The EU and the House of Lords - Brexit Update 2 - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " Rebel Tory peer claims EU referendum was only an 'interim' decision as Lords are set to pass a wrecking amendment to Brexit Bill that Theresa May claims is a bid to 'overturn' the will of the people  "

Lets Get Real:

This could be a  get of jail card for the PM May, she can argue that the Lords have pushed the agenda and that the Hard Brexit MPs do not have the numbers to overturn when it returns to the House of Commons.  The Hard Remainers might accept that the UK stays in the Customs Union and the single market, thus far the single market has not be been pushed, that is the next shoe to drop.  As long as the UK is formally out of the EU, that all that matters, there can be changes later, also it prevents a Corbyn Government form taking over large areas of the economy.

The Customs Union Debate - Update - Post Brexit

Sky News: Reports " Irish border problem puts Brexit talks 'at risk', says EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier..Speaking during a visit to Ireland, Michel Barnier warned that a viable solution to the Irish border problem must be found. "

Lets Get Real:

One of the reasons this blog has become more supportive to the UK staying in the Customs Union is the fact that it solves the Irish problem.   The Customs Union allows for business to go on as before and there will be no taxes.  Also people who live on the border will not see the return of checks, many work or live on one side of the border and work on the other side.  The hard Remainers need to keep the pressure on the Government to stay within the Customs Union, as North Ireland goes, so does the rest of the UK.

Sajid Javid is the New Home Secretary - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports the following on Sajid Javid, " He is not particularly an ardent Remainer - although his appointment retains the balance on the vital Brexit cabinet committee.  "

Lets Get Real:

The ardent Remainers will be happy to have Amber Rudd on the backbenches, they hope she will vote with them when it comes to the Customs Union.   Also the remainers will be happy that another remainer has been appointed Home Secretary.  The hard Brexit supporters will be happy that Javid is not a " particularly an ardent remainer ", that can not be said of Rudd, she was a firm remainer.   Thus her mistake when she stated that the Cabinet was about to discuss remaining in the Customs Union, the PM has been clear that she wants out of the Custom Union.   One hopes Mr Javid does well, the Home Office has become a place to see a career come to and end as with the case with Amber Rudd. 

Will May do a U - Turn over Brexit after the local Elections? - Brexit Update 2 - Post Brexit

Guardian: Reports " Rotterdam reveals Brexit fears over port capacity – but says Dover has it worse....Dutch delay spending on new port facilities amid hope of British U-turn on customs union  " 

Lets Get Real:

After the Local Elections in England it can be postulated that PM May will do a u - turn over the UK staying in the Customs Union, the Country would have showed by voting Labour or the Liberal Democrats that the UK should stay in the customs union, even the single market, but the problem with the single market is that Labour also wants out of the single market,  Jeremy Corbyn wants to take over large sectors of the UK economy, under the present rules he would not be allowed.  The PM has to be firm with the Conservative Party, threaten the hard Brexit MPs with a quick election, that the Conservative Party could lose.  Time for PM May to be tough. 

The PM and Brexit - Update - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " PM faces huge pressure from Brexiteers to DITCH ‘unworkable’ plan for customs partnership with EU ahead of Cabinet showdown next week  "

Lets Get Real:

PM May should stand up to her hard Brexit Ministers, the UK is better off in the Customs Union and the Single Market, only if the UK controls immigration, not the EU.   If the UK stays in the Customs Union it would allow UK goods to be exported and imported from within the EU with no tariffs ( taxes ).  Also it would solve the problem of Northern Ireland having  a border with the Irish Republic.  The UK would still be outside the EU, we would get our passports back, and we would still have to pay a divorce bill.   This blog does support the UK Government having control over its borders, that was the point of the Brexit vote. 

What are the North Koreans Up to ? - North Korean Update - The Korea problem

Sky News: Reports " Koreas agree on complete denuclearisation...The leaders agreed to rid the peninsula of nuclear weapons but did not provide specific measures on how to achieve the objective. "

Lets Get Real:

This blog will hold its judgement on the latest peace moves between North and South Korea, the World has seen North Korea break previous promises over its nuclear plans.  The North could be playing a shrewd game, it will want a lot to give up its nuclear weapons, even if the talks can get that far.   The North might want the US to remove its troops from South Korea and end its security agreement with South Korea and Japan, such moves are a no go area for the US.  The US has one aim, to remove the nuclear weapons of North Korea and to make sure that North Korea does not become a conventional threat to South Korea and Japan.   The next big event will be the Summit between the US and North Korea, the new US Secretary of State has just meet the North Korea leader, he went over as Director of the CIA, and is seen as a  hawk, as is the new National Security Adviser to President Trump.  

