"This is the Voice of Moderation. I wouldn't go so far as to say we've actually SEIZED the radio station . . . "
by liberal japonicus I have to admit this was my first thought after seeing the opening of this Guardian piece “What the fuck are you doing?” the US president shouted at the Israeli prime minister during the phone call on Monday, according to Axios, a US website that has frequently published reports on high-level conversations … Read more
by liberal japonicus 9-11 happened for us in Japan in the evening and I remember thinking that we depended on things being relatively frictionless: travelling to other countries, trade, almost everything that was not solely local required things to smoothly roll along and because of that, we were screwed because a handful of people could … Read more
by liberal japonicus Natalie Kitroeff: You’re starting to get into this, but let’s talk about the actual terms of any deal. You said these generals are open to a real give-and-take with the American side. So, what are they willing to offer, and what do they want? Farnaz Fassihi: The most important incentive for Iran, … Read more
by liberal japonicus I was listening to this Foreign Policy podcast and I’ve cued it up to the spot, but for those who don’t like to listen, after a long discussion about Iran and the dumpster fire that the whole situation is, the two wonder what will be the future model for Iran and give … Read more
by liberal japonicus The Guardian reports the following: The US and Iran agreed to a two-week conditional ceasefire on Tuesday evening after a last-minute diplomatic intervention led by Pakistan, canceling an ultimatum from Donald Trump for Iran to surrender or face widespread destruction. Trump’s announcement of the ceasefire agreement came less than two hours before … Read more
by liberal japonicus I know that I’ve expressed my frustration with Ezra Klein, but this interview is really worth a listen. I’ve cued it up at the point that I think is really worth attending to, discussing how Iran approached the US post 9-11 and how it was rebuffed, but I recommend the whole thing … Read more
by liberal japonicus The title quotes John McCain, (and I am in no way endorsing the sentiment), and novakant just noted the attack. The BBC has live reporting, while France24 reports Iran firing missles at Israel. One striking thing to me is the paucity of coverage. It is not unexpected, but I don’t see a … Read more
by liberal japonicus Michael Cain, MVC (most valuable commenter) posted this comment in response to some discussion about the training agreement with Qatar that has Laura Loomer losing it. The request for a training facility was made in 2017, shortly after the Obama administration approved selling current versions of the F-15 Strike Eagle to Qatar. … Read more
by liberal japonicus This was at the top of my google news: A euphoric Donald Trump wins a breakthrough in the Middle East though the article is behind a paywall. The Guardian has this: A Gaza ceasefire deal could be Trump’s biggest diplomatic achievement – but the devil is in the detail. What to say? … Read more
by liberal japonicus I tend to watch two things on youtube, the first is standup comedy and the second is music. I’ll be starting up a weekly music post from Friday, but I’d probably, if I had to choose, go for a well constructed joke in standup over a music video. I’m into deconstructing, and … Read more