Smokey and the Bandit

Absolutely correct, every President has said at some time or other. Total nine Presidents over 47 years.

President Trump is now sending a third aircraft carrier, the George W Bush to the region. This is the missing piece, to assist in opening up the strait of Hormuz. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20260307-us-preparing-to-deploy-3rd-aircraft-carrier-to-region-for-strikes-on-iran/ To safely move a "convoy" through the 21-mile-wide Strait, you need at least two destroyers per tanker to intercept incoming "swarms" of drones and missiles. The Bush’s Role: The Bush isn’t traveling alone; it’s bringing a fresh "Strike Group" of Aegis-equipped destroyers. This provides the extra "capacity" needed to finally start the Operation Prosperity Guardian 2—the actual escorting of tankers.

Groups like the Hindu Council UK and Christian Daily International have warned that singling out one group is "counterproductive and divisive." They argue the law should be "even-handed" and apply to all religions equally rather than creating "special" definitions for one. Good point why just single out one group, why not include every religion in the definition?

"IAEA Director Gen Rafael Gross report was on 6th March 2026 that no evidence of a structural program to build a nuclear weapon in Iran." Absolutely correct. Howver, the IAEA is a monitoring agency, not a global police force with X-ray vision. When they say they have "no evidence," they aren't saying it’s not happening; they are saying they haven't caught them doing it yet. No international inspector has been inside a major Iranian nuclear facility since June 13, 2025. For over 260 days, Iran has been operating in a "black box." Intelligence analysts from the Carnegie Endowment have warned that Iran may have used this time to move centrifuge components to hardened, underground sites like Pickaxe Mountain (near Natanz), which are almost impossible to monitor from the air or via satellite. Even without a "confirmed" assembly line, the ingredients are sitting on the counter. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessed last week that Iran could produce enough weapons-grade uranium for one bomb in "days to weeks" if they decided to sprint for it. Iran has enough 60% enriched uranium to create 10 to 11 nuclear weapons if they further enriched it to 90% (the weapons-grade threshold). Sites like Natanz and Fordow were built in secret and were only discovered by Western intelligence agencies years later. Last May, the IAEA reported that they found "undeclared" nuclear activities at three previously unknown bases (Lavisan-Shian, Turquzabad, and Varamin). This proves that Iran has a history of running parallel, secret programs while "cooperating" with the IAEA at their declared sites. The joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28 were based on exactly this logic—the fear that waiting for "proof" would mean waiting until it’s too late. President Trump even stated on Truth Social that he "would not allow Iran to lie their way to a nuclear bomb" while hiding behind a lack of evidence.

You are correct betting/gambling is banned in Thailand, except the lottery of course, but I am guessing he will last a relatively short time, why?? President Trump has already been incredibly blunt about this. Yesterday, he told ABC News that Mojtaba is "unacceptable" and added: "If he doesn't get approval from us, he's not going to last long." Not going to last long, I think speaks for itself!

"Iran’s ambassador to the United Kingdom has warned the British government to be “very careful” about becoming more directly involved in the escalating war involving Iran, the United States and Israel." That sounds more like a threat? The ambassador’s warning comes exactly as the UK is preparing to send the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Dragon to the region. Is Iran essentially saying: "If those ships fire a single missile or launch a single jet at us, the 'careful' period is over, and we will hit your bases in Cyprus, Bahrain, and Qatar directly."?

Oh dear, The HMS Prince of Wales was officially on 14-day notice for maintenance until just yesterday, March 7, when it was finally moved to "Advanced Readiness" at five days' notice. Pointing this out isn't denigrating the troops; it’s identifying a clear failure of political foresight. If Starmer had prioritized readiness on February 28, the ship wouldn't have been caught halfway through a maintenance cycle while the Middle East was already under fire. The claim that the U.S. failed to "consult" the UK also falls apart under scrutiny. In reality, Starmer was consulted and chose to opt out of the initial February 28 strikes, explicitly denying the U.S. permission to use British bases like RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for offensive missions. He insisted on a "legal review" to avoid being complicit in what he called "regime change from the skies," effectively telling our closest ally "no" during the most critical opening hours of the conflict. Trump’s anger isn't because he treats the UK as a "vassal," but because Starmer acted like a reluctant bystander while American and Omani interests were being targeted. Furthermore, the argument that Starmer is "defending British interests" by staying out of it is a dangerous reversal of the truth. It is Iranian drones and missiles that have spent the last week hitting the airports and hotels where 300,000 Britons are currently trapped. By refusing to join the preemptive strikes aimed at "blinding" Iranian launch sites on Day 1, Starmer arguably left those British citizens more exposed to the retaliatory drone swarms that hit Cyprus and Bahrain shortly after. The current "deep hole" the UK finds itself in isn't a result of U.S. recklessness; it’s the direct consequence of a Prime Minister who chose legalistic hand-wringing over the immediate protection of his own people and allies.

Until yesterday, it was effectively out of action due to planned maintenance on its flight deck. As of today, Sunday, March 8, 2026, the status has shifted from "maintenance" to "Advanced Readiness." But whatever its too little and far too late!