My God!!! - ABBA is back - The Arts

BBC News: Reports " Pop group Abba have returned to the studio to record their first new music since the 1980s.  "

Lets Get Real:

ABBA is back, there is a God, the best pop group ever is back with new songs.  This blogger can not wait to buy the new songs. The Best News of the day, #ABBAISBACK

Customs Union Debate - Update 2 - Post Brexit

Guardian - Live Reporting: Reports in its 1.40pm post the following, " Kate Hoey, the Labour Brexiter, is speaking now. She says staying in the customs union would be seen as a move towards going back into the EU...She quotes from two Labour opponents of Britain’s entry into what was then called the common market, Joan Lestor and Clement Attlee. She says she does not see why progressives support the EU. She says it obstructs free trade. "

Lets Get Real:

The Conservative Party is split when it comes to Brexit, the same can be said about the Labour Party, for the UK to stay within the Customs Union and the Single Market the Labour Chief has to make sure that ALL Labour MPs vote in opposition to the Government.  The threat of de-selection is a useful tool that could be used to make sure MPs stay in the line.  The end vote today should be interesting, it will give an indication for later on.   The  more the Government pushes back the binding votes will tell how much trouble the Government is in at the present. 

Customs Union Debate - Update - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " Rebel Tories accuse Brexiteers of talking 'rubbish' over EU customs union as they ramp up pressure on May in Commons debate  "

Lets Get Real:

The PM will see how many pro EU remainers vote for the motion, it would give a guide to how much pressure the PM will be against when it comes to the ACTUAL REAL votes on the issue.   The motion before the House is not binding, thus the May Government does not have to follow its result, but later votes are binding.  PM May should support the motion, anything that prevents a future Corbyn Government taking action over the economy should be supported.  In the past this blog has been critical of the moaning remainers, it does not take it back, but one must face the reality that enough Conservative MPs could support the Government staying within the EU and of course it's in the interest of business for the UK to stay in the Custom Union and the Single Market. 

President Macron on Trump and Iran - Trump Era

BBC News: Reports " French President Emmanuel Macron has said he may have failed in efforts to persuade Donald Trump to stick to an international nuclear deal with Iran. "

Lets Get Real:

This could be a French/American ploy, the Trump Administration wants a tougher deal when it comes to Iran, the French would say that Trump is going to drop the deal and come up with a new version and try to force Iran to accept the new deal.  On the other hand this just might be the reality of the US view.   Iran should be worried, Trump seeks to undermine the Obama legacy, the Iran deal is major part of that legacy, it would be wise for Tehran to agree to a new deal. 

The Elite Left and Brexit - Post Brexit

Guardian: Reports on the motion before the House of Commons on Thursday,  "  It supports frictionless post-Brexit trade borders for manufacturers and it insists on continuing alignments across the Irish border. It is moved by the backbench liaison committee of select committee chairs, so it has backing from senior parliamentarians from Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National party. The outcome must send an unequivocal message that we have reached make your mind up time.  "

Lets Get Real:

This blog hatest the fact that it is on the same page as the left.  The House of Commons on Thursday has to be clear that the UK Government has to change its mind.  The Government should support staying within the Customs Union and the  Single Market, that allows for a general election that prevents a PM Corbyn from taking over vast areas of the economy.   At the next general election the Conservative Party can go for a clear break with the the EU, then it will be a fight between the Conservatives and the pro Europe Party of Corbyn.  The result will be interesting on Thursday. 

Customs Union Update - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " May faces claims she is DUCKING crucial decisions on Brexit amid Cabinet fears she wants to fudge red line on quitting the customs union  "

Lets Get Real:

The PM should be firm with the hard Brexit supporters, they have to worry about a future Corbyn Government, the Conservatives should support the UK staying within the Customs Union and the Single Market, that is the next problem that the May Government will face. The Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats will support the UK staying in the Customs Union and the Single Market, if the PM was brave she would take on the HARD Brexit supporters, the UK should come first, the Political Party comes 2nd. 

