ll be back’.”
There is a “kind of unprofessionalism” to ICE that “Americans aren’t used to”, says patch.com Minnesota editor William Bornhoft.
There is a “kind of unprofessionalism” to ICE that “Americans aren’t used to”, says patch.com Minnesota editor William Bornhoft.
The Heritage Foundation’s Real Plan for Your Family
The more one hears about Americans, the harder it becomes not to draw the conclusion that America is a nation of CRACKPOTS! — © Mark Alexander
Manifestations en Iran : une ONG confirme la mort de près de 6000 personnes
LE FIGARO : Selon Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), 5848 personnes ont été tuées, dont 5520 manifestants, 77 mineurs, 209 membres des forces de sécurité et 42 passants.
Une ONG basée aux États-Unis a déclaré lundi 26 janvier avoir confirmé la mort de près de 6000 personnes et enquête sur des milliers d'autres cas, après le mouvement de contestation qui a secoué l'Iran au début du mois avant d'être réprimé dans le sang. Selon Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), 5848 personnes ont été tuées, dont 5520 manifestants, 77 mineurs, 209 membres des forces de sécurité et 42 passants. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | lundi 26 janvier 2026
Une ONG basée aux États-Unis a déclaré lundi 26 janvier avoir confirmé la mort de près de 6000 personnes et enquête sur des milliers d'autres cas, après le mouvement de contestation qui a secoué l'Iran au début du mois avant d'être réprimé dans le sang. Selon Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), 5848 personnes ont été tuées, dont 5520 manifestants, 77 mineurs, 209 membres des forces de sécurité et 42 passants. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | lundi 26 janvier 2026
Emily Galvin-Almanza on Trump's Davos Disaster and Ongoing Cover Up of the Epstein Files
ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here.
What Callers Think about Trump, Minneapolis & Spineless Republicans w/ Mark Pocan
Jan 26, 2026 | Progressive Town Hall with Mark Pocan. Congressman Pocan talks Trump, Greenland, and the latest out of Minneapolis.
Thom Hartmann discusses the current political landscape, including commentary on Mike Johnson's leadership and his stance against Donald Trump. This segment offers crucial political news and insights into current events. Learn more about us politics explained and the latest Trump today updates on The Thom Hartmann Program.
Thom Hartmann discusses the current political landscape, including commentary on Mike Johnson's leadership and his stance against Donald Trump. This segment offers crucial political news and insights into current events. Learn more about us politics explained and the latest Trump today updates on The Thom Hartmann Program.
America Feels Like a Country On The Brink Of an Authoritarian Takeover
THE GUARDIAN — OPINION: This is the news we should be paying attention to. At least for the moment, everything else is a distraction
When we talk about our inability to pay attention, to concentrate, we often mean and blame our phones. It’s easy, it’s meant to be easy. One flick of our index finger transports us from disaster to disaster, from crisis to crisis, from maddening lie to maddening lie. Each new unauthorized attack and threatened invasion grabs the headlines, until something else takes its place, and meanwhile the government’s attempts to terrorize and silence the people of our country continue.
So let me break it down. There is one story: our country is on the brink of an authoritarian takeover. In Minneapolis an innocent poet and an ER nurse at a VA hospital were both killed in cold blood by federal agents. It is happening now. Toddlers are being sent to detention centers; videos of their gyms for kids recall the youth choruses that the Nazis so proudly showed off at the Terezín concentration camp. Intimidation and violence are being weaponized against the citizens of Minneapolis, some of whom are afraid to leave their houses for fear of being beaten, arrested and shackled, regardless of whether they are US citizens or asylum seekers or people from another country peacefully living and working here for decades. » | Francine Prose | Monday, January 26, 2026
When we talk about our inability to pay attention, to concentrate, we often mean and blame our phones. It’s easy, it’s meant to be easy. One flick of our index finger transports us from disaster to disaster, from crisis to crisis, from maddening lie to maddening lie. Each new unauthorized attack and threatened invasion grabs the headlines, until something else takes its place, and meanwhile the government’s attempts to terrorize and silence the people of our country continue.
