"Just bees, and things and flowers" Like a lot of formerly news-hungry journalists these days I can hardly bear to open the many journals I subscribe to. But today I read last week's FT Life of a Song. And Roy Ayers Sunshine blew Trump thunderstorms away. At the end of the piece, filled with enticing links and references, the author, Arwa Haider, invites readers to share … [Read more...] about Forget Trump: ‘Everybody loves the sunshine’
Trump
Why Israel won’t stick to any ceasefire in Gaza/Iran brokered by Trump
The past week has seen a surge in Israeli attacks on Gaza, where over 300 Palestinians were killed in the first 48 hours of the month. These deadly assaults, combined with an increase in settler violence in the occupied West Bank, point to Binyamin Netanyahu’s acting with impunity despite the rising chorus of criticism of Israel abroad. As long as the Israeli prime minister has … [Read more...] about Why Israel won’t stick to any ceasefire in Gaza/Iran brokered by Trump
Make Europe Great Again
Donald Trump's decision to quit the G7 summit in Canada a day early sent a clear message to his mainly European colleagues: you pygmies don't matter, I as the embodiment of untrammelled United States power, call the shots. Coupled with an open invitation to Russia to rejoin the G8 fold and a put-down of "publicity-seeking" (sic) Emmanuel Macron, it reinforced the Trump2.0 … [Read more...] about Make Europe Great Again
Fox News wins it for Trump
Donald Trump’s ratings continue to slide on most issues. Recent Economist/YouGov polling across the US, completed on May 9-12, shows 51% think the country is on the wrong track, while only 45% have a favourable impression of his job as president. On inflation and prices in the shops, only 35% approve of his handling of this policy. Trump seems to be scoring particularly badly … [Read more...] about Fox News wins it for Trump
Trump’s negotiation tactics: a business mindset in a diplomatic world
The recent public confrontation between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office has highlighted the complex interplay between national interests and foundational principles in international negotiations. This incident underscores the challenges that arise when immediate strategic interests overshadow enduring commitments to … [Read more...] about Trump’s negotiation tactics: a business mindset in a diplomatic world