International Relations

Not for me, would not mind going out in a flash of light.
- @Marilyn Tassy

If the US packs in starting, funding, and causing wars, and stops removing democracies,hopefully we can avoid that.

The US has been at war every year since 1947 - no gaps

The US has been part of every war (except some regional scraps) since 1947

The US has removed a number of democratically elected governments, including Iran's

The US started the military buildup in the south China Sea

Get rid of the US and we have a shot at world peace.

Meanwhile the Russia continues to kill people in Ukraine and Trump does nothing. Pathetic. - @fluffy2560

The war there started because the US set up a coup to remove the internationally recognised democracy, and because of NATO's broken promises not to move eastwards.

Also, we have to remember Ukraine is not a democracy as all the people who would vote against the government are excluded from elections.

USA/Iran/Israel:

Trump says no plans to kill Iran's leader 'for now', before calling for 'unconditional surrender'

Note "for now"!

Trump seems to be changing his alignment to partially endorse assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.  He said he didn't want that before - flip-flop tick-tock.  If this is posturing and leverage, it's pretty strong stuff.     Netanyahu says killing Khamenei will shorten the war, not exacerbate it.   I don't think there's a deputy leader who can step in immediately.  Khamenei disposed of that position or at least left it unfilled.

B2s (in range from Diego Garcia) are capable of loading 2 of the GBU-57 MOP bunker buster bombs.  Reports are US refuelling aircraft are being deployed to the region.  The target will be the Fordow Enrichment Plant.

Another day in Trumps mind

Another day in Trumps mind - @SimCityAT

Trump's mind is probably a desert or like Never Never Land.

Interesting Trump says "we".    Who is "we"?  The USA or the USA and Israel?

Has he clumsily outed himself as going ahead with an attack?

USA:

Best and funniest signs from mass No Kings protests against Trump

People can be really funny.  Some great potential writers out there perhaps!

USA/Iran/Israel:

Trump approves Iran attack plan but has not made final decision, reports say

Looks to me like the US is simply taking its time moving its hardware/assets into position prior to attacking Iran.  Media outlets reported tracking on Flight Radar multiple air to air Stratofortress refuelling tankers heading East of Italy for parts unknown.  These tankers have stopped off in Spain and the UK.

Another angle is any launch from Diego Garcia will have to involve the UK as that's still (nominally) a UK base albeit under US control and Mauritian sovereignty.   And then there's the sovereign UK base Akrotiri airfield on Cyprus.  Looks like logistically the UK will be involved, even  if not directly.

And of course, paraphrasing the BBC report above, Khamenei said "The Iranian nation will not surrender."  Iran's mission to the United Nations said on X: "Iran does NOT negotiate under duress, shall NOT accept peace under duress, and certainly NOT with a has-been warmonger clinging to relevance".  "No Iranian official has ever asked to grovel at the gates of the White House". "The only thing more despicable than his lies is his cowardly threat to 'take out' Iran's supreme leader."

Kind of interesting that it's against a previous Executive Order 12333 to assassinate political leaders in foreign countries.

Part 2.11 of this executive order reiterates a proscription on US intelligence agencies sponsoring or carrying out an assassination. It reads:  No person employed by or acting on behalf of the United States Government shall engage in, or conspire to engage in, assassination.

Trump can just issue another EO if he feels like it.  Judging by polling results on CNN, no-one is going to be complaining if Khamenei meets his maker in collateral damage.  Something like 80% of Americans favour stopping Iran from obtaining a bomb.

Trump has been suffering in the polls recently.  This could become an example of the Falklands effect.   Thatcher bounced back on that successful campaign.

Well, there we are then.  Seems inevitable the US is going in.  OK, just speculating but seems more likely than not.

Israel attacked Iran based on the usual lie about Iran being close to a nuke.

The world needs to reject all trade and contact with the rogue state of Israel immediately.

