International Relations

This weeks highlights > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4t3dh9e4bI - @SimCityAT
Openly bias left wing press. This can't be accepted as fact until verification from disinterested outlets confirm it.
It's the same as assuming an ex-prince didn't rape young girls because he says he didn't.  - @Fred
Again, you don't like facts. Unless FRED says so its not true. Are you still getting your news from RT? - @SimCityAT

You posted from an openly biased source,  not a disinterested one.

I didn't say it isn't accurate,  just that it should be verified.

YOU read it as a denial of the story instead of a wish to confirm it.

As for RT, of course I read it, just as I read stories from Fox and CNN. Does that mean I'm left wing, right wing, and pro-Russian and pro-US?

That or the reason you're always wrong is that you only read news that confirms your opinions.

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/01/spy-she … rypto.html

United Arab Emirates’ ‘Spy Sheikh’ bought secret stake in Trump crypto company: WSJ

Months after Tahnoon purchased the $500 million stake, the U.S. agreed to give the UAE access to 500,000 of America’s most advanced AI chips per year.

If that isn't corruption,  it's making an excellent job of looking like it.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/danalexand … in-a-year/

The president is now worth a record $7.3 billion, up from $4.3 billion in 2024, when he was still running for office. The $3 billion gain vaulted him 118 spots on The Forbes 400, where he lands at No. 201 this year

It's also great at impersonating a scam

This weeks highlights > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4t3dh9e4bI - @SimCityAT Openly bias left wing press. This can't be accepted as fact until verification from disinterested outlets confirm it.It's the same as assuming an ex-prince didn't rape young girls because he says he didn't.  - @FredAgain, you don't like facts. Unless FRED says so its not true. Are you still getting your news from RT? - @SimCityAT

As far as I know RT is no longer available as a TV channel in Europe.   Not sure about that. I thought it was banned. I've seen it available outside the EU on hotel TVs - like in Asia.

I did happen to look at it a couple of days ago and it was so far away from "normal" reporting and quality journalistic standards and weirdo commentators with screws loose, I only lasted about 5m.  Total propaganda. 

Makes one wonder if it has any viewers at all - except Fred.

As far as I know RT is no longer available as a TV channel in Europe.
Makes one wonder if it has any viewers at all - except Fred. - @fluffy2560

European censorship is a frightening reaction to their weak arguments for giving their taxpayer money to EU and UK armaments manufacturers.

As for watching RT, I'm amazed people don't. How can you assess the truth without seeing every side of a story?

As far as I know RT is no longer available as a TV channel in Europe.
Makes one wonder if it has any viewers at all - except Fred.  - @fluffy2560
European censorship is a frightening reaction to their weak arguments for giving their taxpayer money to EU and UK armaments manufacturers.
As for watching RT, I'm amazed people don't. How can you assess the truth without seeing every side of a story? - @Fred

It's just too bonkers to watch.  It's like their threw the concept of balance or professional journalism out of the window.   And I think they are broadcasting to outer space.  No-one is going to be watching it.  The viewing numbers must be tiny.

As for European censorship, I don't think anyone noticed it was no longer available.  In any case, there's always the nutters on GBNews and various Russian apologists on there.  Yes, you Nigel.  They paid him something like £500 an appearance - according to reports.

As far as I know RT is no longer available as a TV channel in Europe.
Makes one wonder if it has any viewers at all - except Fred.  - @fluffy2560
European censorship is a frightening reaction to their weak arguments for giving their taxpayer money to EU and UK armaments manufacturers.
As for watching RT, I'm amazed people don't. How can you assess the truth without seeing every side of a story? - @Fred

I thought you didn't like propaganda rubbish? Ahhhh, of course, Russia propaganda is perfectly fine, I rest my case.

I thought you didn't like propaganda rubbish? Ahhhh, of course, Russia propaganda is perfectly fine, I rest my case. - @SimCityAT

Perhaps you should work on your reading comprehension skills, but it's more likely that you are reading what you want to see rather tha  what I wrote.

