President Obama on Trump Victory - Trump Era

Fox News: Reports on a new memoir by a close Obama Staffer, Ben Rhodes, the memoir reports on President Obama's reaction to the Trump win, " Obama was shell-shocked by Trump win, asked 'What if we were wrong?,' new book says "

Lets Get Real:

One can disagree with President Obama when it comes to policy, and this blog did, at least he knew how to be Presidential.   Also he destroyed Al Qaeda but did see the rise of Daesh, it took the Trump Presidency to kill of Daesh as a  major threat.  One the domestic front President Obama was to liberal, thus ObamaCare, his voting coalition only worked for him, he did not have the coat tails to help HRC or other Democrats.    They say a Presidency looks better in the reverse mirror, that is true of President Obama.  One is still surprised that Barack Obama does not run for the Senate again, he is still young in Presidential years, this time he could spend time there!! 

Your Brexit Story for the Day - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " Remainer ex-Cabinet ministers visit No 10 to plead with May to ignore hardliners on both sides of the Brexit argument and adopt their vision of a 'sensible' deal  "

Lets Get Real:

What might be sensible for one group of Conservative MPs, might be seen as a sellout by Brexit supporters, and to far by hard Remainers who want to stay in the EU.    The PM has to be firm, the UK out of the EU, while keeping the UK within the Customs Union and the Single Market.   No 10 needs a good Chief Whip, someone who knows were the political skeletons are buried, they are MPs after all, just behind 2nd hand car salesmen when it comes to the trust of the public.   PM May needs to be firm, be like Lady Thatcher. 

A True Brexit Supporter ? - Post Brexit

Sky News: Reports " 'Hypocrite' Brexiteer Lord Lawson applies for permanent French residency..The Tory peer has come under fire after revealing he is applying to stay living in the EU - despite campaigning for Vote Leave. "

Lets Get Real:

This takes the biscuit, why would anyone want to have a residency in France, this blog was once in Paris, and stopped by Coffee Shop, and asked for TEA, the owner had no idea what I was talking about.  At the end has to point to a kettle and cup, that seemed to work.  One would think after two world wars, when the UK had to save France, that they would understand what TEA is, nice buildings although and beautiful women. 

A Trade War between the US and the EU - Trump Era

BBC News: Reports " The US is to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from allies in Europe and North America.  "

Lets Get Real:

Thus President Trump has move forward with his campaign pledge to have a trade war with allies of the US.  The Trump Presidency has one occurring fact, the Trump Oval follows through with the campaign pledges of 2016, this should not shock Europe, well it might, Western politicians tend to promise the Earth during an election and then back track when in power.  The Trump strategy is to catch the headlines and the force his opposition to make concessions.   The Trade War could be sharp and to the point, the US is still an economic power, the Trump Oval is less combative when it comes to China, as China is an economic super power and buys US debt.   One will see who blinks first. 

Conservatives LEAD in new Guardian Poll - Post Brexit

Guardian - Live Reporting: Reports the following on the standing of the political parties, " Conservatives: 43%,Labour: 40%,Lib Dems: 8%,Ukip: 3%,Greens: 2%  "

Lets Get Real:

Even with the division within the Conservative Party when it comes to Brexit the Party is still ahead of Labour by a small margin of 3%, in many ways they are tied.   The Conservative Party has to get its ACT together, it must decide what it wants with Brexit and unite around the PM.   The Labour Party is having it easy, they do not have to have a clear policy, as they are the opposition.   One can tell that the Labour Party wants to stay in some kind of Customs Union with the EU, while staying out of the single market, the Conservatives if they were united could use this division to get its EU agenda through, IF they were united of course.   There are rumours of a snap general election, this blog doubts that will happen,it could allow Corbyn in as PM, that would be disaster.

The Italian Crisis - The EU

Daily Mail: Reports " Italy's 'populist' parties get MORE popular: Anti-EU League and Five Star coalition 'would win outright' in increasingly likely rerun election that is causing new crisis in Eurozone  "

Lets Get Real:

The crisis in Italy and the demand from Austria that the EU look again at freedom movement should be used by PM May to get  a better deal from the EU.   The UK should make it clear that we are ready for a no deal exit, that we will take out billions and put in to the NHS, that should shut up the remainers.  The PM has to be firm with the hard remainers and hard Brexit supporters. This blog still thinks that the UK should remain in the customs union and the single market, but that does not mean we should not play hardball, a crisis is a good time to place the pressure on the EU. 