Trump can just issue another EO if he feels like it. Judging by polling results on CNN, no-one is going to be complaining if Khamenei meets his maker in collateral damage. Something like 80% of Americans favour stopping Iran from obtaining a bomb. - @fluffy2560

Only because they are stupid enough to believe the lie about Iran being close to getting the bomb.

https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cvg6lpm2464o

US/Iran/Israel:

Link to the poll numbers video by the slightly weird over enthusiastic Harry Enten of CNN:

Poll shows GOP and Democrats are united on this key issue regarding Iran

Alternatively:

Americans divided on possible US involvement in Iran

I reckon Trump - being the showman - is going to go with the polls and join in.   He cannot pass this up because it could save the entire clown show.   So much for peacemaker.

It could have leverage on North Korea and probably concentrate the mind of Putin.   Thinking further, if it's a great success, taking on North Korea could be another one but obviously China is right next door and not to be messed with.  Those guys would never be sure if the Mad Man theory holds true.  That's Trump's MO.

Moving on from the aftermath of any Iranian attack, there's going to be an enormous environmental problem in Iran if uranium and plutonium are spread all over the countryside and it blows around.   I hope someone  in authority is looking where the prevailing winds are going generally from the potential attack sites.  Chernobyl comes to mind and maybe this could be worse.  Chernobyl is not that far from Hungary - 1000km.  Imagine the cost - billions to clean up.

Also, I have a nuclear reactor within about 3km of my house.  It's for medical and research.  It's located at the KFKI compound in the Buda hills.    I sometimes take the dog up there and we walk past the perimeter walls.   There's a grove of trees there - all dead.  And several abandoned watchtowers from the communist times.  Not a good sign of the past.  We probably also get our water from underground aquifers connected to the same water system.

Oh dear, makes one wonder!

US/Israel/Iran:

I'm looking at Flight Radar and I'm tracking planes out of Akrotiri. 

I note some BAE Systems cargo planes flying out of Cyprus for Warton Airfield (a BAE airfield near Preston, Lancashire).  The same plane also goes to Saudi (TAIF airfield).  Call sign is MOG77. It must be supply runs for spare parts for Eurofighter Typhoons and other items like missiles.  I've never seen these support flights before but they've been going for some months.

There appears to be some data disruptions on flight information around Israel and definitely over Iran so coverage is patchy.  There's possibly some jamming.  Some planes seem to be way off their intended destinations and appear to be circling over Haifa or the coast of Israel.  Or simply not moving.  Or overlaid with tracks of multiple aircraft.  Their paths are perfect circles. Altitude reported is just 100ft. 

Very odd.

WMD lies all over again.

The war criminals Bush and Blair got away with massive profits last time, and it looks like idiots are supporting a re-run.

What stunning stupidity

HU:

Hungarian police ban Budapest Pride march

This is after Mr Christmas (Karácsony - Mayor of Budapest) took over as organiser of Pride.   Police don't have (supposedly) authority to ban the march if the Mayor is the organiser. 

Clearly this will go to the courts and probably the Curia (Supreme Court).

BTW, Budapest avoided bankruptcy by order of the Metropolitan Court.  They realised attempts by Fidesz to destroy the libertarian government of Christmas would bring utter chaos to the capital.   

and the lies continue

https://www.yahoo.com/news/china-sends- … 67-TBcMiXR

China is sending military kit to Iran

https://www.cargolux.com

Cargolux, Luxembourg's national cargo carrier says it's crap

Important notice

We are aware of the recent information/statements circulating on social media regarding recent Cargolux flights alleged to be using Iranian airspace, based on the data received on a publicly available app. Cargolux would like to categorically state that none of its flights utilize Iranian airspace. These incorrect assertions appear to be made as a result of the projected trajectories shown on Flight Radar 24, when an aircraft’s signal is lost due to jamming, and does not reflect the actual flight path of the aircraft. These projected trajectories are used to create a false narrative about Cargolux flying over and landing in Iran. Detailed information on the limitations of Flight Radar 24, when aircraft fly into airspace where jamming or spoofing takes place, can be found on their website. Other airlines may similarly be impacted by the incorrect data being shown on such publicly available application. Cargolux operates with state-of-the-art technology systems, similar to those used by all major airlines, ensuring that we know the exact position of our aircraft at all times. Our flight tracking systems provide real-time data, which confirms that no flight entered Iranian airspace. Any claims to the contrary are completely unfounded. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and transparency in all our operations.