I read ALL sides to a story, not just the bits that suit my personal hates and bias.

Once you have read all sides, you can look at undisputed history and decide which side is right .. assuming they aren't both wrong.

When it comes to Ukraine,  you have to ignore a lot of history if you want to drop all of the blame on Russia. 

The very fact your hate stops you reading an opposing view is very telling.

The censorship being carried out by western regimes adds yet another layer. If RT is that rubbish,  why do they have to ban it?

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/1 … ban-tiktok

TikTok is nasty because it collects data

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/ … first-week

Big save

Now TikTok is US owned, it collects more data (including location) and is censoring anti-government videos........when it works

https://www.c-span.org/clip/news-confer … es/5191713

Will conclusive evidence emerge?

Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus Ted Lieu (D-CA) tells reporters the Epstein files contain allegations that President Trump raped and threatened to kill children.

I wouldn't be surprised if the allegations were proven,  but it's unlikely to happen while Trump is president.

https://www.c-span.org/clip/news-confer … es/5191713Will conclusive evidence emerge?Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus Ted Lieu (D-CA) tells reporters the Epstein files contain allegations that President Trump raped and threatened to kill children.I wouldn't be surprised if the allegations were proven, but it's unlikely to happen while Trump is president. - @Fred

Trump is impervious to prosecution during his terms in office for official acts.  It would be hard to argue alleged child molesting was part of his duties.  But then again, shooting people on the street was always a possibility - he famously said he could shoot people on 5th Avenue and still get elected. He's already proved he can get away with his minions shooting folks dead for no real reason.  Such is the cult, Noem will be thrown under the bus and he will walk away with no consequences.  Noem will then live in infamy as will he.

"infamy, infamy.....they've all got it in for me....." (Trump channelling Kenneth Williams in Carry On Cleo).

Peter Mandleson, the squeaky clean ex-ambassador is known to have sent government secrets to his mate who happens to be a kiddie sex pervert.

The PM (the moron who gave him the job) is shocked but says he did nothing wrong and there was no error of judgment.

I agree,

After all, Mandleson has no criminal past, and no history of wrongdoing... except borrowing money (interest free) from a man he was investigating for corruption (and hiding the deal),  and helping a mate get a dodgy UK passport.

Of course there was no error in judgment, and Britain's idiot PM should stay.

That or it was obvious a man known to be corrupt should never get a job above toilet cleaner ever again, but an idiot gave him one.

The only thing that shocks me about the whole thing is how BBC news is totally ignoring Mandleson's bloody obvious dodgy past when interviewing politicians on the subject.

Peter Mandleson, the squeaky clean ex-ambassador is known to have sent government secrets to his mate who happens to be a kiddie sex pervert.The PM (the moron who gave him the job) is shocked but says he did nothing wrong and there was no error of judgment. I agree, After all, Mandleson has no criminal past, and no history of wrongdoing... except borrowing money (interest free) from a man he was investigating for corruption (and hiding the deal), and helping a mate get a dodgy UK passport. Of course there was no error in judgment, and Britain's idiot PM should stay.That or it was obvious a man known to be corrupt should never get a job above toilet cleaner ever again, but an idiot gave him one.The only thing that shocks me about the whole thing is how BBC news is totally ignoring Mandleson's bloody obvious dodgy past when interviewing politicians on the subject. - @Fred

Mandelson was known to be dodgy from way back when.    He's now - finally - got his comeuppance. 

I've always thought the guy had a sense of entitlement and thought the rules didn't apply to him.   

Sounds kind of familiar so quite possibly why he was parachuted in as Ambassador to the US.

The only thing that shocks me about the whole thing is how BBC news is totally ignoring Mandleson's bloody obvious dodgy past when interviewing politicians on the subject. - @Fred

Hardly its being reported extensively on the matter.

