Articles
Monday, May 15, 2023
The Windsor Framework, agreed between the UK government and the EU, is supposed to deal with problems caused by Boris Johnson's hastily agreed Protocol which was part of his Brexit deal, but it still leaves many unsatisfactory provision in place. Furthermore it is unlikely to address the concerns of Unionists who opposed the original arrangement. Though violence has subsided Northern Ireland's politics remain deeply divided along sectarian lines. The power-sharing arrangements put in place by the Good Friday agreement have enabled sectional interests to block legislation and currently prevent the Assembly in Stormont from meeting. Although its successes should not be denied, 25 years on it needs to be reviewed
Sunday, February 5, 2023
The fallout from the war in Ukraine has increased tensions in the EU and stoked traditional rivalries between Germany and France who vie for leadership of the bloc. Two main areas of dispute are round energy and each countries’ military power. Germany is seeking to manipulate EU policy aimed at combating the self-inflicted energy crisis to protect its own interests at the expense of other EU countries. Likewise, it is asserting itself as a military power, hugely increasing arms spending and threatening France’s military leadership in the EU. Such tensions are not likely to decline, but only to get worse.
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Whilst the fall out from the war in Ukraine has increased opposition to US policies in many parts of the world, the biggest, long-standing imperial powers have fallen into line behind its war aims. The UK has gone further than others in stoking up the war. After the United States it supplies the most resources to Ukraine, including vast amounts of military equipment. The UK’s active involvement not only extends to arms supplies, there are British troops deployed in the country and British intelligence is being provided to Ukraine. There are reports that Britain has been involved in major incidents such as the blowing up of the Nord Stream pipelines.
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
The death of Mikhail Gorbachev drew glowing tributes from the Western media for his role in the destruction of the Soviet Union and reestablishing capitalism. He is remembered less fondly by people in Russia and other former Soviet republics who saw their hard won social benefits vanish and living standards plummet. Part of the legacy of the end of the Soviet Union has also been the rise of divisions, ethnic tensions and war.
Sunday, January 29, 2023
There have been large demonstrations in many European cities against soaring cost of energy and the cost of living crisis. Protesters have linked this to the war in Ukraine and there has been an anti-war, anti-NATO aspect to the demonstrations as well. this contrasts with the UK where criticism of its role in fueling the war remains marginalised and opposition to NATO is now virtually taboo.
Friday, October 7, 2022
The sanctions imposed at the behest of the United States have hit European economies hard, particularly the Greman economy. It is not only gas supplies that are affected, sanctions on Russia will also impact heavily on its key automotive industry. The severe blow to Germany’s economy will weaken its dominance of the EU and strengthen the influence and control of the US in Europe. Ironically China’s car industry may well be the beneficiary of these sanctions on Russia. The war in Ukraine is reshaping the world in more ways than one.
Monday, October 3, 2022
Western media and politicians continue to assert that Russia intendeds to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, but there is no real evidence to support these claims. On the other hand the United States continues to plan to use of nuclear weapons in conflicts and remains the only country ever to have deployed them.
Sunday, October 2, 2022
Whilst much of the focus is currently on the war in Ukraine the West has also been active in other former Soviet Republics surrounding Russia aiming the woo some and foment regime change in others. there are also those in the West who advocate for the break up of Russia.