Free Movement and the Single Market - Post Brexit

Sky News: Reports " Austria calls for overhaul of EU free movement..Vice-chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache asks if allowing EU citizens to live and work in any other member state is "a smart rule". "

Lets Get Real:

The exit of the UK from the EU might be small beer if Italy or Austria leave, the debt of the Italian State is more than the EU could afford to bail out Rome, the Emperor Augustus must be looking down and thinking with sadness the present State of Italy.  The Governments of Rome and not steady and there is a extreme divided people, those that support the EU and those that want to get out of the Euro, it will be the EU next if Italy falls apart.  The EU has to reform or it will rot from the inside, the Euro has been a disaster, it helps Germany at the cost of other States.   The UK should be tough with the EU, no deal and the UK walks away with its money. 

The Freedom of movement is causing anti immigration and far right Parties to gain at the ballot box, the rest of the EU has to wake up to the fact, that perception is more important than reality, people tend to think that immigration is bad, of course it can be argued that it brings benefit to a host nation.  The German population is on the decline, the allowing of immigration brings more workers in to the workforce and brings cultures together over a period of time.   It is a debate about perception and reality, and perception is winning over reality. 

The Mysteries of Pompeii - Roman History

BBC News: Reports " Archaeologists at Pompeii have uncovered the remains of an unfortunate man who was decapitated by an enormous rock while fleeing the volcano.  "

Lets Get Real:

To be a blogger in the era of Roman History would be fun, the archaeology of Pompeii always brings something new, this the latest discovery from the above.  A society preserved from 2 thousand years ago.  If this blogger does have a bucket list, it is to visit Pompeii, to see the buildings, the skeletons and the stories of a LOST City. 

Your Brexit Story for the Day - Post Brexit

Telegraph: Reports " Eurosceptics fear 'secret' Government plan for Britain to stay in EU after March deadline "

Lets Get Real:

This is  non story, the Government has placed funds in reserve in case the UK does not leave the EU in March 2019.   The funds would be used to run the Euro elections, if the UK is still in the EU.  A story like this is used to upset the loyal readers of the Telegraph, and get them worried over the bank holiday.  The UK is leaving the EU, it should stay in the Single Market and the Customs Union, that is best end for the UK.  Lady Thatcher supported the Single Market. 

The US and North Korean Summit - On Again? - Trump Era

Mail on Sunday: Reports " Trump says he's still hopeful June 12 summit with North Korea will take place as South Korean leader reveals Kim Jong-un wants to keep Singapore date and is committed to 'complete denuclearization'   "

Lets Get Real:

The above is the reason why there are Diplomats, this Summit might be historic, but is turning in to a farce.  Good diplomacy takes time, hours of work behind the PR junket for the press.  On whole the Summit could fall apart as both sides want different things, the US wants North Korea to give up its nuclear arsenal, while North Korea wants to do it in steps.  This blogger would not buy a ticket to Singapore on the present circumstances, there is chance that the Summit will take place, as long as both leaders are talking about the same thing. 

On/off/On Summit between the US and North Korea - Trump Era

BBC News: Reports " It is North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's "fixed will" that a summit with US President Donald Trump in Singapore should go ahead, state media say.  "

Lets Get Real:

To say that Trump Presidency is different would be a understatement of the year, the ON/OFF/ON Summit between the US and North Korea seems ON again.  This is down to the groundwork of South Korea, it wants a peaceful neighbour, and one that allows families to be united.  It is to early to say if the Summit will happen, it will be a great photo op for both the US and North Korea. 

Brexit Story for the Day - Update - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " May’s big gamble: PM lays down the gauntlet to Tory Brexiteers and Remainers by urging EU customs extension until 2023 as she paves way for major Commons showdown   "

Lets Get Real:

At last the PM has made decision, she wants to keep the EU Customs extension in till 2023, the hard Brexit supporters will not be happy, they want the UK out of the EU some time after 2020, while the hard remainers want to keep the Customs Union in till forever.  It will be interesting to see who folds first, will the remainers really throw away the UK staying in the EU in till 2023 or will the hard brexit supporters demand that the UK leaves after 2020.  It will be an interesting fight, the numbers are close, this blog still supports a customs union and single market, lets see how the chips fall. 

The US on North Korea - Update 3 - Trump Era

Sky News - Live Reporting: Reports in its 5.03pm post the following, " The US secretary of state has also been speaking to a Senate committee.

Mike Pompeo says he hopes the talks between the two sides can be resumed at some point: "I hope we quickly are able to get back to that place, but ultimately Chairman Kim will have that decision to make for himself."  "

Lets Get Real:

The US has thrown the ball back in to North Korea's lap, it will be up to Chairman Kim or Rocket Man to make the decision if he wants a REAL peace with the US and its allies.  One does wonder what part China has played in this diplomatic game, have they tried to get North Korea to the table or do they want to keep North Korea as a dangerous satellite in the area. 

