Author: Richard

I am appalled at the harassment faced by those attending Jewish faith schools. Hate and violence like this should have no place in British society. But again there is a nuance. For too long people have been allowed to hide their cowardice behind social media platforms. Politicians, especially female of all political persuasions have been subject to appalling threats and abuse. Jo Cox was killed 5 years ago and nothing seems to have changed. This may be a great amount woke ‘but where has the love and friendship gone?’ To all those who attack woke views I will ask what is wrong with them? Personally I would do away with faith schools completely, but there should be no room for bigotry in our society or newspapers.

It sees that Israel is preparing to invade the Gaza Strip, 300000 reservists have been sent to the border with Gaza.. The onjective presumably to free the hostages and wipe out Hamas. Whether eother are achievable is debateable. It coulsd attempt to annexe the Strip and bring it under Israeli control, although with 2 million residents that could be difficult.

The US have stated that Israel had 3 days notice from Egypt of the attack. This will put Netanyahu under pressure as he has made security his main issue. The left and moderate elements of Israeli society have been decimated bythe attack, not only figuratively – the kibitz attacked were socialist leaning societies..

There has been no reporting in the British Press of any propoganda offensive by either side. Hamas preumably do not care but again I am surprised that Israel has not mounted a press offensive. Guterres, UN secretary-General has expresswed concern that Hezbollah has shelled Northern Israel – escalation must be avoided. There are no reports of violence in the West Bank that I have seen.

The 2 nation concept seems doomed to failure when one of the nations wishes to drive the other into the sea. A federal type state could have a possibility as it would enable both sides to claim that they were magnamonously conceeding elements? There would be no place for Hamas, or the fanatical Jews either.

Something I had not thought of – there are at least 500 Americans in Gaza and probably a total of more from other countries.

The more detail that comes ot the more horrific the actions of Hamas are. there is much talk about propotionality of the response. I totally understand Israels desire for revenge and to inflict a major defeat on Hamas, even if that means huge civilian casualties. However the Israeli government need to be careful of the long term impact of any over reaction. Hamas has no regard for human life – so it is necessaryto work out their motivation. Those who invaded Israel were suicide terrorists. Did the famed Israeli secret service actually turn a blind eye for political/military objectives?

So flags! I am unsettled by us putting the Israeli flag on 10 Downing Street and the demand for Wmbley to light up its arch with Israeli colours. Firstly is is copying those in Europe who have more erason to express there solidarity with Jews. Secondly it is more than a bit NAFF! And thirdly, does it set a precedent? Should we display Ukrainian flags everytime Russia bombs. What about support for the Rohingya people in Burma, the Uyghur in China. Perhaps a better idea would be to fly the UN flag?

A barn storming effort from Keir. No real detail but it took the battle to the tories. 1.5 million houses is ambitious and his comments about stimulating the economy sounded great. Lots of smiles from delegates.

Where is there a Mandela when you need him? Whilst the jingoists are having a field day, and in all probability breaking international law with war crimes, where is the voice of calm and reconciliation? It is almost certainly too soon for this to occur but is there a voice of reason and peace out there? Sunak and Co are queueing up to encourage Israel with offers of military aid – it seems like they are the bullies mates chomping at the bit to join in the carnage and depravity. Two wrongs do not make a right.

I am surprised that the Israeli’s do not have the ability to use precision bombing to take out missle launching sites. maybe they do, but want revenge mafia style.

regarding the guilt of the civilian population I am reminded of the smugglers song by Rudyard Kipling.

Firstly I need to state that I am totally against the violence for which there is no justification. And I recognise that Hamas is a terrorist organisation. However I still maintain a feeling that Israel’s attitude to Gaza and Palestine have been a contributing factor.

Just like many things it gets more complicated the one looks into it.

But firstly I take exception to Bravermans message to the police. Of course the police should step up patrols in Jewish areas to protect them and arrest anyone acting illegally. However to stop people stating support for Palestine is surely over the top.

The situation – Hamas has obviously been planning this for a long time. Is it an attempt by their backers Iran to destabilise the region and prevent Saudi Arabia forming closer ties with Israel? Saudi Arabia and Qatar will find it hard to justify close links with Israel whilst there is conflict with Muslim Palestine, and causing civilian casualties. Israel also seems to have attacked Hezbollah in Lebanon, who expressed support for Hamas attacks.

Whilst I condemn the attacks, the unequivical support given by western leaders (including Starmer) seems rather callous. Statements that Israel must be allowed to defend itself are ok, but when Israel pledges to bomb civilians in Gaza that is pushing ‘defence’ too far. Why the USA is sending an aircraft carrier and a strike force to he area is confusing. What they should be sending is diplomats!

Israel has the right to defend itself is the common mantra of politicians here. Pursueing Hamas into Gaza may be part of that justifiable defence, but killing civilans is not. Is there difference between slitting a throat, and dropping a bomb when the end result is the death of a child?

Will this affect world oil prices and supply? I suppose this depends on the response of the Arab world? If Iran is proven to be involved (although I would suspect a conspiracy theory if suddenly proven as the might of the Israeli spy network knew nothing before the attack). It also depends on the severity of the Israeli response – if seen to be bordering on genocide it is likely that the Arab world will find it hard to ignore. Already Israel has cut electricity and fuel supplies. However Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states have invested heavily in the west in recent years (Saudi sports washing alone runs into £$billions). It will be interesting to note the reactions of China and India. Whatever happens it is likely that the oil price will be volatile over the next few months, which is bad news for us.

Is it naive to be,ieve that a 2 nation solution is unworkable. Only a federal state would be able to bring peace?

I have been amazed at the sympathy for Palestinians amongs folk in the village. Whilst rightly condemning their actions they have all voiced concern at Israels treatment of Palestine. I am sure that the Israelis will wreak massive punishment on the Gaza Strip which will further entrench the violence for years to come. Northern Ireland has not banished it all yet.

The one interesting aspect is hat Israeli Intelligence seems have been nil!.

I personally condemn all violence and stand with Jeremy Corbyn on this.

Tories must be gutted as they were hoping the press would concemtrate on slagging off Labour. Now the headlines are all about Gaza.

So Israel says it is at war with Palestine – Palestinians probably think they have been at war for years. Personally I believe it is a case of ‘you reap what you sow’. Israel has treated Palestine with cruelty and distain for too long. Shooting and arresting children and journalists has inevitably led to conflict. The west cannot escape blame either – it has tolerated apartheid type policies by Israel for too long. Peace talks need to be instigated by the USA (they are the funders of Israel) immediately. Maybe a hindu leader of a nominally christian country could make some sensible comments – not holding my breath here!

Interesting by-election result. Labour overturn large SNP majority, Toties lose deposit along with all the other parties. Labour Party up 24%. Tories down 11%. SNP down 16%. Whilst unlikely to be reproduced in the GE it does look like the SNP will lose their dominance, labour will be resurgent and the tories could be wiped off the electoral map.

Could this be a precursor of what could happen in the north where people may return to Labour. However Starmer will need to up his game next week when the whole of the MSP will be looking for any opportunity to criticise and mock. I believe there are many people who are swaying towards Labour but are not convinced. Now is the time for him to set out policies that make clear what a Labour Government would do in power.

James O’Brien has also just pointed out that most 14 year olds today have no intention of ever smoking! So another policy of no substance. The number of transport projects that was initially published is falling daily (the rest seem to have been planned anyway. OMG they are so useless!