The only thing that shocks me about the whole thing is how BBC news is totally ignoring Mandleson's bloody obvious dodgy past when interviewing politicians on the subject.  - @Fred
Hardly its being reported extensively on the matter. - @SimCityAT

Yes, indeed, the history of Mandelson is well known to those who have followed politics for many years.

I first heard of him when he took out a "secret" loan from the Paymaster General back in the 1990s.  Somehow he was fawned over by successive leaders in the Labour party.   Quite bizarre.

Based on current events, "well dodgy" (allegedly) might be a qualification on his CV.

Mandelson was known to be dodgy from way back when.  He's now - finally - got his comeuppance.
- @fluffy2560

Mandy's been sacked (again) but there's no punishment on the cards just yet. It's all coming down to McSweeney who looks like he's going to take the fall in order to protect a stupid PM.

When it boils down past the rubbsh, a known fraudster and generally corrupt man was given a very sensitive job by a total fool (PM), and bent Mandy does what he is known for - he took cash for secrets, ths time from a CONVICTED child rapist.

This is on the PM for allowing such stupidity, then everyone else who had anything to do with it.

The only thing that shocks me about the whole thing is how BBC news is totally ignoring Mandleson's bloody obvious dodgy past when interviewing politicians on the subject.  - @Fred
Hardly its being reported extensively on the matter. - @SimCityAT

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/uks- … ambassador

It's mostly about the PM believing Mandy's lies about how well he knew the sex criminal, with not much about the PM beingg well aware his new guy was seriously dodgy and had been kicked out of government twice for corruption.

The only question is, why did the PM allow a man he knew to be corrupt into such a sensitive position?

The only question is, why did the PM allow a man he knew to be corrupt into such a sensitive position? - @Fred

As I alluded to, Mandelson's perceived dark arts might have been thought to be useful for wrangling Donny.

You know, takes one to know one.

That quite possibly trumped any wrongdoing known to the UK authorities.

But now it's all come out, should the PM resign?  I cannot see any sign he's going to give up that easily.

I actually think he should stay as PM.  Cannot see anyone else capable. I think he'll brazen it out.

I actually think he should stay as PM. Cannot see anyone else capable. I think he'll brazen it out. - @fluffy2560

Well, he isn't capable so a replacement won't make any difference

I actually think he should stay as PM. Cannot see anyone else capable. I think he'll brazen it out. - @fluffy2560
Well, he isn't capable so a replacement won't make any difference
- @Fred

For exactly the reason he can stay.

It's like taking one tin off the shelf and replacing it with another one exactly the same.

Why bother?

He's not that poisonous to many and the rest need personality transplants.

US (again):

Donald Trump has shared a racist video on social media in which Barack and Michelle Obama are depicted as monkeys.

WTF?  I can only think this is diversionary or dementia or possibly both. Another Nobel thing perhaps?

My experience of relatives' dementia or increasing age is that views become more extremist.  There's a lack of self-control with those brain diseases.  Fundamental beliefs become exaggerated and together with an inability to self regulate leads sometimes to disturbing outbursts.  Sometimes angry ones but also illogical or oddly crafted arguments.  Quite odd to watch. 

I've usually thought of it as the sufferer literally living in their own little world.   There's no way to apply real world judgement to that kind of thinking.  One has to go with the flow by directing and containing. 

But in Donny's case, he's likely to do something  dangerous unless any rational adults there can keep a lid on it.  I expect he'll have to go to an institution at some point. 

Fred,

I really have no clue where you get your news from, but it is increasingly like he is going to get jail time. It is a very complex situation as the crime dates back to 2009, and a lot of investigation is needed. He could potentially face a life sentence in prison-  no idea how many years that could be, as life can range from X to Y in British law.

The case also involves sensitive information that has to be handled so as not to jeopardise any convictions.

AGAIN, try following the news to see what is being said.

Fred,I really have no clue - @SimCityAT

That's clearly true.

@Fred

I pity you.