Trump on North Korea - Update 2 - Trump Era

BBC News - Live Reporting: Reports the following in its 4.37pm post, " The North Koreans announced Thursday morning that they had collapsed the tunnels at their nuclear test site, but they accompanied it with threats of nuclear war and a demeaning swipe at Vice-President Mike Pence. Mr Trump has shown time and time again that he won’t abide verbal swipes from the North Koreans.

He responds to their nuclear sabre-rattling with another round of “fire and fury” style language, boasting about the massive and powerful US nuclear arsenal that Donald Trump prays to God will never be used. It’s a return to the rhetoric of last summer, when it appeared the US and North Korea were headed toward a military confrontation. The start of the letter may be diplomat-speak, but this is Mr Trump’s voice coming through.  "

Lets Get Real:

It will be interesting to see what North Korea says about the cancelled Summit, will they back track and allow Trump to put the Summit back on or are they under pressure from China not to give to many concessions to the Trump Oval. Of course since North Korea is such a mystery, it is a closed society, the leadership could be under pressure from other forces within North Korea.   One suspects that the North Korean Army does not want to give up its nuclear arsenal, also the treasure of North Korea is spent on the armed forces, one can not discount that view.   One suspects there will be Summit, of course that depends on Trump and Kim Jong-Un, there still might be WAR. 

Trump Cancels North Korean Summit - Trump Era

The White House: Reports that President Trump has cancelled the Summit with North Korea due to North Korea's " anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement.  "

Lets Get Real:

This cancellation of the North Korean Summit is not that surprising, the harsh rhetoric out of North Korea has increased over the last few days, the North Korea has been critical of White House Staff and of the Vice - President.   It was a odd news day, the North Koreans blew up their nuclear facility while doing harsh rhetoric with the US.  One could almost say that the talks themselves become a problem, the North Korean Regime does not want to be another Libya, that is Gaddafi thrown from power by his people and killed by the people, so any such reference to Libya does not go down well.  In the view from the US, the Libya model works for them, Gaddafi agreed to remove his nuclear project, his fall from power, came years later.  It will be interesting to see what happens over the next few days. 

Here is your Brexit Story for the Day - Update - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " Brexit chaos as HMRC warns that Boris Johnson's 'Max Fac' customs plan could cost UK firms £20bn  "

Lets Get Real:

The above is operation fear by the hard remainers, all future figures are up to debate.  This blog has made it clear that it has come around to the fact that the UK should stay in the Customs Union and the single market, this kind of fear reports makes this blog think it should go back to being a hard Brexit supporter.  In the 2016 vote on Brexit the Hard remainers pressed the fact that the UK would fall of a cliff if it voted to leave the EU, it did not happen, thus the hard remainers can not be trusted.   The Government should get on with Brexit, Labour can be used to get the Customs Union passed, also the single market, May has to show that SHE is the PM, and that she will not be lead by the nose. 

Trump and Iran - Iran Crisis

Sky News: Reports on what POTUS really wants with IRAN, " But it is clear what the Trump administration wants in Iran is regime change.  "

Lets Get Real:

The US has promised the strongest sanctions ever against Iran, this long term plan could undermine the Tehran Regime, it of course rises the question of what Iran will do when faced with these sanctions.   The hardliners in Tehran could start their nuclear process again, this would require the US to think about military strikes against Iran and the regime.  In the present crisis mode of the White House, the OVAL is very unlikely to think about another War in the Middle East.   Thus the end result is that the Obama/Iran deal is off the table and Iran in due course will go nuclear.   One only hopes that the Mossad of Israel will keep the World informed of any nuclear armed Iran. 

Pay to Play - The Ukraine and President Trump - Trump Era

BBC News: Reports " Donald Trump's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, received a secret payment of at least $400,000 (£300,000) to fix talks between the Ukrainian president and President Trump, according to sources in Kiev close to those involved.  "

Lets Get Real:

In Chicago they call the above alleged allegations Pay to Play, the question is how much did the President KNOW and when DID HE KNOW IT.  The above allegation is VERY SERIOUS, and if proven that POTUS knew about the deal, then you have the grounds for impeachment of the President.  The World of Trump is very murky, so many much MONEY washing about, let's see if any of it sticks to the President.  One can expect that the Special Prosecutor is hoping that Michael Cohen will turn on Trump for a lesser charge, this is a minefield for the Trump White House, expect the elite press to go after this story. 