The Special Relationship, The US and France - Trump Era

Sky News: Reports " Donald Trump hailed the "great relationship" he has with French President Emmanuel Macron and insisted their friendship was "not fake news" as talks got under way in Washington.  "

Lets Get Real:

This development of a close relationship between the US and France will not go down well in London.   When the US has a troubling problem it is normally that the UK gets called, the idea that Paris would be the first call of a US President is a worry.  The Trump Oval wants the respect of other Countries, it should be noted that Trump has had a State visit to France, but not London so far, this is troubling.   The left wing media in the UK hates Trump, when POTUS does come to London there will be protests from the left, the UK Government can not shut down democratic protests, its part our democracy.   The French should be worried, they might get to close to the Sun, and then you are in free fall. 

Iran in the Frame - Trump Era

BBC News: Reports " US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of "big problems" if it resumes the nuclear programme it agreed to curb in a 2015 international accord. "

Lets Get Real:

The Trump Oval might be making threats over Iran because its threat over North Korea lead to North Korea making concessions, they have suspended their nuclear plans, and Trump is expected to meet the leader of North Korea in a few months.  POTUS might think that because his threats worked over North Korea then Iran will fold.   Let's be clear, POTUS wants to undermine the Obama legacy, and the Iran deal is a major part of that legacy, either way he wants concessions from Tehran, it can be postulated that Europe will place pressure on Iran to give a few concessions that might keep the US from breaking the Iran deal, the Trump Oval wants to make sure that Tehran never goes nuclear, and stops its terror actions in the Middle East.   The question is will Tehran budge, or will the Regime take the risk that Trump is bluffing. It will be a mistake if Tehran thinks that POTUS is bluffing. 

Custom Union Debate - Update 3 - Post Brexit

Sky News: Reports " Customs union showdown is important - here's why..The PM's vow to leave the EU's trading bloc is a key plank of her Brexit plan, but she is coming under pressure to change tack.  "

Lets Get Real:

This blog seens Sky News as part of the pro remainers press elite, its slant is always anti Brexit, in this it is in the company of BBC News and the Guardian, The Times.  Over the weekend there was the report that PM May would not be unhappy if she was forced to stay in the Customs Union, this was given greater voice by the elite press establishment.   The UK voter has decided, it wants out of the EU, it does not want to be tied to the EU, EU freedom should mean that Brexit means Brexit.   The people have decided. 

Customs Union Debate - Update 2 - Post Brexit

Guardian: Reports " Downing Street rules out U-turn on customs union pledge..UK will leave single market and customs union, No 10 maintains, as MPs prepare for key debate  "

Lets Get Real:

IF the PM will not back down then the Government has to make the backbench motion a matter of confidence, make it clear that a vote against the Government could lead to a General Election.   The moaning remainers have to get the message, the THEIR future is down to them, do they want an early election that could see Jeremy Corbyn becoming PM and a left wing Government taking over large areas of the economy.   The Conservative Party Chief Whips needs to get his whip out, no MP is perfect, find their weakness and use it, this is about the survival of the Government, the only result that matters is winning. 

The Customs Union Debate - Post Brexit

Daily Mail: Reports " Hardline Brexiteers trying to force Theresa May to make vote on customs union a confidence issue to scare off Tory rebels  "

Lets Get Real:

This blog has changed its view of the UK staying within the Customs Union and the Single Market.  Anything that ties down a future Corbyn Government is to be welcomed by the Conservative Party, PM May should state that the Conservative Government will sign up to the customs union and the single market, that should get the Labour vote and the Liberal Democrats in the House of Commons.   Those hardline Brexiteers who want to make the symbolic vote next week a matter of confidence should be careful that they do not force a General Election that allows Corbyn in to No 10 Downing Street.   The Conservatives have to be smart. 

A New Royal Baby - Post Brexit UK

BBC News: Reports " The Duchess of Cambridge has given birth to a boy, her third child and second son.  "

Lets Get Real:

Congrats to the their HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the arrival of a new baby.  If you are a Royalist you are very happy ( if not a Royalist why are you reading this blog, go and read the Guardian ).  A happy day for the UK and the Commonwealth. 

The UK and the Customs Union - Brexit Update 2 - Post Brexit

The Guardian: Reports " Backbench MPs table motion to force vote on EU customs union..Three Tories among signatories demanding option of customs union kept on table after Brexit...The vote will be non binding..."