These stories will be planted for a few days or weeks, then the US will attack Iran.

The usual path is they plant a load of stories knowing fools will believe them with out checking.

Mindless cretins will support yet another war based on lies.

UKR:

Article on drone spoofing in Ukraine:

Lost and spoofed: How Ukraine redirects Russian drones to Belarus

Mr Justin McKenzie Smith has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Hungary in succession to Mr Paul Fox, who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service.

Mr McKenzie Smith will take up his appointment during October 2025 – until then, Mr Paul Fox remains the Ambassador.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chan … nzie-smith

Mr Justin McKenzie Smith has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to Hungary in succession to Mr Paul Fox, who will be retiring from the Diplomatic Service.Mr McKenzie Smith will take up his appointment during October 2025 – until then, Mr Paul Fox remains the Ambassador.https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chan … nzie-smith - @SimCityAT

Good to know.

But I hold out no hopes for any important and useful impact whatsover from any UK ambassador anywhere.

I guess I'll see him on the Sunday closest to 11 November 2025 (Remembrance Sunday).  Let's hope this particular guy can actually make a speech.  Some of them mumble a few words then.  Others have actually said relevant stuff which had some usefulness.

US/Israel/Iran:

Trump will decide on US involvement in Israel-Iran conflict within two weeks, White House says

(Warning: this contains video of one of Trump's vacuous Barbie dolls)

Kicking the can down the road or is it delays to mobilisation?

Is this TACO Trump or common sense?

Bit of scenario planning/speculation:

Israel is going to bump off Khamenei in the coming days as payback for hitting the hospital earlier on.   That's not withstanding if Trump did it, it would violate previous EOs.

The Iranian regime may start to falter and some mullahs will turn up at the WH to "negotiate" and Trump can try and humiliate them.  Bit outlandish they'd put themselves in that position.

Trump can then claim his way worked - avoided war, forced the mullahs to the table and worked them over for the cameras

2 weeks passes and nothing happens except more Israel-Iran and vice-versa missiles, Trump does nothing.   

2 more weeks, maybe the bunker buster bombs go in.

UKR:
Article on drone spoofing in Ukraine:

Lost and spoofed: How Ukraine redirects Russian drones to Belarus - @fluffy2560

Reader might like to note, this is a GPS spoofing technology.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cne900k4wvjo

Russia is causing disruption to satellite navigation systems affecting thousands of civilian flights, experts say.

The Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and the eastern Mediterranean - the regions where Russia's military has been most active - have seen an increase in disruption to the Global Positioning System (GPS).

It seems that Ukraine is doing it, but that little detail isn't mentioned because it doesn't make for good propaganda.

Telling the truth might slow down public support  for arms sales

Look's like we're back in the room!

Perhaps since we suspended and time and events have moved on, cooler heads will prevail.

I did find strange that Iran never even attempted to launch certain kind of missiles, nor more common kinds in en masse.

Even by careful estimates they should have over 70.000 remaining AFTER the anyway successful Israeli strikes (which destroyed many rocket systems/ launchers). Far more than the number needed to overwhelm the Israeli 3 layered rocket defense systems.

Up to date the most reasonable explanation is: because Israel did achieve nearly complete air superiority missiles launcher sites and storage sites get a command to remain hidden/ safe from air strikes as most of the air defense/ radar systems begone in the first days.   

I did find strange that Iran never even attempted to launch certain kind of missiles, nor more common kinds in en masse.
Even by careful estimates they should have over 70.000 remaining AFTER the anyway successful Israeli strikes (which destroyed many rocket systems/ launchers). Far more than the number needed to overwhelm the Israeli 3 layered rocket defense systems.
Up to date the most reasonable explanation is: because Israel did achieve nearly complete air superiority missiles launcher sites and storage sites get a command to remain hidden/ safe from air strikes as most of the air defense/ radar systems begone in the first days. - @sjbabilon5

Iran had plenty of warning to move stuff around.  Some reports in the media say they had another enrichment and storage site which was not known to the attacking forces so the uranium is "safe" for now. 