US and North Korea Summit - Update 3 - Trump Era

Guardian: Reports " Trump admits North Korea nuclear summit 'may not work out'..President says he believes Kim is ‘serious’ about denuclearization but acknowledges: ‘It may not work out for June 12’  "

Lets Get Real:

It will be interesting to see what North Korea says about the above statement, they could use it as a way to get out of the Summit.  The US and North Korea could have had different ideas about the Summit since the start.   The North Koreans want a gradual reduction of their nuclear forces as the US withdraws its troops from South Korea, something the US will not do.   This is the problem when you have a new President who has no history of diplomacy, building in New York is not the same as building a diplomatic relationship.   Interesting few days ahead. 

Brexit Leader suspects the PM on Brexit - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " Theresa May faces fresh threat from Brexiteers as Rees-Mogg launches a savage attack over her 'kowtowing' to Brussels and reveals doubts over whether she 'really wants to leave' the EU   "

Lets Get Real:

This is a threat from the hard Brexit supporters, they have the numbers to bring down the PM.  The PM has to stand firm, a SOFT Brexit is goods for the UK and for the Conservative Party.  A soft Brexit of the UK staying within the Customs Union and Single Market would prevent a future PM Corbyn from taking over large areas of the UK economy, the Conservatives have to think of the future.  In the House of Commons there are the number to keep the UK in both, it is a matter of leadership, PM May has to find her inner Thatcher has this blog stated many times. 

US and the North Korean Summit - Update 2 - Trump Era

Sky News: Reports on the prospect that the US and North Korean Summit will be delayed, " The event had been planned for 12 June but there have been concerns that Mr Kim is not committed to denuclearisation. "

Lets Get Real:

The North Koreans want the US to withdraw it troops from South Korea, cancel its security cover for Japan, while the US wants the North Koreans to give up its nuclear weapons and accept the US on South Korean soil.   The Summit PR would be good for the leaders, North Korea would see itself as accepted on the international stage as a nuclear power, while Trump's diplomacy would seem to have worked.   The problem comes in the final result, North Korea wants to keep most of its nuclear weapons, while the Trump Oval needs North Korea to give up its weapons.   A bad Summit can cause more problems that no Summit, the US needs to be firm with North Korea, it can not play its games, the US and its Allies will not be divided. 

The US and North Korean Summit - Trump Era

BBC News: Reports " Trump says summit with North Korea's Kim Jong-un may be delayed "

Lets Get Real:

The Trump Oval might be thinking that the North Koreans are playing their typical game, promising talks then stalling to see if there are any concessions out of the US.  The Trump Oval has to be firm with North Koreans, no concessions in till they turn up to the Summit and offer to do away with their nuclear weapons.   North Korea has a history of over promising and then doing the reverse from 1994 onwards.   President Trump is clever enough to see how past Presidents have been played, he does not want to look like a useful for North Korea, has Reagan said on the USSR, Trust but Verify.

Has May folded to the Irish - Update 4 - Post Brexit

Telegraph: Reports " Britain must stay aligned with the EU long after Brexit to avoid hard border in Ireland, says Taoiseach "

Lets Get Real:

One can assume the Irish Taoiseach is playing to his base at home, showing him standing up the Brits.  Well enough is enough, the United Kingdom, does not need to keep the Irish PM happy, as stated if Ireland wants a hard border between the Republic and Northern Ireland, that is up to him, the UK will not have a hard border.  This farce has gone on long enough, the UK has to be firm, do you see Lady Thatcher putting up with this kind of rubbish, of course not, time for action from the UK PM. 

May on Brexit - Update 3 - Post Brexit

Guardian: Reports " Theresa May struggles to rally support among EU leaders for new customs plan..Leo Varadkar, the Irish prime minister, warns that PM’s proposals could be insufficient to prevent hard border in Ireland "

Lets Get Real:

The PM should STOP the Irish game, tell the Republic of Ireland, if they want to have a hard border that is up to them, the UK will not establish such a border, if the Irish want put their troops or police on the border, so be it.   The UK will not stop playing a game, we are the UK, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as long as a majority in the province want to remain British, they will be British and the Republican can take that any way the like.   PM May needs to find her inner Churchill, the great leader. 