So let me break it down. There is one story: our country is on the brink of an authoritarian takeover. In Minneapolis an innocent poet and an ER nurse at a VA hospital were both killed in cold blood by federal agents. It is happening now. Toddlers are being sent to detention centers; videos of their gyms for kids recall the youth choruses that the Nazis so proudly showed off at the Terezín concentration camp. Intimidation and violence are being weaponized against the citizens of Minneapolis, some of whom are afraid to leave their houses for fear of being beaten, arrested and shackled, regardless of whether they are US citizens or asylum seekers or people from another country peacefully living and working here for decades. » | Francine Prose | Monday, January 26, 2026
Friends and Family of Valentino Bid Farewell to Fashion Giant
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Shut Down Trump’s Government!
Wie sich Minneapolis gegen die US-Migrationspolizei wehrt
Giorgia Meloni espère que Donald Trump recevra le prix Nobel de la paix
LE FIGARO : Donald Trump, qui a ouvert son nouveau « Conseil de paix », se plaint régulièrement de ne pas avoir reçu le prix Nobel de la paix l’an dernier, malgré sa campagne acharnée en ce sens.
La première ministre italienne Giorgia Meloni a déclaré vendredi à Rome qu'elle espérait que le prix Nobel de la paix puisse être décerné un jour à Donald Trump, notamment s'il parvient à « instaurer une paix juste et durable en Ukraine ». « J'espère qu'un jour nous pourrons décerner un prix Nobel de la paix à Donald Trump et je suis convaincue que, s'il fait la différence (...) en instaurant une paix juste et durable en Ukraine, alors nous pourrons, finalement, nous aussi proposer sa candidature au prix Nobel de la paix », a indiqué Giorgia Meloni en réponse à un journaliste, à l'issue d'une conférence de presse commune avec le chancelier allemand Friedrich Merz. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | samedi 24 janvier 2026
Quelle absurdité ! Pour quoi Giorgio Meloni pense-t-il que Trump mérite le prix Nobel de la paix ? Pour avoir envahi le Venezuela ? Pour avoir menacé d'envahir le Groenland ? Ou pour avoir semé le chaos et la peur dans le monde entier ? — © Mark Alexander
La première ministre italienne Giorgia Meloni a déclaré vendredi à Rome qu'elle espérait que le prix Nobel de la paix puisse être décerné un jour à Donald Trump, notamment s'il parvient à « instaurer une paix juste et durable en Ukraine ». « J'espère qu'un jour nous pourrons décerner un prix Nobel de la paix à Donald Trump et je suis convaincue que, s'il fait la différence (...) en instaurant une paix juste et durable en Ukraine, alors nous pourrons, finalement, nous aussi proposer sa candidature au prix Nobel de la paix », a indiqué Giorgia Meloni en réponse à un journaliste, à l'issue d'une conférence de presse commune avec le chancelier allemand Friedrich Merz. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | samedi 24 janvier 2026
Quelle absurdité ! Pour quoi Giorgio Meloni pense-t-il que Trump mérite le prix Nobel de la paix ? Pour avoir envahi le Venezuela ? Pour avoir menacé d'envahir le Groenland ? Ou pour avoir semé le chaos et la peur dans le monde entier ? — © Mark Alexander
Robert Kagan on Trump’s Foreign Policy and the New World Disorder
Iran President’s Son Urges Authorities to Restore Internet after Protest Blackout
THE GUARDIAN: Yousef Pezeshkian says nothing will be solved by trying to postpone moment footage of violent crackdown circulate
The son of Iran’s president has called for the internet restrictions in the country to be lifted, saying nothing will be solved by trying to postpone the moment when pictures and video circulate of the protests that were violently crushed by the regime.
With a battle under way at the top of the regime about the political risks of continuing to block Iran from the internet, Yousef Pezeshkian, whose father, Masoud, was elected in the summer of 2024, said keeping the digital shutdown would create dissatisfaction and widen the gap between the people and the government.
