When it comes to the EU, rational discourse seems impossible. Neither the pro- or the anti- camps are happy with this, but is there really any solution? Continue reading
February 29, 2008
by Nosemonkey
15 Comments
Month: February 2008
February 29, 2008
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
links for 2008-02-29
Language barrier scuppers walker Ha ha ha ha ha! This is one of the funniest things I’ve seen in ages. What a dick… Tries to walk to India living on handouts – makes it as far as Calais. Yay the … Continue reading
February 28, 2008
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on links for 2008-02-28: Russian election special
links for 2008-02-28: Russian election special
Sizing up Medvedev, the next Russian president Yet another Russian riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. This is why Russia’s always so fascinating. And terrifying… (tags: Russia) Russia’s Dangerous Double Act “Shared leadership has never worked in Russia” … Continue reading
February 28, 2008
by Nosemonkey
4 Comments
“Underestimating Europe’s power is a mistake”
Just stumbled across an intriguing article in The Moscow Times (reprinted from the rather good Project Syndicate) by leading American international relations theorist (and former Carter and Clinton administration wonk) Joseph S Nye – intriguing because it’s a rare example … Continue reading
February 27, 2008
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on links for 2008-02-27
links for 2008-02-27
An Islamic Reformation? Yup – that bridge between Europe and the Middle East seems to be doing what advocates of Turkish EU entry haven’t dared hoped in even their most optimistic moments. Possibly… (tags: Turkey) EU-wide political funding Set at … Continue reading
February 27, 2008
by Nosemonkey
7 Comments
EU-apathy
The lack of outrage over the lack of a referendum on the new EU treaty may be annoying the eurosceptics, but it should come as no surprise… Continue reading
February 26, 2008
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
Iraqi employees update
This post is from Dan Hardie: Do you like reading fine words? Here is the Prime Minister on the subject of Iraqi ex-employees of the British Government, speaking in the House of Commons on October 9th, 2007: ‘I would also … Continue reading
February 26, 2008
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on A cultural quickie
A cultural quickie
If you haven’t seen these already, and are based in the UK, watch today via the really rather fun BBC iPlayer: Jonathan Meades: Magnetic North – yet another top-notch contribution from the almost always fascinating Meades, this time looking at … Continue reading
February 25, 2008
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
links for 2008-02-25
Elections in Germany confirm leftward shift “The German political system is now effectively in gridlock… and no one knows how to get it out” (tags: Germany) Europe vs. Tony Blair Now the Financial Times comes out against President Tony. Hurrah! … Continue reading
February 23, 2008
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Calls for a national DNA database… rejected?
Calls for a national DNA database… rejected?
Yes, that’s right. The police have asked that every single last one of us has our DNA sampled just in case we commit a heinous crime. And the government are AGAINST it. Hang on. Was there a coup d’etat overnight … Continue reading
February 22, 2008
by Nosemonkey
7 Comments
In defence of MEPs
Yes, I’ve been slagging them off a lot over the last couple of days – but there are always two sides to everything. Jon Worth makes a lot of sensible points about the current expenses scandal: MEPs get the same … Continue reading
February 22, 2008
by Nosemonkey
2 Comments
links for 2008-02-22
Putting EU money to good use A coffee-making robot. That’ll also pick up your clothes. 6.3 million euros? Bargain! (tags: EU) EU ministers consider Kosovo security forces amid unrest The question everyone’s asking, of course, is whether these attacks are … Continue reading
February 22, 2008
by Nosemonkey
10 Comments
Erm, you remember that democracy thing?
Well, according to the European Parliament it can go jump in a lake. Because they’ve voted not to respect the result of the Irish referendum (constitutionally required, lest we forget) on the Lisbon Treaty. What we effectively have here is … Continue reading
February 21, 2008
by Nosemonkey
2 Comments
We are ruled by criminals
So the British government has admitted that they’ve twice been in breach of the UN Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances over extraordinary rendition flights. And Foreign Secretary David Miliband has – bless him – said … Continue reading