PM May on the back foot when it comes to Brexit - Update 2 - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " Britain WILL be able to strike its own trade deals after 2020: May scrambles to reassure Brexiteers amid claims she has caved to the EU and agreed the UK could stay tied to customs union for longer   "

Lets Get Real:

The PM has to stand up to the hard Brexit Ministers and MPs, if she joined with Labour the Government could push through a Customs Union and Single Market, the problem is that Labour is split, the hard remainers in Labour want to stay in the Single Market and Jeremy Corbyn the Labour leader wants to get out, as the single market would prevent him taking over large sections of the UK economy should he win a future general election.  Also if the PM tried such a move, she could find herself out of office very fast.   Thus the public fight within the Cabinet and the Conservative Party will go on. 

Back Stop Agreed by Cabinet in case of No Brexit Deal - Update - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports " A customs proposal aimed at preventing a hard border in Ireland after Brexit has been agreed by cabinet....Ministers signed off on the "backstop" that would see the UK match EU tariffs after 2020, if there is no deal on their preferred customs arrangements. "

Lets Get Real:

At least the Cabinet has agreed on something, what happens should there be no deal between the UK and the EU when it comes to trade issues after Brexit.   The PM has to be firm with the Hard Brexit Ministers, if they are not careful they cost Brexit to fail, the PM wants a Custom Partnership, in which the UK collects taxes for the EU, this is seen as keeping the UK locked in to the EU, for a time that will happen, but after 2020 it will be down to the Government what it does.   The Hard Brexit Ministers have to smell the coffee, this might be their only chance of getting out of the EU.   The hard remainers will have to be careful, that they go along with May on Customs Partnership and find after 2020 they support a hard Brexit Government. 

US and North Korea Summit - Update 3 - Trump Era

Guardian: Reports " North Korea has abruptly cancelled high-level talks with Seoul and threatened to pull out of a planned summit with Donald Trump if the US continues to insist on the regime giving up all of its nuclear weapons.  "

Lets Get Real:

The US should call the bluff of North Korea, state that it will not give any new concessions to North Korea before the talks, and that North Korea had agreed that the US could carry on with its military exercises with North Korea.   The North Koreans are playing games as stated in previous posts, they want to see how badly Trump wants the Summit, the Trump Oval has to be FIRM, no concessions and no reduction in military exercises with North Korea.   This is the time for President Trump to show leadership. 

Brexit Update - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " ‘This is not easy’: PM defends handling of Brexit after David Davis says her customs plan might be ILLEGAL – but warns that Labour would ‘sell out’ the UK by caving to Brussels  "

Lets Get Real:

The debate within the Cabinet about the Custom Partnership is becoming silly, the PM needs to make a decision either way and call the bluff of the Hard Brexit supporters.  The question that the PM should say is simple, will the hard Brexit MPs vote against the Government and force a general election.   The Hard Brexit Cabinet Ministers might lose it all, the UK could be stuck in the EU because the Cabinet can not agree on a single policy for the EU.   This blog has called for MP May to find her inner Thatcher, the PM should remind the Hard Brexit supporters that Lady Thatcher was proud of the single market, and leaving it would be very un - Thatcher. 

US - North Korea Summit - Update 2 - Trump Era

Sky News: Reports " N Korea: No interest in summit based on 'one-sided' demands...If the summit is scrapped, it will be embarrassing for Donald Trump, who had promised a "very special moment for world peace". "

Lets Get Real:

Did the mention of Libya and Gaddafi really thrown the North Korean over the edge, or are they seeing what concessions they can get out of the US before the Summit.   It would be pointless for Trump to have a meeting with Kim Jong Un if the North Koreans are not going to give up their nukes, it would be seen a failure of the Trump Presidency if North Korea kept their nukes.  This is a developing story, it will be interesting to see how it ends! 

Will there be a US - North Korean Summit - Trump Era

BBC News: Reports " North Korea summit: US hopeful Trump-Kim meet will go ahead "

Lets Get Real:

The above is North Korea playing games, it want to see concessions from the Trump Administration before having a Summit, they have seen how Trump has placed a lot on there being a successful Summit and thus is looking to gain some points before the Summit.  Of course if North Korea does not denuclearising after the Summit it will be seen as a failure for President Trump, and a success for North Korea.   The Trump Oval has to stay firm, give no concessions before the Summit, if North Korea plays the US as it has done in the past then the President Trump should walk away, it is doubtful that North Korea will give up its nukes, why should they, the only reason that Trump is talking to North Korea is because it has nukes.   Thus that old joke about the chicken and the egg!!