Lets Get Real:

This blog is thinking long term, the motion should be accepted by the Conservative Government, also the May Government should push to remain in the Single Market, Lady Thatcher was rather proud of this EU law.   Also it stops any future Corbyn Government from taking over large areas of the UK economy.   The Conservative MPs have to think long term, it can be argued that Labour has a good chance at the next General Election.   The Conservatives have to take a strategic view, lock down any future Corbyn Government. 

The LEGAL problems of POTUS - Trump Era

Daily Mail: Reports " Trump's former lawyer warns him that Michael Cohen WILL flip if he is charged and that he may even 'wear a wire to record conversations' with the president   "

Lets Get Real:

It can be argued that POTUS needs a new personal lawyer, one that does not get his office or home raided, also someone who can give him good legal advice while they are not under threat from the special prosecutor.   The President should consider firing the Special Prosecutor, of course the Democrats will scream to impeach the President, but they do not control Congress in till January 2019, this is the time to do it, also the President should get his base out to support such a move.   The legal probes have gone on for years now, time to finish them and take the heat while the Congress is under Republican control. 

US and North Korea - Talks Update - Trump Era

Sky News: Reports " Trump warns North Korea talks could be called off if not 'fruitful'..The President says he hopes for a successful meeting with Kim Jong Un in the coming weeks, but warns he may call it off. "

Lets Get Real:

The fact the next US Secretary of State when to meet Kim Jong - un is a good start, but one has to recall that the North Koreans have broken their word before when it comes to their nuclear ambitions.   The Trump Oval has to be careful that they are not being played by the North Koreans, if the North starts to go about the US leaving South Korea and not keep its security accord with South Korea and Japan, then President Trump must leave.  Talking is good, but not for talks sake.   The Trump Oval needs to be very wary of the North Koreans. 

Is a Customs Union and Single Market GOOD for the UK ?- Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports " A powerful cross-party group of MPs is to force a vote on a customs union next week in the House of Commons.  "

Lets Get Real:

It can be argued that a customs Union and a single market is a good idea for when the UK leaves the EU.   The UK keeping the single market would mean that should the Labour Party win a general election they will be restricted in what they can do, they would not be able to take over large areas of the business sector.   If the UK keeps the Customs Union and single market then the Irish problem goes away, we will have left the EU, that is the main point of this post.   Also it can be argued that such a move would bring together most of the Country,  of course there are extremes, between those that want to cut all links with the EU and those that want a FEDERAL Europe.  The middle path in this case is the best policy. 

The Criminal Porbes of POTUS - Trump Era

The Guardian: Reports " Ex-FBI agents say Comey is 'damaging the agency' as he clashes with Trump...Former senior officials warn ex-director is putting Russia investigation in jeopardy with book and ‘tasteless’ comments  "

Lets Get Real:

One can understand why serving and former FBI agents are not happy with their former Director,  politics in D.C is based on trust, if the White House can not trust the FBI it is a problem when it comes to day to day business.   This blog to be honest has placed an order for the Comey book, it looks interesting and should not be dull.  Former Director Comey is not liked by the left or right, on the left it is due to his actions days before the Presidential Election in the US when he re-opened the Clinton email investigation and on the right, because of his attacks on President Trump.

The Unhinged Left and Syria - Syria Update 3 - Syrian Crisis

Daily Mail: Reports " 'He's a DOCTOR!' Stop the War activist defends butcher Assad as a 'good man' in Parliament Square rally as Corbyn ally suggests coalition strikes were a bid to destroy gas attack evidence  "

Lets Get Real:

Ever since Iraq the UK left has jumped off the cliff, it now defends Assad of Syria, and sees the Allied powers of the UK, US and France as warmongers, they do not live in the real world, they want to give Russia a VETO over UK foreign policy.  One wonders how long the Blair supporters within the Labour Party can stay when it is lead by Jeremy Corbyn and his like.  If there are any centre left or right MPs left in the Labour Party they should walk and form a new Party.  Sad day for the Labour Party. 

The Chemical Attack in Syria - Update 2 - Syrian Crisis

Sky News: Reports " The French foreign ministry has claimed Russia and the Syrian regime are still refusing to give international inspectors access to the site of the suspected chemical weapons attack in Douma.  "

Lets Get Real:

The Russians and the Syrian Forces are covering up any WMD left after the chemical attack.   The French are right to stress that the chemical inspectors do not have ALL the time in the World, any WMD will be destroyed by the Syrians and Russians and the natural progression for WMD to decay.   The Allies should make it clear, that if the Syrians and Russians place blocks on the inspectors then the Allies might do another attack.   It is time to play hardball with the Syrians and the Russians. 

