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Is the harsh criticisms of Sir Keir Starmer fair and justified
Starmer sued the labour government in 1997 whwn he was a no name lawyer to give free benefits to all Illegal immigrants he won ,,,,,, When he was Director of public prosecutions he also decided not to prosecute Jimmy Saville even though the police had given him proof of Saville's pedo sex crimes Starmer is scum -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Sunday 19 January 2025
to continue: Thailand Live Monday 20 January 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1349233-thailand-live-monday-20-january-2025/ -
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Hostage Deal Highlights Dangerous Precedent for Future Conflicts
The release of hostages in the Israel-Hamas conflict has been met with widespread relief and celebration, but the implications of the deal cast a troubling shadow over the future. While the return of men, women, and children held in terrifying captivity is undeniably grounds for rejoicing, the broader consequences of this arrangement reveal a grim reality: Hamas has once again demonstrated that hostage-taking is an effective strategy. Had Hamas simply murdered the over 1,200 individuals during the October 7 attacks, they would have gained no diplomatic leverage. But by capturing hostages, they achieved a series of significant advantages: hesitation on Israel’s part, divisions within Israeli politics, manipulation of international opinion, and increased diplomatic clout. This deal validates their actions, setting a precedent that could embolden similar tactics in the future. For Hamas and other Islamist groups, the internal message is clear—capturing, torturing, and killing a proportion of hostages yields power. It is a chilling lesson that threatens future stability. As Hamas hopefully fulfills its part of the agreement by returning around 60 hostages, alongside 34 dishonored corpses, the evidence of their brutality will be undeniable. Yet, outside Israel, they are likely to receive praise for their so-called compliance. This reaction will be a bitter pill to swallow for many, as it rewards and normalizes abhorrent behavior. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) demonstrated extraordinary heroism, reminiscent of the Six-Day War of 1967, in protecting their nation from an attempted genocide. Despite global pressure, including from U.S. leaders such as President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Israel pursued its own course, dealing significant blows to Hamas. However, Hamas remains entrenched in Gaza, continuing to dominate civilian life, manipulate aid, and influence Palestinian media. Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s leader, may be in a weakened position, but figures like his brother Mohammed are working to regroup and rebuild the organization’s power. Unlike the 1982 siege of Beirut, which forced Yasser Arafat and the PLO into exile in Tunis, Hamas retains its stronghold in Gaza. Even under devastating attacks, their leaders can frame survival as divine endorsement. As one survivor might argue, “Even under the satanic attack of the Jews, backed by America, we fought on. Allah is with us!” Such rhetoric, coupled with the readiness of international bodies like the International Criminal Court to scrutinize Israel, ensures Hamas’s narrative will endure for years. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has presented a stark contrast to the Biden administration, warning Hamas of severe consequences should they overstep again. The deal is being sold in Israel with assurances that, under Trump’s leadership, the U.S. would back any necessary retaliatory actions—a position seen as more robust than Biden’s perceived reluctance. Regional dynamics also favor a strong Israel. Moderate Arab powers, including the Gulf states, Egypt, and Jordan, prefer an Israel that projects strength rather than one mired in vulnerability. The weakening of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran’s influence was welcomed across these nations. However, the deal's potential to prolong Hamas’s ability to fight and kill complicates the outlook for Israel’s security and broader regional peace. Ultimately, while this agreement provides temporary relief for hostages and their families, it also allows Hamas to regroup and rearm. The terrorists remain intact, poised to exploit future opportunities to inflict terror. What might seem like a fleeting victory for diplomacy risks evolving into a recurring nightmare for the region. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-01-20 -
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Speaker Johnson Reveals Shocking Meeting with President Biden
In the closing chapter of Joe Biden's presidency, discussions surrounding the 82-year-old leader's visible decline have taken center stage. Observers from both sides of the political spectrum, ranging from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to members of Biden's own team, have expressed concerns about his capabilities during his final months in office. Johnson, who will continue as Speaker of the House, recounted a troubling interaction with Biden in January 2024. According to Johnson, the president made a bewildering admission during a meeting, stating that he "didn't do" an executive order he had, in fact, signed months earlier. Johnson said after fighting for 9 weeks with Biden's staff, he was finally able to get a meeting with the president. When he arrived, Johnson says he was "ambushed" by Kamala Harris, Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. Biden, who apparently didn't know what was going on, asked the others to leave so he could meet privately with Johnson. "It occurred to me he was not lying to me. He genuinely did not know what he had signed. I walked outta that meeting with fear and loathing because I thought, 'We are in serious trouble.'" Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-01-20 -
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Trump Weighs Rejection of Lord Mandelson as UK Ambassador Amid Controversy
As Donald Trump prepares to assume office as the 47th President of the United States, the nomination of Lord Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to Washington has sparked diplomatic tension. Trump is reportedly considering rejecting the appointment, a move that would be highly unusual and indicative of strained relations between the incoming administration and Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government. Sources within Trump’s team revealed uncertainty over whether Peter Mandelson’s credentials will ultimately gain Trump’s approval. Concerns about Mandelson’s perceived connections to China appear to be at the heart of the controversy. “It is quite possible that Mandelson’s credentials could still be rejected,” said one source, adding that “there are serious concerns about his links to China.” Labour officials have framed the nomination as a testament to Mandelson’s stature, calling it “a huge compliment” that Sir Keir Starmer would choose such a senior figure. However, a source from Trump’s camp dismissed the gesture, stating bluntly, “We are not buying that.” Efforts to ease tensions have not been universally embraced. Notably, Lord Mandelson declined an invitation to a pre-inauguration event in Washington hosted by Nigel Farage, a key ally of Trump, where the outgoing UK ambassador, Dame Karen Pierce, was present. Pierce’s attendance reportedly left a positive impression on Trump’s transition team, further complicating Mandelson’s position. The approval process for an ambassador requires the presentation of “letters of credence” to the host country’s head of state. In this case, Trump would need to formally accept Mandelson’s credentials for the appointment to proceed. While rare, the rejection of a nominee at this stage is not without precedent and would signal a significant diplomatic rift. The nomination of Lord Mandelson, who previously served as a business secretary and EU trade commissioner, was partially motivated by a desire to bolster prospects for a US-UK trade deal. However, his perceived ties to China have raised red flags within Trump’s administration, further straining an already delicate relationship. In a conciliatory opinion piece, Mandelson acknowledged Trump’s broad electoral appeal, noting, “The astute among America’s allies will be observing the comprehensive nature of Trump’s November election win. On the numbers alone – across the popular vote and spanning different demographic groups – this victory demonstrated a campaign that responded to the central concerns and interests of a vast swath of the American people.” Despite Mandelson’s diplomatic overtures, sources suggest that tensions between the Labour government and Trump’s team have only deepened due to the nomination. The decision on whether Trump will accept Mandelson’s credentials remains unresolved, casting a shadow over the early days of the UK’s relationship with the new administration. Based on a report by The Independent 2025-01-20
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