“This means those who were not and are not dissatisfied will be added to the list of the dissatisfied,” he wrote in a Telegram post. The release of videos showing the violence of the protests was “something we will have to face sooner or later”, Yousef Pezeshkian added. “Shutting down the internet will not solve anything, we will just postpone the issue.” » | Patrick Wintour, Diplomatic Editor | Sunday, January 25, 2026
The son of Iran’s president has called for the internet restrictions in the country to be lifted, saying nothing will be solved by trying to postpone the moment when pictures and video circulate of the protests that were violently crushed by the regime.
With a battle under way at the top of the regime about the political risks of continuing to block Iran from the internet, Yousef Pezeshkian, whose father, Masoud, was elected in the summer of 2024, said keeping the digital shutdown would create dissatisfaction and widen the gap between the people and the government.
“This means those who were not and are not dissatisfied will be added to the list of the dissatisfied,” he wrote in a Telegram post. The release of videos showing the violence of the protests was “something we will have to face sooner or later”, Yousef Pezeshkian added. “Shutting down the internet will not solve anything, we will just postpone the issue.” » | Patrick Wintour, Diplomatic Editor | Sunday, January 25, 2026
How to Make the Perfect Taboule or Tabbouleh — a Super Healthy Lebanese Salad
Click here for the full recipe.
'Trump Kills the Transatlantic Alliance' | Simon Marks' American Week
Mark Rutte is such a weak man. He is far too weak for the position he holds. — © Mark Alexander
'Europe Must Stand Up to Him': Mary Trump on Her Uncle and Greenland
Jan 20, 2026 | Andrew Marr is joined by the US President's niece, Mary Trump, to discuss Greenland, Venezuela and US-Europe relations.
It comes as Donald Trump gave a 90-minute briefing at the White House after doubling down on his demands to own Greenland.
Earlier, the president said there was "no going back" on his plan, claiming "Greenland is imperative for national and world security".
Trump is a DISGUSTING, DEPRAVED man. American electors were beyond stupid to re-elect such a vulgar, cruel man back to the highest office in the USA. — © Mark Alexander
It comes as Donald Trump gave a 90-minute briefing at the White House after doubling down on his demands to own Greenland.
Earlier, the president said there was "no going back" on his plan, claiming "Greenland is imperative for national and world security".
Trump is a DISGUSTING, DEPRAVED man. American electors were beyond stupid to re-elect such a vulgar, cruel man back to the highest office in the USA. — © Mark Alexander
Did We Underestimate the SECRET FORCES that Put Trump into Power? Heidi Siegmund Cuda
Lib Dem Leader Calls for 'Step-change' in the Speed of UK Rearmament | Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg
Jan 25, 2026 | In an interview with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has urged for a "step-change" in the speed of UK rearmament and said that selling government war bonds would show the UK was serious about defence spending.
He said he was "relieved" US President Donald Trump had "backed down" on his comments about UK soldiers in Afghanistan but added that he still believed the US was "no longer a reliable ally on the economy or on defence" while the president remained in the White House.
He said he was "relieved" US President Donald Trump had "backed down" on his comments about UK soldiers in Afghanistan but added that he still believed the US was "no longer a reliable ally on the economy or on defence" while the president remained in the White House.
Europe Needs a Dramatic Strategic Revolution - Now: Historian Robert Kagan
Jan 20, 2026 | Investigative journalist and co-founder of the Nerve Carole Cadwalladr talks to conservative historian and former historian Robert Kagan about the critical geopolitical moment we are in. With the Trump administration moving rapidly towards dictatorship, Kagan says, European governments need to completely change tack, fast. “I feel like the administration has done everything except climb up on the roof of the White House and yell what they're going to do,” says Kagan. ”Trump is already talking about how you don't really need these midterm elections.” "Europe needs to become self-sufficient in both military and economic terms" and without drastic action, “risks becoming a collection of fiefdoms of the great empires of the world... Some of them under Russia's thumb, some under America's thumb, maybe some influenced more by China.”
The Nerve is a new, fiercely independent media platform covering culture, politics and tech. Set up by a collective of five former Guardian journalists, including the investigative reporter Carole Cadwalladr, who believe that the UK needs more truly independent journalism as we have never been more in need of an independent, fearless press. Having nerve is the key quality the world needs now.