If they (the Iranians) really wanted to escalate, they could have easily done it but at increasing risk to their regime.  But accepting the ceasefire means they can regroup and rebuild.   They are not dumb ideologues. Currently, I expect they'll come back somewhat stronger and better organised but still badly led.

IMHO, I cannot see regime change taking place any time soon without an externally led action.   

At that point, when the mists clear,  I speculate Khamanei will be assassinated within say, 6 months - either by the Americans or the Israelis (as proxies or on their own).

I do not think there would be a regime change, at least not one which would make either Israel, or US happy. To kill the supreme leader may make an already very sick old man to a martyr.

Would be not that hard to change the cover-layer, the theocracy itself. Only circa 25% of the population supports it, mostly older generations.

But that would lead to either the Revolutionary Guard takes it's place, or that + a very nationalist regime. The guard alone have more support than the Ayatollah's, actually the most respected Shia religious leader  lives in Iraq, not Iran. And there is a notable nationalist - armed force respect slice in the population of Iran, which does include most of the combat ready people. 

I do not think there would be a regime change, at least not one which would make either Israel, or US happy. To kill the supreme leader may make an already very sick old man to a martyr. Would be not that hard to change the cover-layer, the theocracy itself. Only circa 25% of the population supports it, mostly older generations. But that would lead to either the Revolutionary Guard takes it's place, or that + a very nationalist regime. The guard alone have more support than the Ayatollah's, actually the most respected Shia religious leader lives in Iraq, not Iran. And there is a notable nationalist - armed force respect slice in the population of Iran, which does include most of the combat ready people. - @sjbabilon5

It works the other way too.  Assassinating him will show no-one is safe, even if some people will push the martyrdom of the Ayatollah.   Question is who comes next, another guy with the same thinking?  Reform means different things - look at MBS in Saudi.  He's not a reformist in a West sense but he's very different from many.  Not condoning, just saying he's different. 

Different for Iran now might be enough. 

My bro worked in Iran and said most of the imams were relatively uneducated.   But there was a strong base of technocrats who knew the real stuff. 

It kind of reminded me of communist times (or even the US now), people hired for their connections to the big chiefs rather than their skill  sets or knowledge.  Supporting those at the top were survivalists - just trying to get by.  But they could just as well get by in a different regime.

Clearing out the old guard is going to be very difficult - maybe a generation to do that.

It would be good if Iran was off the table as a threat, whatever that looks like in the end.  Also an interesting issue for Putin - one less "friend" of convenience.

So good, but it's not that Nobel peace prize kind of good. 

@fluffy2560

"Assassinating him will show no-one is safe"

They are very much aware of that.

The only reason why anno Qasem Soleimani did not depose the current regime because had no intent to. Among other reasons killed because had the capability for a regime change in any minute at will. 

As for old guard: the main crowd base which supports the theocracy are folks who were young in the 1970's, 1980's and most likely participated in the 1979 events.

Also let's not forget that in case there are no exclusive leadership, but for example a dozen officers who take charge Pakistan would most likely occupy Iran's south-east region, and cc. start a genocide in both part of the border against the Balochi, and unlike Iran Pakistan do have nukes for sure.

Who would stop them? Not Persian generals who will be busy enough to defend their heartlands.

@fluffy2560 "Assassinating him will show no-one is safe"They are very much aware of that. The only reason why anno Qasem Soleimani did not depose the current regime because had no intent to. Among other reasons killed because had the capability for a regime change in any minute at will. As for old guard: the main crowd base which supports the theocracy are folks who were young in the 1970's, 1980's and most likely participated in the 1979 events. Also let's not forget that in case there are no exclusive leadership, but for example a dozen officers who take charge Pakistan would most likely occupy Iran's south-east region, and cc. start a genocide in both part of the border against the Balochi, and unlike Iran Pakistan do have nukes for sure. Who would stop them? Not Persian generals who will be busy enough to defend their heartlands. - @sjbabilon5

Yes, it could well fragment.  I could see new independent Balochistan or Kurdistan emerging in the aftermath.  Turkey would certainly have something strong to say about an independent Kurdistan.  I am not sure other players worldwide care much about it because the Kurds supported the US in the Iraq war.  Balochistan no-one has really been paying attention to so it's unlikely to garner any interest internationally.   And besides Turkey has gone a bit strange in the past 20 years  since Erdogan took power.  He's got more extremist too like others.  Maybe he'll be gone at the next election if it hasn't been fixed beforehand.