AGAIN, try following the news to see what is being said. - @SimCityAT

News outlets publish pieces to gain readership,  thus advertising revenues.

Facts are given as they are convenient for profits (or political bents), and those that are not are ignored.

You have to read legal opinions from universities or prominent experts,  AND you have to look at who charges against Mandy will hurt.

Then add his history of escaping charges.

For 'not dumb' readers, here's how to arrive at a likely truth

1. Read the news, that's all news related to any given story regardless of where it comes from.
2. Form an initial idea
3. Try to prove that idea
4. Try to disprove it.

Once you completed the above, you can decide what is most likely to be the actual situation rather than whatever news outlets tell us.

I started doing this when I was 11, but many never get past believing the Daily Mail.

AGAIN, try following the news to see what is being said.  - @SimCityAT
News outlets publish pieces to gain readership, thus advertising revenues.
Facts are given as they are convenient for profits (or political bents), and those that are not are ignored.
You have to read legal opinions from universities or prominent experts, AND you have to look at who charges against Mandy will hurt.
Then add his history of escaping charges. - @Fred

He coughed up government data to Epstein.  But that's the Dark Prince (as he was known) all over.   Norms don't apply to him.

I am wondering in the 2M+ Epstein documents available who else is going to fall or get pushed off their high horses.

It's quite remarkable how many are already stuffed by the information. Resignations even next door in Slovakia.

Imagine we got more info into the public domain, we'd be pretty shocked what actually goes on.

If you have time, read the Epstein files here > Department of Justice | Epstein Library | https://www.justice.gov/epstein

If you have time, read the Epstein files here > Department of Justice | Epstein Library | https://www.justice.gov/epstein - @SimCityAT

I am not sure who I'd like to look up other than Donny.  And maybe Orban.

And I think others are on the job so the highlights/summarised should be covered.

BTW, Donny is wading in on the HU election.

Donald Trump endorses Hungary's Viktor Orbán ahead of key elections

Trump has a history of supporting like-minded right-wing candidates on the campaign trail. Orbán is facing his most difficult election as the opposition Tisza Party led by young conservative Peter Magyar leads in opinion polls [7% in the article]

US President Donald Trump endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in a post on Truth Social, ahead of a key election in April where the Hungarian leader could lose his grip on power.

If the polls are to believed, Orban is toast.   And Trump's supposed support visit to HU is not scheduled (yet).  We don't want him to come as it'll block up the city and cause chaos at the airport etc.  At least half the population should be against Trump and just him turning up is likely to lead to protests, not cheering crowds.   Utter waste of time.  It will not save Orban from circling the plughole.

Bent Mandy (on his third major scandal) has taken down McSweeney.

Much as it was sheer stupidity on McSweeney's part in letting a man known to be corrupt into such a sensitive post, the PM shoulders the ultimate responsibility,

He should go.

Much of the press is aimed at idiots.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/21682 … ke-targets

Russia's horror WW3 map shows 38 UK towns and cities on nuke hitlist

OMG! Russia is evil, nasty, and jolly naughty.....

... or maybe not

The list was created under Edward Heath in the early 1970s and therefore reflects the targets of Britain from five decades ago.

Russia's horror map turns out to be a British government assessment from decades ago, but the story very nicely demonstrates how the press will print cretinous stories intended for blithering idiots to discuss down the pub.

However, it's in the mainstream press so, according to some, it's reliable.

I tried to look at the half-time Bad Bunny performance from the Super Bowl.

All I can say is it isn't like the previous efforts.  In the past, they've been quite good.  It looked like chaos with Lady Gaga the only recognisable performer doing what was expected.  She was great in the previous Super Bowls.

Bad Bunny - I have no idea what was going on or what it was about. I'd have preferred Naughty Rabbit to have performed.  Or Lousy Leveret. Or Happy Hare.  Whatever.

