Colin Wrafter
@wraftercolin.bsky.social
Retired Irish diplomat, occasional lecturer and seminar chair. Interests include foreign policy, Northern Ireland , human rights, philosophy, history. I enjoy golf but rarely win!
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
“The United Kingdom is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes the attacks are illegal, sources familiar with the matter told CNN.“
Exclusive: UK suspends some intelligence sharing with US over boat strike concerns in major break | CNN Politics
The United Kingdom is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes ...
www.cnn.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:26 PM
“The United Kingdom is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes the attacks are illegal, sources familiar with the matter told CNN.“
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
‘Don’t reproduce and don’t eat meat were twin mantras for anyone who wanted to reduce their carbon footprint over a lifetime. That second piece of advice still holds. But the first was a misunderstanding.’
David Runciman on depopulation, online now from the next issue.
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
David Runciman on depopulation, online now from the next issue.
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
David Runciman · Are we doomed? The End of the Species
Are we doomed to die out? We find ourselves at the only point in the history of the species when the rate of population...
www.lrb.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 5:06 PM
‘Don’t reproduce and don’t eat meat were twin mantras for anyone who wanted to reduce their carbon footprint over a lifetime. That second piece of advice still holds. But the first was a misunderstanding.’
David Runciman on depopulation, online now from the next issue.
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
David Runciman on depopulation, online now from the next issue.
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
A brilliant example of what Lewis Goodall talks about when he argues why right-wing radicals keep winning. They don't play by the rules and simply don't care. Whereas the institutions they want to destroy do even when said rules are contorted to absurdity and are blatantly being used against them.
The founder of Newsmax was just on the Today programme pontificating about bias. Boy, the BBC loves to submit itself to flagellation.
November 11, 2025 at 8:45 AM
A brilliant example of what Lewis Goodall talks about when he argues why right-wing radicals keep winning. They don't play by the rules and simply don't care. Whereas the institutions they want to destroy do even when said rules are contorted to absurdity and are blatantly being used against them.
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
Laura Loomer said that she would never “make the sacrifices” she’s made for President Trump for someone else. But some in Washington have started to wonder whether she is being compensated for what she portrays as a selfless mission. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/bf6nyC
November 11, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Laura Loomer said that she would never “make the sacrifices” she’s made for President Trump for someone else. But some in Washington have started to wonder whether she is being compensated for what she portrays as a selfless mission. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/bf6nyC
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
Just finished watching "Breaking Rank; Inside Israel's War". It should be available on ITV Player if you want to catch it. Awful but vitally important watch. Astounding hearing directly from perpetrators.
Israeli soldiers speak out on killings of Gaza civilians www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Israeli soldiers speak out on killings of Gaza civilians www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Israeli soldiers speak out on killings of Gaza civilians
IDF soldiers tell documentary of opening fire unprovoked and arbitrary designations of who was an enemy
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Just finished watching "Breaking Rank; Inside Israel's War". It should be available on ITV Player if you want to catch it. Awful but vitally important watch. Astounding hearing directly from perpetrators.
Israeli soldiers speak out on killings of Gaza civilians www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Israeli soldiers speak out on killings of Gaza civilians www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
Was Project 2025 in fact an Opus Dei project? Of course it was. And the key tie in was the man responsible for Project 2025, Kevin Roberts, an Opus Dei acolyte.
Kevin Roberts and the Opus Dei connection
The president of the Heritage Foundation is a regular at the Opus Dei hub in DC
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Was Project 2025 in fact an Opus Dei project? Of course it was. And the key tie in was the man responsible for Project 2025, Kevin Roberts, an Opus Dei acolyte.
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
"Orbán counts on Trump going full Argentina to save him from election doom" www.politico.eu/article/hung...
November 11, 2025 at 1:02 AM
"Orbán counts on Trump going full Argentina to save him from election doom" www.politico.eu/article/hung...
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
One thing I really admire is the long UK tradition of independent review of terrorism powers. Shows the strengths of a democracy.
“Legal experts, former government ministers and an ex-MI6 director have criticised the process used to ban Palestine Action”.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
“Legal experts, former government ministers and an ex-MI6 director have criticised the process used to ban Palestine Action”.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Legal experts and politicians criticise process used to ban Palestine Action
Independent commission says definition of terrorism relied on by ministers is too broad and more parliamentary oversight is needed
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:07 AM
One thing I really admire is the long UK tradition of independent review of terrorism powers. Shows the strengths of a democracy.
“Legal experts, former government ministers and an ex-MI6 director have criticised the process used to ban Palestine Action”.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
“Legal experts, former government ministers and an ex-MI6 director have criticised the process used to ban Palestine Action”.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
“Eli describes an incident in which a senior officer ordered a tank to demolish a building in an area designated as safe for civilians. “A man was standing on the roof, hanging laundry, and the officer decided that he was a spotter. He’s not a spotter.”
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Israeli soldiers speak out on killings of Gaza civilians
IDF soldiers tell documentary of opening fire unprovoked and arbitrary designations of who was an enemy
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:10 AM
“Eli describes an incident in which a senior officer ordered a tank to demolish a building in an area designated as safe for civilians. “A man was standing on the roof, hanging laundry, and the officer decided that he was a spotter. He’s not a spotter.”