The Nerve is a new, fiercely independent media platform covering culture, politics and tech. Set up by a collective of five former Guardian journalists, including the investigative reporter Carole Cadwalladr, who believe that the UK needs more truly independent journalism as we have never been more in need of an independent, fearless press. Having nerve is the key quality the world needs now.
The Public Has Turned On Trump But US Elite Are Too Scared | Bill Kristol
Jan 20, 2026 | “It’s the elite who are finding complicated reasons why this isn’t quite the right time to oppose Trump.”
The US public has “moved” against Trump as elites and Republican politicians are failing to hold their redlines in the face of the American president’s disregard for all kinds of laws and rules, says writer and former chief of staff to vice president Dan Quayle, Bill Kristol.
They are all ARSE-LICKERS lacking SPUNK. — © Mark Alexander
The US public has “moved” against Trump as elites and Republican politicians are failing to hold their redlines in the face of the American president’s disregard for all kinds of laws and rules, says writer and former chief of staff to vice president Dan Quayle, Bill Kristol.
They are all ARSE-LICKERS lacking SPUNK. — © Mark Alexander
Trump’s Wrecking Ball Pushes US Allies Closer to China
THE GUARDIAN: n the search for stability, some western nations are turning to a country that many in Washington see as an existential threat
f geopolitics relies at least in part on bonhomie between global leaders, China made an unexpected play for Ireland’s good graces when the taoiseach visited Beijing this month. Meeting Ireland’s leader, Micheál Martin, in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China’s president, Xi Jinping, said a favourite book of his as a teenager was The Gadfly, by the Irish author Ethel Voynich, a novel set in the revolutionary fervour of Italy in the 1840s.
“It was unusual that we ended up discussing The Gadfly and its impact on both of us but there you are,” Martin told reporters in Beijing.
China is on a charm offensive with western leaders, a path cleared by Donald Trump’s increasingly erratic and destabilising power grabs on the global stage. Although Europe breathed a sigh of relief this week when Trump withdrew the threat of using military force in Greenland and said he would not impose tariffs on opponents of his plans in the Arctic, the US no longer seems like a reliable partner.
An editorial in the Chinese newspaper the Global Times made Beijing’s pitch clear: headlined “Europe should seriously consider building a China-EU community with a shared future”, the state media article said the world risked “returning to the law of the jungle” and that China and the EU should cooperate in building “a shared future for mankind”.
No country can afford to cut ties or truly antagonise the world’s biggest economy. But in the search for stability, US allies are turning to the country that many in Washington see as an existential threat: China. » | Amy Hawkins, Senior China correspondent | Sunday, January 25, 2026
f geopolitics relies at least in part on bonhomie between global leaders, China made an unexpected play for Ireland’s good graces when the taoiseach visited Beijing this month. Meeting Ireland’s leader, Micheál Martin, in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China’s president, Xi Jinping, said a favourite book of his as a teenager was The Gadfly, by the Irish author Ethel Voynich, a novel set in the revolutionary fervour of Italy in the 1840s.
“It was unusual that we ended up discussing The Gadfly and its impact on both of us but there you are,” Martin told reporters in Beijing.
China is on a charm offensive with western leaders, a path cleared by Donald Trump’s increasingly erratic and destabilising power grabs on the global stage. Although Europe breathed a sigh of relief this week when Trump withdrew the threat of using military force in Greenland and said he would not impose tariffs on opponents of his plans in the Arctic, the US no longer seems like a reliable partner.
An editorial in the Chinese newspaper the Global Times made Beijing’s pitch clear: headlined “Europe should seriously consider building a China-EU community with a shared future”, the state media article said the world risked “returning to the law of the jungle” and that China and the EU should cooperate in building “a shared future for mankind”.
No country can afford to cut ties or truly antagonise the world’s biggest economy. But in the search for stability, US allies are turning to the country that many in Washington see as an existential threat: China. » | Amy Hawkins, Senior China correspondent | Sunday, January 25, 2026
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