The US at the UN - Update 3 - Trump Era

Guardian - Live Reporting: Reports in its 5.15pm post the following report, " Haaretz’s diplomatic correspondent, Noa Landau, says US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, left the security council meeting room when Palestine’s permanent observer began his address. Palestine is not a member of the UN, but was named a “non-member observer state” in November 2012. "

Lets Get Real:

This is a REBUKE by the US of the Palestine Representative, the US is making it clear that it takes the side of ISRAEL and is not interested in those that would be critical of Israel.   Israel has few friends and thus Israel must be protected through security and on the Internet.  The FCO on one hand states that Israel must be secure, but when Israel defends itself it comes under critical attack, while the World allows Hamas in Gaza to protest and threaten ISRAEL and says nothing. This blog is glad to be a supporter of Israel. 

Middle East Tensions - Update 2 - Trump Era

Daily Mail: Reports " Violent clashes break out again between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers in Gaza as US ambassador says: 'No country would act with more restraint than Israel has'   "

Lets Get Real:

THE Israeli Lobby is very powerful in the US politics, its base support comes from Republicans and Democrats, on the whole Jewish voters are normally Democrats, thus even the Democrats will support ISRAEL no matter what, with the exception of left wing Democrats who are highly critical of ISRAEL policy when it comes to the Palestinian people. Christian supporters tend to support Israel no matter what, Muslim supporting groups do not have the influence of the Israeli Lobby.   Israel has the right to defend itself, this does not go down well with Western Elites, the FCO in LONDON is totally arabist, and the left wing press are always critical of Israel. 

The Historic opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem - For the History Books

Lets Get Real:

In case you missed it, the historic moving of the US Embassy to the Jewish Capital of Israel. One for the history books, brave move and the right move by President Trump. 

The US on Israeli Action on Gaza Protest - Trump Era

Sky News - Live Reporting: Reports the following on the Gaza Protest, " The White House blamed Hamas for the deaths while France, the UK and others called for "restraint" from Israel "

Lets Get Real:

The US will always support Israel with Trump is the OVAL, that could not be said of President Obama when he was in the Oval.  The security of Israel must come first before any talks about the future of a Palestinian State.  The actions of Hamas in GAZA shows that Palestinian people are not yet ready to have a State, who throws lives away for a building, that was the protest yesterday over the placing of the US Embassy in the Capital of Israel.  The Palestinian people have had a chance for Statehood twice, and they have thrown it away because they can not compromise, Israel shall and will always be a Jewish State. 

Scotland and Brexit - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports " The Scottish Parliament is expected to refuse to give its consent to the UK's main piece of Brexit legislation.  "

Lets Get Real:

The UK Government through the House of Commons can overturn this move by the SNP in Scotland.   The SNP is in trouble, the people of Scotland do not want to leave the Union of the UK, and the point of the SNP becomes worthless over time.  The SNP Government is looking for rows with LONDON so that they can blame the UK Government for taking Scotland out of the EU against the will of the Scottish Parliament.   The SNP would not dare do this move if Lady Thatcher was power, the Scots knew placed under Thatcher!!

Middle East Tensions - UK Reaction - Update 4 - Trump Era

Guardian - Live Reporting: Reports in its 4.13pm post the following,  " Alistair Burt, the UK’s minister of state for the Middle East, said he was concerned the demonstrations were being “exploited by extremist elements.”  "  

Lets Get Real:

It is nice to see that the FCO for once sees both sides to blame when it comes to the Middle East, normally the Arabist FCO only sees one side, the Arab side.  The Israeli security forces can not allow the Palestinian people to cross the border, that would be a threat to Israeli homes close to the border.  The elite left wing press on the whole is anti Israel, any chance they get they use to undermine Israel and its right to a Jewish State.   The two State solution is DEAD IN THE WATER, it is a dodo, it will not happen, time for the Palestinians to smell the coffee and understand the real politic of the Middle East. 

Middle East Tensions - Update 3 - Trump Era

Daily Mail: Reports " Israeli snipers kill scores of Palestinians and wound 1,300 as 35,000 protesters rally against the US Embassy opening in Jerusalem overseen by Trump's Middle East envoy Jared Kushner and daughter Ivanka   "

Lets Get Real:

One is sad to see deaths over a building.  But and there is always a BUT, the Israeli Capital is Jerusalem, and the in the Campaign of 2016 Trump promised to move the Embassy to the capital if he was elected.   You can call President Trump many things, but he always keeps his promises, as with the case with Israel.  In a odd way Trump is very truthful, if he promises something he follows through with it, not the norm for Western politicians.  The tough Trump foreign policy has seen a breakthrough with the North Koreans, who is to say that Trump is not right when it comes to the Middle East.  Peaceful protests YES, but violent ones requires the Israeli security forces to react. 

