Month: May 2023

“A Terribly White Balcony”

No matter how much King Charles tried to diversify, it was clear he was going to trip up at some point. And as is so often the way in drama, the denouement of the balcony scene served as his undoing. You could almost hear the media scream “where is the diversity?”

Beijing Warns Against EU Sanctions

“China will react in necessary ways,” if the EU goes ahead with its planned sanctions against companies assisting Russia, the Chinese foreign minister threatened his German counterpart during an official visit to Berlin.

Parliament Approves EU Adoption of the Istanbul Convention

“The Istanbul Convention … undermines the genuine protection of women and prioritizes ideology over facts,” MEP Ladislav Ilčić (ECR) said. Ironically, the treaty meant to combat physical and sexual violence is the one that’s being forced on member states against their will.

Fiscal Forecast America: The Debt Limit Drama

Democrats and Republicans are bickering over the debt ceiling. They will reach an agreement before the June 1st “default” date, but it will only be a stopgap measure. At some point, Congress will face such high costs for its debt that not even the most optimistic investors can trust the U.S. Treasury any longer.

Poland Blocks Migrant Return Deal With Africa Over Ukrainian Grain

Poland Blocks Migrant Return Deal With Africa Over Ukrainian Grain

Poland is using the Post-Cotonou agreement as leverage for more direct support from Brussels for handling the excess of Ukrainian agricultural products in Poland.

May 7, 2023
National Security Concerns Stall EU Cybersecurity Power Grab

National Security Concerns Stall EU Cybersecurity Power Grab

EU plans to centralise the bloc’s cybersecurity response has met with near-universal hostility, with member states wishing to safeguard control over national security.

May 7, 2023
“God Save the King”: King Charles III Officially Crowned

“God Save the King”: King Charles III Officially Crowned

Despite worries that the coronation ceremony would be riddled with modernist innovations, it proved remarkably in keeping with tradition.

Terrorist Plot Foiled: Belgian Police Detain 7 Suspects

Terrorist Plot Foiled: Belgian Police Detain 7 Suspects

The raids on the alleged Islamic State sympathizers come mere weeks after intelligence agencies warned that a resurgent IS is plotting attacks in the West.

Erdoğan vs Atatürk: A Conflict of Values

Erdoğan vs Atatürk: A Conflict of Values

A generation of Turks, craving modernization and disappointed in the current government, associate their dreams and desires for a democratic Turkey with the name of Atatürk.

May 7, 2023
Housing Loans Hardest To Get Since 2011

Housing Loans Hardest To Get Since 2011

According to the data and predictions of economists, the worst of the inflation spike may have passed but interest rates will still go up in the coming months and banks will be hawkish, imposing the tightest requirements for lending since 2011.

May 6, 2023
New French-Italian Dispute Over Immigration

New French-Italian Dispute Over Immigration

French Minister of the Interior Gérald Darmanin considers the Italian prime Minister “incapable of solving the migration problems” of her country.

Kremlin Drone Strike: EU Warns Moscow Not to Escalate, U.S. Denies Involvement

Kremlin Drone Strike: EU Warns Moscow Not to Escalate, U.S. Denies Involvement

While the U.S. insists the strike was a false flag and Ukraine celebrates with a postal stamp, Russia continues to accuse the West, saying it will lead to escalation.

May 6, 2023
Bolsonaro’s Passport and Phone Seized in Raid

Bolsonaro’s Passport and Phone Seized in Raid

Federal police, on May 5th, searched Bolsonaro’s home, seized his cell phone, and arrested six of his former collaborators.

May 6, 2023
Low Wage Immigrants Will No Longer Be Welcome in Sweden

Low Wage Immigrants Will No Longer Be Welcome in Sweden

Sweden is doubling the minimum income level non-EU migrants need to obtain a permit, with Swedish officials warning that half of the country’s migrants are unable to survive without welfare.

May 6, 2023
The 9th Art: <em>Lucky Luke</em>, or How to Keep a Series Going

The 9th Art: <em>Lucky Luke</em>, or How to Keep a Series Going

The old cowboy has had the great luck to be written and illustrated by people who love and believe in the original Luke, people who recognize that we still need joyful stories about heroes.

Member States Push for Dropping Unanimity in EU Foreign Policy

Member States Push for Dropping Unanimity in EU Foreign Policy

Replacing unanimity with qualified majority voting would only benefit Western Europe, leaving smaller member states without the ability to protest the potential rise of a centralized EU super army.

May 5, 2023