Syria and the House of Commons - Post Brexit

BBC News: Reports " MPs will consider Parliament's role in approving military action in Syria later after Theresa May authorised air strikes without consulting them.  "

Lets Get Real:

Is there really a need for a 2nd debate on Syria, PM May did the right decision by backing the US and France in their attack on Syria.   These debates do nothing but give comfort to the Assad Regime and Russia, they seek division the West and Jeremy Corbyn is a useful idiot who plays in to the hands of the Russians.   Those that opposed the Allied Strikes want to give the Russians through the UN a veto on UK military action.   The House of Commons should be discussing Brexit, not Syria again!!!!

The END result in SYRIA - Syria Update 4 - Trump Era

Guardian: Reports " Syria: western allies launch diplomatic offensive in wake of strikes...Pressure grows on Russia to stop protecting Assad as US, UK and France press for inquiry into chemical weapons stockpiles  "

Lets Get Real:

The Assad Regime in Syria has won the Syrian CIVIL WAR, its a sad day for the people of Syria.   The West and its allies in Syria should try to establish a safe zone for those opposed to the Assad Regime and Daesh, the West in the shape of the US, UK and France SHOULD NOT place troops in Syria, get the UN or anyone to place troops in Syria to guard the safe zone.    Of course no country with a right mind would place troops in Syria, the civil war has destroyed Syria, the US has only two thousand troops in Syria to fight Daesh, even those POTUS wants to get out, it is the US Defence Department that wants to keep a eye on Syria, thus the troops will remain.  A tragic past and future for Syria. 

The Russian Reaction to the Syrian Strikes - Syria Update 3 - Trump Era

Mail on Sunday: Reports " Putin warns of 'consequences' as photos show Assad's chemical weapons factories obliterated by Trump, May and Macron's 105 missile barrage despite Russia's threat to shoot down Tomahawks  "

Lets Get Real:

What will the Russians do, on the military level they will do NOTHING, they might fallback on cyber warfare on Western interests, banks, hospitals, power grid in the US, UK and France.   You might ask why the Russians will not take a military attack, they do not have the forces to cause problems, also Trump's defence spending has restored the US to its power status.   The Russians as still peeved that they are not a super power, with the fall of the USSR they are semi middle power, yes they have more nuclear weapons that the UK and France, but they are old and the Kremlin does not have the money to rebuild its forces with the oil prices down.  A good day for the West. 

Those Opposed to Missile Strikes - Syria Update 2 - Trump Era

Sky News - Live Reporting: Reports in its 10.52am post the following, " Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable tells Sky News he thinks it was a "mistake" to launch the Syria strikes "without getting proper political endorsement", adding the move was a "mistake of judgement" borne out of political weakness.  "

Lets Get Real:

There will always be people who want to appease, the House of Commons in 2013 did not do itself any favours when it refused to back PM Cameron and his plan to attack Syria after the use of chemical weapons.  The foundation of leadership is taking decisions that will cause others to be unhappy, Churchill, Reagan and Thatcher.  In 1940 Churchill faced down the UK Establishment that wanted to appease Hitler, in the 1980s Reagan and Thatcher stood firm against the Soviet Union, and pushed through domestic reform that was needed.   Sometimes leadership comes down to one person, who will make the difference. 

Will there be a 2nd Round of Missile Attacks on Syria ? - Trump Era

BBC News: Reports " President Donald Trump has warned Syria's government the US is "locked and loaded" to strike again if it carries out chemical attacks.  "

Lets Get Real:

The strikes on Syria was limited, that is the problem, all the Syrians have to do is wait a few months and launch other chemical attacks, they have won the Syrian Civil War, the opposition is fractured and the West does not want to place armed troops in Syria, the US had two thousand troops on the ground, and Trump has made it clear that he wants to get them out.   It is the US Defence Department that is stalling taking them out, as they want to finish Daesh once and all.   Syria is a mess, and if your going to do something, it has to big or it is pointless, the level of success of the Western Allies in attacking Syria is still under investigation. 