Middle East Tensions - Update 2 - Trump Era

Sky News: Reports " 41 Palestinian protesters killed as the opening ceremony for the US embassy in Jerusalem begins. "

Lets Get Real:

The leaders of the Palestinian protests are pushing people to their death, the security of Israel has to be protected.  Not one life is worth it, at the end of the day it is just a building.  The Palestinian leadership have had a chance of their own Country, under the Bill Clinton and Bush 43 Presidencies, but they walked away.   The Palestinian people deserve better leaders, leadership that sees the real world, not some forgotten history.   The Palestinian people should accept a deal that allows Israel to feel secure, otherwise it is a pointless deal. Sad for the MIDDLE EAST, a building is not worth the cost any life.

Middle East Tensions - Trump Era

BBC News: Reports " Gaza clashes: Dozens killed as US opens Jerusalem embassy "

Lets Get Real:

This is an historic day for Israel, the US Government moves its Embassy to Jerusalem, the Capital of a Jewish Israeli State.   The Palestinians think that they will get a State at some time, that will never happen, a Palestinian State would be a threat to Israel, a real Palestinian State would control its borders and air space, these would be used by Iran to spread it terror in to Israel.  The Palestinian people have to understand that Israel and the West in reality will not help or allow for a such a State.  The US will always protect Israel, also the Countries in the Middle East are more worried by a nuclear armed Iran since the Trump Oval exited the Obama/Iran deal.   It is time for Palestinian people to move on, accept a compromised State, one that is not really sovereign, Israel would need to control its borders and airspace, as to secure the security of Israel. 

Mexican Standoff - Brexit Update 3 - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " Tory rebels will 'plunge a knife into the heart' of Theresa May's premiership by voting to stay in EU customs union, warns Iain Duncan Smith  "

Lets Get Real:

The Conservative Party is split, you have the hard remainers who want to stay within the EU and the Hard Brexit supporters who want to leave yesterday.   The PM is stuck in the middle, the Conservative Government is a minority government, they have to listen to the DUP.   The DUP wants to make sure there is no border between the North and the South and also that Northern Ireland is treated as part of the UK.   The PM does not have all the time in the World, she must make a choice, stay or remain, either one and stick to it, and threaten any opposition with a General Election, sometimes you have to be ruthless to be kind. 

Soft Brexit CALL - Update 2 - Post Brexit

Sky News: Reports " David Miliband joins Nick Clegg and Nicky Morgan in call for soft Brexit..Labour's former shadow foreign secretary steps back into the Westminster spotlight to warn a hard Brexit will cause economic pain.  "

Lets Get Real:

The CALL is right but it comes from LOSERS, to use a Trump phase, one stabbed in the back by his own brother, the other one lost his Seat in the General Election.  WHY should the UK voter support such views when Party members voted against one brother over another, and the other was thrown out of his Seat because Liberal Democrats supported tuition fees.   Two of the three named are no longer in Parliament, so easy to argue this point, while the third might rebel against a three line whip if May goes for a HARD Brexit. 

                                                        

LOSERS GO AWAY!!!

Customs Partnership Debate - Update - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports " Michael Gove has cast doubt on the viability of Theresa May's proposed customs partnership with the EU after Brexit, telling the BBC it has "flaws".  "

Lets Get Real:

The Cabinet division on Brexit is being fought in the public arena, the PM has to get control of her Cabinet, internal discussions and opposition should be held in private not on the TV and newspapers.   The PM has to be firm, she should lead the Government in to her policy choice, she has to argue that if the UK stays in the Customs Union and Single Market, it makes the Irish border problem go away and restricts any actions by a Corbyn Government should it win the next election.   The Conservative Party likes strong leaders, Churchill, Thatcher, weak Leaders are a problem, as with the case of Sir John Major.  The PM needs to win the public and private argument when it comes to Brexit, what is right for the Conservative Party and the Country. 

Will there be a War between Israel and Iran ? - Trump Era

Washington Post: Reports " How Trump’s Iran deal decision may lead to war "

Lets Get Real:

After President Trump withdrew from the Obama/Iran deal the Tehran Regime used their presence in Syria to bomb Israeli defence structures in the Golan Heights, Israel of course has countered such an attack, the question is what is next.   One can argue that Iran will not push to far, as the Trump Oval unlike the Obama Oval will allow Israel to strike in Syria and Iran if needed.  The hard liners in Tehran will want to show that even with the Obama/Iran alive as long as it supported by the EU that it will follow through with tough action, then one can expect low level attacks from Iran on the border between Syria and Israel.  Of course if Iran goes down the nuclear road then ALL BETS are off, the Israeli Government will not allow Iran to get the bomb.  Tehran will have learnt from North Korea, get a nuke and the US will do a deal, let's hope President Trump does not give the store away when it comes to North Korea, the devil is in the details. 