Bent Mandy (on his third major scandal) has taken down McSweeney.
Much as it was sheer stupidity on McSweeney's part in letting a man known to be corrupt into such a sensitive post, the PM shoulders the ultimate responsibility,
He should go. - @Fred

PM isn't going to resign. No way.   

McSweeney has taken the fall for him.  He'll be brought back into government after six months to a year in the doldrums.  One thing I didn't know was that McSweeney is actually Irish.  Nothing wrong with that of course.  Just surprised me as I thought he was Scottish.  He just lives there, in Lanarkshire.

Mandelson was always the 9 bob note wherever he's been.   He'll die in obscurity.  But I suppose he's now working on his memoirs for a couple of million in advances.  As far as his pay off goes, I cannot see any reason to take the money back.  He was contracted and they terminated him.  He's due the pay out.   He's not a young fella so I guess he'll turn up on GBNews or some other outlets before disappearing.

McSweeney & Mandelson were best mates.

Another top aide to the PM resigns: ‘Starmer won’t last the week'

Instant reaction: Scottish Labour leader calls for Starmer resignation

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar says Starmer must quit as PM

Another top aide to the PM resigns: ‘Starmer won’t last the week'Instant reaction: Scottish Labour leader calls for Starmer resignationScottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar says Starmer must quit as PM - @SimCityAT

Seen those kind of calls.  I still think he should stay and these detractors should STFU.  If there's an election, Reform will get traction.  Farage would be a nightmare to have any serious hold on power.

I do (now) have bad will towards Starmer for not bringing Jimmy Lai back from Hong Kong.

Twenty years is 'a death sentence', son of British media tycoon jailed by China says

Failure of diplomacy by Starmer.  He could have asked the Chinese to put him on the plane with him back to the UK.  Now that would have been a major win. 

I'm also annoyed about HMG's behaviour towards the Chagos Islanders and Diego Garcia. 

I do (now) have bad will towards Starmer for not bringing Jimmy Lai back from Hong Kong. - @fluffy2560

Lai is a traitor - He was bribed by the National Endowment for Democracy (CIA front) to sell out his government.

If he had done it with mortality in mind, I could see your point, but he was driven by greed.

If he had done it with mortality in mind, I could see your point, but he was driven by greed. - @Fred

Mortality?  Que?

At 78, he's certainly got a sentence which brings mortality into perspective.

Post in haste, repent at leisure.

If he had done it with mortality in mind, I could see your point, but he was driven by greed. - @Fred
Mortality? Que?
At 78, he's certainly got a sentence which brings mortality into perspective.

Post in haste, repent at leisure. - @fluffy2560

Your argument appears to be that a greedy traitor should be let off if he's an old greedy traitor.

Perhaps you should think a little.

The US needs the Chinese government gone, not for democracy,  but because they are far better capitalists than the US

A disrupted Chinese government means Chinese efficiency gone, and that's bad news for the world's consumers.

Frankly,  he should have been executed.

Your argument appears to be that a greedy traitor should be let off if he's an old greedy traitor. Perhaps you should think a little. The US needs the Chinese government gone, not for democracy, but because they are far better capitalists than the USA disrupted Chinese government means Chinese efficiency gone, and that's bad news for the world's consumers.Frankly, he should have been executed. - @Fred

Yeah, right, strawman arguments.  But OK, I'll play for a bit as I am waiting for someone. But let's stick to the point without conspiracy theories. 

Chinese government is unencumbered by human rights concerns.  That's problematic.  But it's also unsustainable.  It's the same with any dictatorship.

Why bother executing Jimmy Lai?  Time will take its toll and according to reports, he's not well anyway.  The Commies will survive him as they have always done in recent history.

He's a British citizen, he could be transferred to the UK and "contained" while HMG* does its usual grovelling at their feet.  He'll peg out soon enough and it won't be recurrent news.  I have to applaud his son Sebastian's campaign for bringing to everyone's attention.

If the UK HMG doesn't care about its citizenry (of course they don't), then what are they for?

*HMG = His Majesty's Government