What will the UK do over Syria - Syria Update 4 - Trump Era

Guardian: Reports " Theresa May indicates willingness for military action against Syria...‘Use of chemical weapons cannot go unchallenged,’ PM says, as Corbyn calls for Commons vote on any further action "

Lets Get Real:

The UK has to be part of any allied attack on Syria, if the Trump Oval can not trust the UK and needs France then the UK is in a lot more trouble than this blog thought.   The ghost of Iraq hangs over any British foreign policy when it comes to action, in 2013 the Coalition Government failed to get the House of Commons to support action when it came to Syria, that can not be allowed to happen again.  The PM should act like Lady Thatcher, take the lead, the voters like a strong leader, the musings of Jeremy Corbyn should not worry the PM or the House of Commons. 

Trump and those Missiles for Syria - Syria Update 3 - Trump Era

Daily Mail: Reports " 'Get ready Russia,' the 'missiles are coming': Trump makes terrifying Twitter threat to Putin and 'gas killing animal' Assad after Kremlin vows to shoot down any missiles fired at Syria and attack U.S. ships – and Trump blames 'bad blood' on Mueller probe  "

Lets Get Real:

It is ironic that President Trump is declaring that missiles will come as he was critical of the Obama Administration when it mused on action, in the past Trump stated that he would never tell someone he was going to strike.   Well the recent tweet shows what happens when you become POTUS, he might considering sending a sorry tweet to President Obama.   The Allied action should be big enough to teach Assad a lesson, but not allow things to get out of control, no World War 3 over Syria thank you.  The US, UK and France need to send a  big and clear message to Assad and Putin, no more chemical attacks, as you have won already!

Russians are COMING!! - Syrian Update 2 - Trump Era

Sky News - Live Reporting: Reports in its 3.25pm post the following, " AP: Russian military will be deployed to the Syrian town of Douma, site of the suspect chemical weapons attack, from Thursday. "

Lets Get Real:

Thus Russians will cover up any chemicals in the locality, the Russian Bear can not be trusted.  The Russians really do believe that the West is weak and self centered, thus only reason for their actions.   Putin's Russia has destroyed democracy in Russia, the power is at the centre, President Putin decides what happens in Russia, and he thinks he has the West by the tail, that any action will be weak and will not last long.  Trump's America is consumed by the Russian probe, while UK politics is about Brexit, and in France the new President faces challenges to reform agenda.   The West has to keep some focus on Syria after the missile strikes, otherwise it is pointless. 

Missiles are Coming - TRUMP - Trump Era

BBC News: Reports " US President Donald Trump has tweeted that Russia should "get ready" for missiles to be fired at its ally Syria, in response to an alleged chemical attack near Damascus on Saturday. "

Lets Get Real:

The missiles when they are fired will not be a surprise to either the Assad Regime or to Russia.    It will be interesting to see who joins the battle, of course there will be the US and France, what will the UK do, one does hope that May shows some leadership and uses the power of the Queen to join her allies.   Sometimes the people want the leaders to lead, then they will come to the water, in other words, forced to accept the reality of action, think Churchill 1940, the elite did not want to go to WAR and the working class had gone through World War one, but Churchill lead and saved West we know today.  One hopes the Russians do not overplay their hand, we do not want to see World War 3. 

Limited Strikes on Syria ? - Trump Era

The New York Times: Reports on the possible paths for the Trump Oval when it comes to Syria, it states the following, " It sometimes seems as if the United States will be bombing empty runways until the end of time, dead certain that it’s a way to get everything Americans want at no real cost or risk, and that all the past failures only prove that the next time it’ll work for sure. "

Lets Get Real:

If the Western allies do a limited strikes it will be pointless,  the Assad Regime is supported by the Russians and Iran, any losses will be replaced.   IF the West wants to send a clear signal it will have to do more than limited strikes, and use its air power would be good, just using cruise missiles might make the West happy for a few days, then Assad will start to drop more chemical weapons.  If you are going to WAR, go to WAR, win the War, do not play games, the voters have more respect for winning a war or least trying, playing a limited War only helps Syria and Assad. 

UK, US and France on Syria - Trump Era

Guardian: Reports " Theresa May joined the US president, Donald Trump, and the French leader, Emmanuel Macron, on Tuesday in warning they would respond to the Syrian gas attack in order to uphold the global ban on the use of chemical weapons.  "

Lets Get Real:

As stated in my previous post, one can only hope that the UK goers along with the US and France in any military action in Syria, the PM does not need the House of Commons to have a say, also there is a risk of defeat in the House.   After IRAQ, the House of Commons is very wary of taking military action.   The Queen is Sovereign, her power goes through the PM, the PM should decide to take action, if its limited action there is no need to call the House in to session.   The Western Allies should take bigger action, but one doubts that will happen, after IRAQ and LIBYA, thus one can expect cruise missile strikes from the Western powers, there will not be a land forces, Syria already has to many factions with guns.  Interesting hours ahead. 