Trump on Obama - Trump Era

Guardian: Reports " The anti-Obama: Trump's drive to destroy his predecessor's legacy...From the Iran deal to TPP to climate change, ‘the whole thing that animates and unites his policy views is antipathy towards Obama’  "

Lets Get Real:

It was clear before the 2016 campaign that President Trump had no time for President Barack Obama, the former President made Trump the but of his jokes at a Washington Dinner for the press.  It can be postulated that since then POTUS has wanted to take down Obama, by getting rid of his legacy.   All Presidents want to be different from the man than held the office before, each President wants a legacy,  LBJ left the Great Society, Nixon had the silent majority, Reagan finished off the Cold War and helped in the downfall of the USSR. Bush 41 had the Gulf War and the actual end of the USSR, Bill Clinton had a great economy, Bush 43 had Iraq and the near downfall of the economy, Obama had ObamaCare and the Iran Deal, Trump is the reverse of Obama, he has aborted ObamaCare, he has withdrawn the US from the Paris Climate Agreement, negated the Iran deal, and it only his 2nd year.  The Trump Oval has a Summit with North Korea in a few weeks, that will be historic, even Obama could not manage that, Trump could become a historic Presidency, not quite Reagan, but pretty close. 

Customs Partnership - Update 2 - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " Prime Minister orders David Davis to find third way on customs deal amid Cabinet deadlock over future EU arrangements  "

Lets Get Real:

The PM understands that for her to remain as PM she needs the support of the Hard Brexit MPs, if she upsets them then she could be out, at the end of the day it is about numbers in the House of Commons.  There are more Hard Brexit MPs than there are hard remainers, but if you combine the rebel hard remainers and the Labour Party you would have a majority for keeping the UK in the EU Customs Union and the Single Market.   The problem is that Jeremy Corbyn does not want to remain in the Single Market as it would restrict his action if he becomes PM.   Thus problems for Labour and the Conservative Party.   There are going to be close votes in the House of Commons. 

The Custom Partnership Debate - Update - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports " Theresa May has divided her top team of ministers into two working groups to hammer out their differences on Brexit. "

Lets Get Real:

One can postulate that this move by the PM  to get the Cabinet to resolve this problem, the PM wants the Customs Partnership but can not get a majority of the sub Cabinet to agree to the plan.   The PM should be having talks with the rest of the Cabinet in attempt to get allies and move the Cabinet to her choice for the Post Brexit trading links with the EU.   The Customs Partnership and the Single Market is the best choice for the trading links with the EU after Brexit, it would keep the UK in the Customs Union, that is free trade with the EU and the Single Market, that would prevent a PM Corbyn from taking over large sectors of the economy should Labour win the next general election.  Let's hope the PM has the strategy to win the Cabinet and the House of Commons.

The Left on Trump's New Sanctions on Iran - Update 2 - Trump Era

The New York Times: Has the following Editorial on the President Trump's withdrawal from the Obama/Iran Deal, " his decision, announced on Tuesday, will allow Iran to resume a robust nuclear program, sour relations with close European allies, erode America’s credibility, lay conditions for a possible wider war in the Middle East and make it harder to reach a sound agreement with North Korea on its nuclear weapons program.  "

Lets Get Real:

The Trump Oval was never going to win with the uber liberal NYT, its Editorial board is so left wing it makes Putin look like a moderate conservative, yes folks, they are that LIBERAL. The uber liberal NYT was never going to give Trump a chance even if he had caved and followed the advice of the elite left and Western allies, the NYT would have stated that Trump was weak and was never keeping his promises.    POTUS made the right move with IRAN, does anyone really trust them, as with North Korea, we will have to see, nothing ventured nothing gained. 

Trump on Iran - Update 2 - Iran Crisis

Daily Mail: Reports " Trump hits back at Iran after defiant leader calls him a liar: President warns they will be crippled by strongest sanctions ever if they dare to restart nuclear program   "

Lets Get Real:

The Obama/Iran deal is now in the hands of the EU, that includes the UK, can the major companies within the EU stand up to US sanctions, and do they want to, how much of a economic benefit is IRAN to these companies.  The US has to make sure that Western companies understand if they deal with the Iran then they can not deal with the US.   Also how much do the EU want to make the US peeved at its actions, the US is an economic policeman, its is still a powerful country.   One can argue that whatever the EU countries say then will fall in to line with the US when the time comes, the UK needs the US for its free trade after it leaves the EU.    All politics is local.