If McCain wins….
An article in today’s Washington Post quotes a distinguished American academic as saying that — if … the voters pull a Truman [i.e. if McCain-Palin confound the polls and the pundits by winning], that...
Brian Barder's website and blog Brian Barder's website and ephems
Come back, Keynes
Senator McCain and the Republicans over the water, and the Tories over here, bear-led (the appropriate term in present circumstances) by Cameron, a rather battered Osborne, and Hague, are demanding cuts in government spending...
McCain on policy
One or two of Senator McCain's pronouncements on policy issues and other matters during the third and final debate raised some eyebrows. Healthcare: McCain berates Obama for his proposed compulsory universal healthcare programme, preferring...
Nobel Peace Prize for Martti Ahtisaari, authentic peace-maker
The 2008 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Martti Ahtisaari couldn't be more welcome or more spectacularly well earned. I have been a respectful admirer since I was involved for a few years in the...
US elections: second presidential debate
Two things in particular struck me as I watched all 90-odd minutes of the second US presidential debate between Senators McCain and Obama, held last night in Tennessee and available now on the Web...
Diary of a[nother] cruise
We returned, J and I, on Sunday from another cruise, this time aboard the biggest and newest ship in the UK cruise fleet, P&O's Ventura. Our private ship's log, or diary, of the two...
Ephems on holiday
Ephems is going on holiday tomorrow (14/11) until end September and is fearful about what will have happened while it’s away [More >>>>]
You’re wrong about Russia (and ex-diplomats), Mr MacShane
An unsent letter to the Times about mistaken government policy towards Russia and the Georgia conflict, reflecting a consensus among many former British diplomats whose views are scorned by Denis MacShane MP [More >>>]
Russia, Georgia and the Kosovo precedent
A cogent article by Sir Ivor Roberts describes how western blunders over Kosovo undermine the case against Russia on Georgia and recommends engaging with Russia, not isolating it [More >>>]
What are Washington’s aims in Georgia?
“Richard T” has posted a fascinating comment on my “Kosovo-Georgia Connection” post of 21 August, speculating that the principal motive behind American wooing of Georgia and sponsorship of Georgia for NATO membership may be...