PM May on Syria - May Era

Sky News: Reports the following in its 5.38pm post, " Prime Minister Theresa May agreed in telephone conversations with US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron that the international community "needed to respond" following reports of a suspected chemical attack in Syria, Downing Street said.  "

Lets Get Real:

The UK should support the US and France is taking action against the Assad Regime.  The House of Commons should not be recalled, this is an urgent issue, not something to be left to MPs, there is always a chance of defeat in the House, the Labour Party under Corbyn is anti US and anti WAR.   The UK should always be on the moral side, also its up to the Queen through the PM to decide on WAR, members of Parliament can barely be trusted with Brexit, WAR AND PEACE should be left to the adults, that being the Government. Time for the UK to strike. 

President Trump and US Law - Trump Era

Daily Mail: Reports " 'A total witch hunt': Trump tweets blistering early morning attack on his own Justice Department and says 'attorney-client privilege is dead' after the FBI raids his lawyer's office for Stormy Daniels hush money files  "

Lets Get Real:

It can be argued that the Special Prosecutor has found nothing to link Trump and Russia, and thus is going down to looking at the personal life of the President.   That is the problem with a Special Prosecutor, they can go anywhere the like and there is no one to stop them. The Trump Oval should think about firing the special prosecutor, if there is no Russian link the SP has nothing.  The US Congress might be critical, the lawyers will be critical, but it might save Trump from being less than honest if he grants a interview to the special prosecutor.    It is time for the Oval to fire the special prosecutor. 

Trump and Syria - Trump Era

BBC News: Reports " US President Donald Trump has cancelled his first official trip to Latin America to focus on the issue of a suspected chemical attack in Syria...Mr Trump's decision to cancel his Latin America trip suggests the US response may involve a larger military operation than a limited strike  "

Lets Get Real:

One can only hope that the US, UK and France go for a large military action after the Assad Regime used chemical weapons on its own people.  The West and its leadership has to be clear, that the use of Chemical Weapons is a red line and that Syria, Russian and Iran will pay a price for the use of WMD, a big price.  The Syrian Regime and its allies think they have a free hand after the limited cruise missile strike last year, the Assad Regime has learned nothing, with the exception that the West is weak.  The US one can postulate and its allies will go for a limited cruise strike on the air bases that were used for the chemical attack, a real hard reaction would place troops on the ground, that is not going to happen, the West after Iraq is wary. 

FBI Raid the Office of Trump's Attorney - Trump Era

The New York Times: Reports " The seized records include communications between Mr. Trump and Mr. Cohen, which would likely require a special team of agents to review because conversations between lawyers and clients are protected from scrutiny in most instances. 

Lets Get Real:

It is an interesting development, could the Special Prosecutor be going down the Bill Clinton route, trying to nail POTUS on a alleged affair that the Oval has denied ever happened.  If President Trump does go and talk to the Special Prosecutor then POTUS has to be honest, no matter what, better a bad story that lasts a few days, than not telling the truth and being impeached by a Democratic House.  The President's lawyers should not allow him to talk to the Special Prosecutor, the Donald has a way of getting carried away with his speeches.   One does wonder how much the Special Prosecutor has on the Oval and when will he release it to the press. 

Trump on Syria - Update 3 - Trump Era

Daily Mail: Reports " The blood of these poor Syria children is on Assad’s hands, and on Obama’s conscience - but Trump’s main target should be evil Putin, now the world’s most dangerous man  "

Lets Get Real:

The reason that Assad of Syria can act in many manner he wants is down to President Putin and the Regime in Tehran.   The Russians and Iran see the West as weak, the leadership of the US under Trump has diminished during his time in office, the axis of Russian and Iran will use any weakness by the West as a reason to act that has negative results for the Middle East and the West.   The Trump Oval has to hit SYRIA hard, not like the last time, the hit must be heavy and teach Assad a lesson, anything less is pointless.   The Russians and Assad will claim that there was no chemical attack, the West must be firm and stand tall and hit Syria hard. 

