Thingamabob

For those who have not lived and worked in the Middle East it is hard to grasp the fact that Arab countries generally neither like the current regime in Iran, nor Hamas controlled Gaza. They would not be sorry to see both demolished.

The lady 'asked staff to contact rescue services'. That surely indicates that, come the moment, she didn't want to die.

Interesting, but best to be a bit wary when reading Bower's material. His accuracy is sometimes undermined by his fertile imagination.

The explanation of the timing of the video is not convincing. Proof of life usually involves the individual concerned holding up a current newspaper on which the date is clearly visible

Neither Islam nor Christianity look much beyond the formation and experience of human life on Earth. Many more questions arise when considering the origins of the universe, the multiverse, and beyond.

I did indeed work for an oil major for 40 years.

I just can't see bombing resulting in regime change in Iran. It will take a huge number of boots on the ground to achieve that.

Worth remembering that up to now neither Mandelson nor Mountbatten Windsor have ever faced any charges, and both continue to deny any wrongdoing.

Nonsensj Thanks for this detailed info. My own experience of many years based in Riyadh and working throughout the Middle East has left me very concerned about the intentions of the Islamists. It should be understood that once they are in control in any country moderate Muslims mostly fall in behind and follow the harsh diktats of the Islamic state.

Nonsense.

Semites exist throughout the Middle East, down into the horn of Africa, and beyond. They are not exclusively Jewish.

There are a number of people in my hometown in the UK who are rude and not very smart.

Sadly suicides are occuring world-wide every day.

I am a Brit who would dearly like to see the end of the abhorrent regime in Iran. I doubt, however, that the IRGC and the Iran military can be bombed out of existence, and I cannot see a clear end to current hostilities.

Question as put is not specific to Thailand. Same issues occur everywhere. In my case I met my Thai wife in Bangkok in1984 when she was running a business renting out minibuses. I eventually married her in 1990 in Taiwan where I had been posted. She sold her business in order to be with me in Taipei and has not worked ever since. Eventually we retired back to Thailand where we still live happily together. She is now 72, I am 84. She is, and always has been, a wonderful partner and friend.