I was never sure why the US killed Soleimani and him alone and what difference did it actually make over time.  Maybe just flexing muscles to show it's possible to hit them anywhere and at any time.

Khamenei is 90 years old or so.  He's been in charge for far too long.  Time for him to retire  one way or another.  I would think it'd be one of the pre-conditions for a peace agreement. He'd be sensible to take it and enjoy a life of   sipping tea under a pistachio tree and rapidly fading into obscurity.  It's only a short hop until he dies anyway.

Well Soleimani defeated the ISIS on a state actor level (mainly using Shia militias/ Hezbollah), and reduced it to a "common" terrorist organization, but actually did it together with the Kurds. 

Died because (with reason) both US and Israel feared him more than the supreme leader of Iran, and the ones around him + because the general cornered Israel with various proxy organizations.

As for Turkey - they do fight with the Kurds over a century, but Kurds refuse to give up. Kinda similar to the Irish and Hungarians - never ending resistance.

Well Soleimani defeated the ISIS on a state actor level (mainly using Shia militias/ Hezbollah), and reduced it to a "common" terrorist organization, but actually did it together with the Kurds.
Died because (with reason) both US and Israel feared him more than the supreme leader of Iran, and the ones around him + because the general cornered Israel with various proxy organizations.
As for Turkey - they do fight with the Kurds over a century, but Kurds refuse to give up. Kinda similar to the Irish and Hungarians - never ending resistance. - @sjbabilon5

Irish nationalists have pretty much given up under the Good Friday agreement.  Eventually it could lead to a united Ireland simply because of Brexit.  Demographics have  changed there so it's different to when it started way back.

The imprisoned opposition leaders in Turkey are pro-Kurd or at least sympathetic.  Erdogan has pretty much run his course and seeks desperate measures right now.

As for Iran, they will probably have some token reforms post-Israel but fundamentally, it'll be unchanged for years.   I doubt they'll be exporting revolution via their proxies much further. 

Denmark pushes to suspend Hungary’s EU voting rights

Danish European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre says Copenhagen will ramp up Article 7 proceedings against Budapest.

Denmark wants Europe to deploy its full legal arsenal against Hungary over violations of the bloc’s fundamental rights, including by pursuing the Article 7 so-called nuclear option against Budapest.

“We are still seeing a violation on fundamental values,” Danish European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre told reporters in Aarhus, where the European Commission is on a visit as Copenhagen takes over the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU. “That is why we will continue the Article 7 procedure and the hearing on Hungary.”

Article 7 is a clause in the EU treaty that allows countries to vote to exclude or penalize a member that falls afoul of the bloc’s rules. It’s widely considered to be a nuclear legal option, which the EU has so far stopped short of using despite Brussels saying that Hungary has violated its laws.

Bjerre said the bloc should also look into restricting access to EU funds for countries that violate European law.

Another major issue for Denmark: EU enlargement. The minister called out Hungary’s ongoing blockade of Ukraine’s membership in the European Union, saying Denmark was “willing to look at all political and practical solutions for us to move forward.”

If EU countries decide to escalate their ongoing Article 7 procedure, they could strip Hungary of its voting rights on aspects of European policy such as enlargement, removing Budapest’s ability to veto Ukraine’s membership. However, diplomats caution that moving ahead requires at least full-throated support from Paris and Berlin to rally the rest of the bloc — support that so far has been lacking.

With Hungary still dead set against Ukraine’s membership, there is speculation that the European Commission could decide to move ahead with Moldova’s membership bid by formally opening a negotiation “cluster” in the coming days. Moldova and Ukraine have been moving in lockstep toward EU membership, so uncoupling them would be controversial.