Without question this guy, Marco Rubio, is the best Secretary of State in the last 30 years. Rubio is a career legislator. He knows how to speak "Washington" while still implementing Trump’s "America First" agenda. He provided the intellectual framework for the military actions Admiral Cooper is carrying out. He is super smart, eloquent, clear and precise! Unlike previous Secretaries who hide behind "anonymous spokespeople," Rubio has been doing "sixth and seventh briefings" personally. In his clips from this week, he often starts with: "I don't understand what the confusion is. Let me explain it to you once again as clearly as possible." He uses simple, declarative sentences that leave very little room for the media to twist his words.

Under which law?

So obviously the airline that he flew in on, thought his passport was fine and they have to pay for his flight back?

Too funny indeed and scary. What if the UK had been attacked? Both aircraft carriers out of commission, surely some one must have spotted the problem there? The ships were built to have one always available while the other is in refit/maintenance (to avoid "carrier gaps"), but persistent mechanical issues (shafts, plus occasional fires/minor incidents) have meant both have spent significant time sidelined. By early 2026, both are effectively out of action or in limited states (e.g., HMS Queen Elizabeth in dry dock for upgrades/repairs, HMS Prince of Wales alongside in Portsmouth for maintenance after 2025 ops).

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) did claim on March 1–3 that they fired four cruise/ballistic missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln when it was roughly 250–300 km off Iran’s coast (near Chabahar in the Arabian Sea). They said the carrier was “struck” and then “fled” toward the southeastern Indian Ocean. US Central Command (CENTCOM) immediately and publicly refuted this: “The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didn’t even come close.” The carrier continues to launch aircraft in support of ongoing strikes on Iran (Operation Epic Fury). No US, Israeli, or independent sources (including satellite imagery or open-source tracking) confirm any damage to the carrier. The U.S. Navy has released timestamped photos and videos from March 2 and March 3, 2026, showing the Lincoln conducting routine flight operations in the Arabian Sea. The images show F/A-18 Super Hornets and F-35C Lightning IIs taking off and landing on a perfectly intact flight deck. If the ship had been hit by four cruise missiles, it would be physically impossible to conduct these operations The USS Abraham Lincoln is still fully operational in the region (Arabian Sea / western Indian Ocean). It has not moved out of range because of damage or repairs — any repositioning is normal operational movement for a carrier strike group. This is classic Iranian information warfare — they make a big claim for domestic propaganda (“we hit America’s prize scalp!”) and the US immediately calls it a lie. There is zero credible evidence of any successful hit or that the carrier was forced to retreat for repairs.The Lincoln is fine and still in the fight. The Iranian claim is the equivalent of their usual exaggerated statements we’ve seen throughout the conflict.

You are correct. Thai is more pricey cos the fly direct to London, Vietnam airways is a transit stop in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. They are both flying the same route to they both head north through China, then over Kazakhstan, Russia (if permitted), or Azerbaijan/Turkey, and finally into Europe. This detour adds about 60 to 90 minutes of flight time and significantly more fuel. However, Thai Airways' direct flights are fully booked days in advance, allowing their automated pricing systems to push tickets to "emergency" levels. Vietnam Airlines is still a bit of an "under-the-radar" secret for many travelers, so their seats haven't sold out as fast, keeping their prices closer to reality.

Seems Thailand is doing an excellent job, especially at the main airport, BKK, its giving out cash to stranded passengers and has set special welfare booths, on top of extending visas or no fines for overstaying passengers stuck there!

Yes, but only when the airspace in Qatar, or actually the ME opens up, which could be weeks away, nobody knows yet! Currently only airspace in KSA and Oman is open!

"Washington is urging all Americans to leave the Middle East immediately — but commercial routes are rapidly disappearing." Apart from Oman and KSA the rest of the Gulf states have closed their airspace and airports. The "Big Wave" means the U.S. is moving from punishment to permanent dismantlement. we're seeing the end of the "limited strike" era and the beginning of a total campaign to reshape the regional power structure. Probably using B52's, B2's and B1's.

Well if its 'REAL' news you can provide a link to it I'm sure!

BBC NewsIran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in US...Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps has vowed a "devastating" retaliation following the supreme leader's death.Its been confirmed by Iran state TV he is dead.

"“Even with 20/20 hindsight, I saw nothing that ever gave me pause,” Clinton said" Bill's famous words....."I want you to listen to me. I'm going to say this again: I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky." What to believe???

The current probe focuses on official misconduct (abuse of public office) not any sexual abuse allegations, do try and keep up!

"The investigation found that the time from disembarkation to arrival at Manston is alarmingly short. For instance, on February 9, migrants arrived at Manston just 43 minutes after landing at the port. Other days showed similar processing times, with only brief checks being conducted" So this is shorter time than waiting in line for immigration in the UK, at least foe foreigners? I'm shocked.

Excellent, this great, would do down like a lead balloon today!!

"officers of the same gender as passengers"....so can lady boys search women?? What if a lady boy is searched? Who does the searching?? I am being half serious, but it does raise an issue?

There is a difference. They have been arrested for Misconduct in Public Office. This is a uniquely British offense that doesn't exist in the same way in the US. It doesn't require proof of a sexual crime; it only requires proof that a public official (like a Prince/Trade Envoy or a Cabinet Minister) abused their position or shared state secrets. The "Smoking Gun" in the 2026 files was proof they shared confidential government briefings with Epstein.