politicians
Reviews of the politicians kissing babies and running governments around the world; applaud and criticize the decisions they make and their implications.
Trump Says US ‘Armada’ Heading to Middle East as Iran Death Toll Put Above 5,000. AI-Generated.
Former US president Donald Trump has claimed that a US “armada” is heading toward the Middle East, as reports place Iran’s death toll above 5,000, marking a dramatic escalation in an already volatile regional crisis. The remarks, delivered amid intensifying hostilities and humanitarian concerns, have sent shockwaves through global capitals, raising fears of wider conflict and deeper instability across the Middle East.
By Salaar Jamali10 days ago in The Swamp
When Death Happens in Government Custody, Accountability Must Follow
When someone dies in government custody, the question is not only what happened. The deeper question is whether the system designed to enforce the law is also capable of protecting human life. That question has returned after the death of Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55 year old Cuban immigrant who died in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in January. An autopsy concluded that he died from asphyxia caused by compression of his neck and torso, and ruled his death a homicide.
By The political Rift10 days ago in The Swamp
Global Allies in a US (Trump) Vs Iran Crisis Who Stands With Whom?”
As tensions between the United States and Iran escalate in early 2026, global leaders and analysts are weighing the potential fallout of an outright war. Around January 23, 2026, Iran’s clerics publicly warned that any U.S. military action would prompt retaliation targeting U.S. investments across the region. At the same time, the United States deployed a naval “armada” — including an aircraft carrier strike group — toward Iranian waters while publicly hoping to avoid direct conflict.
By USA daily update 10 days ago in The Swamp
Latest Twist in Trump Diplomacy Brings Relief for Starmer. AI-Generated.
For much of the past decade, Donald Trump’s approach to diplomacy has been defined by disruption. Allies were unsettled, norms were questioned, and long-standing relationships were treated as transactional deals rather than strategic partnerships. For European leaders—especially those on the center-left—Trump’s return to diplomatic relevance has been a source of persistent anxiety. Yet, in a twist few anticipated, recent signals from Trump’s evolving diplomatic posture have delivered an unexpected sense of relief for UK Labour leader Keir Starmer.
By Ayesha Lashari11 days ago in The Swamp
Former Labour Minister Quits as MP, Setting the Stage for Andy Burnham’s Westminster Return. AI-Generated.
In a dramatic turn of British politics, former Labour minister Andrew Gwynne has resigned as Member of Parliament for the Gorton and Denton constituency, officially triggering a by-election that could pave the way for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s return to the House of Commons. The announcement comes amid ongoing internal debate within the Labour Party over its future direction and leadership, further complicating the landscape for leader Sir Keir Starmer as the party prepares for upcoming local and national contests.�
By Ayesha Lashari11 days ago in The Swamp
The Right’s Loud Romance With Violence and Fascism
For decades, American conservatives have warned about the “moral decline” of the United States. Sometimes those warnings sounded sincere. I remember the Terri Schiavo case, when many conservatives framed the removal of a feeding tube as a profound moral failure. You could argue some of that outrage was politically convenient, but it was at least plausible that many of the people involved genuinely believed life was sacred and violence, broadly defined as merely ending a human life (even out of medical mercy), was wrong.
By Wade Wainio11 days ago in The Swamp
Trump Backs Down Over Tariffs and Greenland.
Trump caused panic, worry, anger, and frustration when he threatened his European partners with tariffs because they would not support him in his plan to take over Greenland. Trump wanted to buy Greenland from Denmark, or he would use force, or so it seemed to take it. Trump threatened his opponents with 10% tariffs if they did not acquiesce to his Greenland adventure, or should that be misadventure? These were to start from 1 February and would rise to 25% if those nations that opposed him did not give in.
By Nicholas Bishop11 days ago in The Swamp
China Sees an Opportunity in Greenland — But Not the One Trump Imagines An insightful and timely analysis of Beijing’s Arctic strategy amid escalating U.S.–Greenland tensions. AI-Generated.
Subtitl As debates intensify over Greenland’s strategic future, divergent visions clash on what the Arctic island represents on the global stage. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has made dramatic claims about Greenland’s importance, suggesting it must be bought or even taken by the United States to prevent China and Russia from gaining control — a stance that has alarmed diplomats, analysts, and NATO allies alike. But from Beijing’s perspective, the opportunity in Greenland is less about territorial conquest and more about broader geopolitical shifts and the erosion of Western alliances — not quite what Trump thinks.
By Salaar Jamali13 days ago in The Swamp
Donald Trump Is Not Forgetting America’s Old Alliances – His Goal Is to Destroy Them. AI-Generated.
In the realm of global diplomacy, alliances are often the linchpins of stability, trust, and collective security. For decades, the United States has maintained a network of alliances—ranging from NATO in Europe to security partnerships in Asia—that have shaped international relations and bolstered U.S. influence worldwide. Yet, under the leadership of former President Donald Trump, critics argue that these long-standing alliances are under unprecedented strain. Far from maintaining them, Trump’s policies and rhetoric suggest a deliberate approach aimed at undermining, weakening, or even destroying America’s old alliances.
By Salaar Jamali13 days ago in The Swamp
Lisa Nandy: Pushes Back Against Trump.
Northern English MP and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has voiced her government's opposition to Trump's meanderings on Greenland. She echoed her boss, Sir Keir Starmer, who has pronounced Trump's imposition of 10% tariffs on UK imports in the US as "Wrong". The UK, along with other European nations are standing up to Trump. They are standing against Trump's desire to buy Greenland. Hence, Trump is imposing 10% tariffs by 1 February, rising to 25% by 1 June if there is no agreement on Trump acquiring the biggest island in the world. Yes, folks, in case you didn't know, Greenland is not a continent, unlike Australia. The frozen territory is classified as an island geographically.
By Nicholas Bishop15 days ago in The Swamp
Five Graphics That Show Greenland’s Importance to Trump. AI-Generated.
Greenland, a vast Arctic island with a tiny population, rarely dominates global headlines. Yet during Donald Trump’s presidency and continuing influence on U.S. politics, Greenland emerged as a symbol of American strategic ambition. Trump’s interest was not about tourism or novelty. It reflected deeper calculations tied to security, resources, and global power competition. Through five conceptual “graphics,” we can clearly see why Greenland matters so much to Trump and to U.S. policymakers more broadly.
By Salaar Jamali15 days ago in The Swamp