But Bjerre said Denmark isn’t ready to split the two membership bids: “It is still our goal to open cluster one together with Moldova and Ukraine,” she said.

https://www.politico.eu/article/denmark … ting-right

With Hungary still dead set against Ukraine’s membership, there is speculation that the European Commission could decide to move ahead with Moldova’s membership bid by formally opening a negotiation “cluster” in the coming days. Moldova and Ukraine have been moving in lockstep toward EU membership, so uncoupling them would be controversial.

But Bjerre said Denmark isn’t ready to split the two membership bids: “It is still our goal to open cluster one together with Moldova and Ukraine,” she said.


https://www.politico.eu/article/denmark … ting-right - @SimCityAT

Tricky situation but understandable. 

The anti-OV march cum Pride isn't decisive enough to say OV is out.  My speculation is they (Fidesz) will try to replace him as he's such a despised and divisive figure now by many.  But that would make it unrecoverable as a party as he's one and the same thing.  So I say, it wouldn't work. 

Still, it would be a remarkable situation if Tisza is catapulted into power, given it's only been in operation a short time.  It's already got 30% of HU's MEPs. 

It would take quite a few years to undo all the insidious changes even if clearing out the top echelons would only take weeks.  And it would have to assume a landslide and majority in the parliament. 

I'm currently looking at reports the US is once again leaning on Ukraine with reduced or halted weapons shipments due to shortages for "America First".  Sounds like a load of baloney to me.  Leaning on Putin doesn't do FA but leaning on the weaker party, Ukraine does?  Looks like the behaviour of a bully.

Viktor Orban’s economic luck runs out

Apart from Poland, central Europe’s Visegrad Four face a slowdown

https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/0 … k-runs-out

Viktor Orban’s economic luck runs outApart from Poland, central Europe’s Visegrad Four face a slowdownhttps://www.economist.com/europe/2025/0 … k-runs-out - @SimCityAT

Yes, read that one.  Very interesting development. 

BTW, there are new posters up now. 

One of them is a cartoon of Zelensky and Magyar popping out of eggs and saying they are the same thing.   In Hungarian, two eggs the same is a version of "two peas in a pod".

The other is a load of people arranged in an X shape intended to show the "national consultation" shows rejection of Ukraine's membership of the EU.

Arguably not representative of the depth of feeling.

Apparently Mr Christmas (Karácsony - Mayor of Budapest), received a standing ovation in the European Parliament, presumably because of support for Freedom/Pride.  I can see that guy getting a portfolio in a future government.  He's become very popular because of his opposition to O1G (Orban).

HU:

The 'strongman' PM who inspired Trump's playbook - but now finds his power crumbling

IDK,the world may be in for a big surprise.

Voyager one is returning from it,s decades long trip to the outer limits.

It has been turned back by something or someone.

Guess the spacemen out there do not want to get involved with us humans?

Religious leaders from many religions are freaking out according to the article.

My husband is in stitches, thinks it is so funny.

I on the other hand do not believe we can  not break on through to the other side.Going to hit the glass ceiling sooner or later.

In other news, Ukraine is now on Hungary,s S@@@ list.

Zelenskys goons beat a Hungarian man to death while trying to grab him off the street for military conscription. May he RIP. Husband and father of 2, aged 45.

I wonder how many people are hiding out in dark cellars to avoid this nightmare?

I am a bit upset that Trump is suppose to be sending rockets etc; to support this endless war. It should never have started.

IDK,the world may be in for a big surprise.Voyager one is returning from it,s decades long trip to the outer limits.It has been turned back by something or someone.Guess the spacemen out there do not want to get involved with us humans?Religious leaders from many religions are freaking out according to the article.My husband is in stitches, thinks it is so funny.I on the other hand do not believe we can not break on through to the other side.Going to hit the glass ceiling sooner or later.In other news, Ukraine is now on Hungary,s S@@@ list.Zelenskys goons beat a Hungarian man to death while trying to grab him off the street for military conscription. May he RIP. Husband and father of 2, aged 45.I wonder how many people are hiding out in dark cellars to avoid this nightmare?I am a bit upset that Trump is suppose to be sending rockets etc; to support this endless war. It should never have started. - @Marilyn Tassy

Never heard about Voyager 1 coming back.  Back to basics - an object will continue in a straight line unless acted upon by an external force.  So, external force, what's that then?  The hand of God?  I suggested to Mrs F that if Voyager 1 was coming back (highly unlikely) then it would prove the non-existence of God but she says it could prove the existence of God.  We've settled on an external power, like aliens.   It could cause some religious people's heads to implode.  No great loss there. 