Trump to decide on Action within 24/48 Hours - Update 2 - Trump Era

Sky News: Reports " Donald Trump will make "major decisions" on a US response to a "barbaric" and "heinous" chemical weapons attack in Syria over the next 24 to 48 hours.  "

Lets Get Real:

The Trump Oval should take action because its the right thing to do, in both political and moral terms.   The Assad Regime is breaking every law in the books when it comes to its actions in Syria, the murder their own people with no remorse.   The use of chemical weapons by the Syrian Regime, backed by the Russians shows how afraid the regime is of losing,  before Russian and Iran joined the fight the Assad Regime was on its last legs, now its winning.  The Russians want to keep their warm water Port and Iran wants more influence in the Region.   In acting the West would so some moral authority, if the UN is stalled by Russia's veto, the West would show it is not afraid to act. 

Syrian Chemical Attack - Update - Trump Era

BBC News: Reports " Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said no evidence has been found of a chemical weapons attack in Syria's formerly rebel-held town of Douma.  "

Lets Get Real:

The Russian Bear has no shame, it will tell you its night time even when its the morning.   Putin Russia does not care what Syria Assad does, as long as it keeps it warm water base in Syria.   The lack of leadership by President Trump has allowed Russian to gain more influence in the Middle East.   The US and its allies should take action in Syria, it is time for some heavy bombing to teach Assad and Russia a lesson.   If Russia wants a COLD WAR, the West should return in kind. 

Syrian Chemical Attack - Update 5 - Trump Era

The New York Times: Reports " Dozens of Syrians choked to death after a suspected chemical attack struck the rebel-held suburb of Douma, east of Damascus, and aid groups on Sunday blamed President Bashar al-Assad’s government for the assault. "

Lets Get Real:

The Trump Oval has to do something now, the President has stated that Syria will pay a price for the use of chemical weapons on its own people.   Thus it can be expected that the Trump Oval will hit Syrian bases as it did last year, when the Assad Regime used WMD on its own people.    The Trump Oval needs to send a CLEAR message that the use of WMD is not on, the Russian use of a nerve agent on a former Spy and his daughter in the UK shows that the Russians do not care about the reaction of the international community, the Trump Oval has to make them care.   Once you start to use WMD, others might think about using it, North Korea etc.  

Trump on Syria - Update 4 - Trump Era

Guardian: Reports " Donald Trump said on Sunday there would be a “big price to pay” for an apparent chemical weapons attack on a rebel enclave in Syria. The president also said Russian president Vladimir Putin and Iran were responsible for backing Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, whose regime is believed to have carried out the strike.  "

Lets Get Real:

After the Iraq War and the finding that Iraqi Regime did not have WMD, the elite left suspect everything that claimed to have links to WMD, also the bloodbath that was Iraq made the left very uneasy about supporting any military action.   The years of blood and death in Syria is down to the fact that the left lost its nerve, and saw Iraq in every issue.  The Trump White House should ACT when it comes to Syria, it did before, and the World did not end.   Thus this blog was wrong, ( it does happen ) if Trump takes military action it would be  a lesson for Assad in Syria and to Iran and North Korea. 

Syrian Chemical Attack - Update 3 - Trump Era

Mail on Sunday: Reports " President Trump tweeted this afternoon: 'Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria.   'Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world. President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price to pay.' "

Lets Get Real:

Has President Trump finally seen the light about Putin, the Putin Regime will back the Assad regime no matter what, the Kremlin needs its warm water port in Syria.  The US should place more sanctions on Russia and Syria.   Also the Trump Oval should think about hitting Syria again, the Syrian Regime only understands FORCE, that goes for Russia also.  The Assad Regime was on its last legs before Iran and Russia came to the rescue, now Russian and Iran have more influence in the Middle East.    The US should ACT, the question is what will Trump DO NEXT?. 

Trump on Syria - Trump Era

BBC News: Reports " Trump lashes out at Russia, Iran and Assad over Syria suspected chemical attack and warns "big price to pay"  "

Lets Get Real:

This blog could be wrong about Trump and Syria, it seems that Trump does have a red line when it comes to Assad/Russian actions in Syria.  The President has been clear, there will be a price to pay, the question is what, more sanctions, an attack on Syrian forces within Syria, the US will not attack Russian forces, that would be to far, even for Trump.   This is breaking news, interesting development!