I do absolutely admire that they've kept the Voyagers going. I hope cuts at NASA don't lead them to end the support. It's a marvel how such technology has stood the test of time and such a rugged/hostile environment.  I remember them being launched!  They are beautiful things.  If the US wants to do MAGA, they should at least  keep the Voyagers alive into 2035 (theoretical date where signal will be lost). At least the same fate won't await what happened to Pioneer 10.  We'd need a new thread - Interplanetary relations - to complement International Relations.

That "Hungarian" guy was a Ukrainian.  He was ethnically Hungarian but Ukraine doesn't allow dual nationality, so he was 100% Ukrainian.  In any case, they say he died of an embolism and he had mental health issues.  So far, he didn't fall out a window.  Whatever the truth of it,  shame he's dead yet already his demise is being exploited by Orban to call for sanctions via the EU, members of Zelenskyy's cabinet etc.  Yeah, right Viktor, that's going to work! Not!  No-one is going to support any of that malarkey. 

I am extremely pleased Trump is now waking up to the reality which everyone else has known for years.  Putin is never going to give in and knows intimately how to string Trump along.  He's just giving Trump the runaround.   It just shows all these people running the US government have not got a scooby-do (UK: clue).  And worse, Trump gave Putin 50 days to organise his sanction busting and launch more attacks on Ukraine.  Nice one Donny.

Everyone seems to forget it was Putin that invaded Ukraine.  It wasn't the other way around.  I was surprised to see Kellogg (the general and maker of cornflakes) all hugs and smiles when he arrived and was met in Kyiv.  I wonder if Putin and posse do the same. I doubt it.  I wonder how long Kellogg can stay in his job? He's obviously superfriendly with the Ukrainians.   And that other guy, the "peace envoy", Witkoff, he's achieved absolutely FA/diddly squat.  Our cat could have done more. BTW,  the cat is "in" for consultations.

My schadenfreude meter twitched over recent Epstein discussions.  That one is never going away for the MAGA types.  And it's causing much hilarity at Fluffy Towers.  Looks to me like Bondi (the AG) could lose her job.   Trump will discard her if she's threatening his image by her apparent incompetence and blatant BS.  The FBI fellas might get resignation letters from Trump as well. 

The clown show continues.  I'm looking at it less as it's just retarded.

USA:

Looked at Jon Stewart's Epstein and Colbert cancellation monologues.

Some interesting footage of Trump's depositions (for what, dunno, but looks damning to me - he's an Epstein protégé)

I'm not a fan of these Daily or Late Show formats mainly due to the canned laughter - annoying the hell out of me - but it was quite good on poking fun at the Orange Blobski.

Commonwealth citizens should note:

Two-minute silence marks 80th anniversary of VJ Day

@ 12h, UK time, 13h CET.

My Dad was in Singapore during the war, so I'm remembering him.  He wasn't captured and participated in the D-Day landings although never engaged in any fighting (although like many he never really spoke in detail about it).

HU:

Hungary: Events commemorating Saint Stephen's Day to take place nationwide on 20 August

On 20 August 2025 events commemorating Saint Stephen's Day – a prominent national holiday – will take place nationwide.

Commemorative events, including parades, street festivals and other gatherings, will be held in cities nationwide.

p.s.  As it's HU's national day, I'm taking matters into my own hands.  We've had Moscow Square, which is now persona non grata for me, then they made it Szell Kalman Square (who?) and I've unilaterally decided to rename it Zelenskyy Slava Ukraini Square in any conversations I have    😉

HU:

Hungary: Marathon race to prompt disruptions in Budapest on 7 September

On 7 September 2025 a half marathon and other running races will be held in the capital Budapest.

Various road closures will be in place throughout the morning and afternoon hours along the race route, which runs through central areas of the city along the Danube river.

Public transportation services will also likely be impacted.

Yawn!