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/n...
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
This is almost a weekly event now. "Belgium flounders as 5 drones buzz nuclear power plant." www.politico.eu/article/dron...
November 11, 2025 at 1:15 AM
This is almost a weekly event now. "Belgium flounders as 5 drones buzz nuclear power plant." www.politico.eu/article/dron...
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
The shutdown is not yet over: there is work still to do in the Senate, and then in the House, before Donald Trump can sign off. But Senate Democrats’ resistance is over. Where does this leave the Democratic Party? https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/1Y3quB
Did Democrats Win the Shutdown After All?
What the Party got out of the longest government closure in American history.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 11, 2025 at 1:30 AM
The shutdown is not yet over: there is work still to do in the Senate, and then in the House, before Donald Trump can sign off. But Senate Democrats’ resistance is over. Where does this leave the Democratic Party? https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/1Y3quB
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
"He's playing a very dangerous dual role inside the DOJ, and he seems to be egging the president on to test the boundaries of his presidential authorities in a way that is really destructive to the rule of law."
@lizoyer.bsky.social and @samsteindc.bsky.social discuss presidential pardon corruption.
@lizoyer.bsky.social and @samsteindc.bsky.social discuss presidential pardon corruption.
November 11, 2025 at 1:45 AM
"He's playing a very dangerous dual role inside the DOJ, and he seems to be egging the president on to test the boundaries of his presidential authorities in a way that is really destructive to the rule of law."
@lizoyer.bsky.social and @samsteindc.bsky.social discuss presidential pardon corruption.
@lizoyer.bsky.social and @samsteindc.bsky.social discuss presidential pardon corruption.
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
there is a way in which this is perfectly consistent with trump's (and maga's) refusal to hear -- let alone consider -- any criticism. they can stick their fingers in their ears & they can skip out on meetings, but that doesn't change the reality of abuses they are perpetrating.
The Trump administration is setting a dangerous precedent.
The world is watching this administration's attempts to limit our constitutional and human rights.
The world is watching this administration's attempts to limit our constitutional and human rights.
US skips human rights review by UN body as countries appeal for its return next year
The United States on Friday snubbed a U.N. body charged with keeping tabs on the human rights records of all its member countries, on orders of the Trump administration — which has turned its back on the Human Rights Council.
apnews.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:59 AM
there is a way in which this is perfectly consistent with trump's (and maga's) refusal to hear -- let alone consider -- any criticism. they can stick their fingers in their ears & they can skip out on meetings, but that doesn't change the reality of abuses they are perpetrating.
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
NEW: Trump pardons the husband of GOP Rep. Diana Harshbarger.
Bob Harshbarger pleaded guilty to fraud & distributing kidney drugs from China that weren't FDA approved.
His wife was an officer in the company, but claimed she wasn't involved.
The WH says the pardon was not related to his last name
Bob Harshbarger pleaded guilty to fraud & distributing kidney drugs from China that weren't FDA approved.
His wife was an officer in the company, but claimed she wasn't involved.
The WH says the pardon was not related to his last name
Trump Pardons the Husband of a Republican Congressional Ally
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:12 AM
NEW: Trump pardons the husband of GOP Rep. Diana Harshbarger.
Bob Harshbarger pleaded guilty to fraud & distributing kidney drugs from China that weren't FDA approved.
His wife was an officer in the company, but claimed she wasn't involved.
The WH says the pardon was not related to his last name
Bob Harshbarger pleaded guilty to fraud & distributing kidney drugs from China that weren't FDA approved.
His wife was an officer in the company, but claimed she wasn't involved.
The WH says the pardon was not related to his last name
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
Prominent Afrikaners are pushing back after President Trump announced no U.S. officials will attend the G20 in Johannesburg, rejecting his claims of "white persecution" in South Africa as false and politically driven.
Prominent Afrikaners refuse to be 'pawns,' and hit back at Trump's claims about South Africa
Prominent Afrikaners are pushing back after President Trump announced no U.S. officials will attend the G20 in Johannesburg, rejecting his claims of "white persecution" in South Africa as false and politically driven.
n.pr
November 11, 2025 at 2:09 AM
Prominent Afrikaners are pushing back after President Trump announced no U.S. officials will attend the G20 in Johannesburg, rejecting his claims of "white persecution" in South Africa as false and politically driven.
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
President Trump doubled down on his criticism of those federal workers not coming to work during the government shutdown
Trump condemns air traffic controllers not showing up for work without pay
The president said federal aviation workers who have continued to work should receive bonuses of $10,000
www.thetimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:20 AM
President Trump doubled down on his criticism of those federal workers not coming to work during the government shutdown
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
In response to this claim that the "strategy didn't work."
The people were on our side. We were building momentum to help save our democracy. We could have won - the premium increase notices were just starting.
And giving in now will embolden him. Things will likely get worse.
The people were on our side. We were building momentum to help save our democracy. We could have won - the premium increase notices were just starting.
And giving in now will embolden him. Things will likely get worse.
November 10, 2025 at 5:43 PM
In response to this claim that the "strategy didn't work."
The people were on our side. We were building momentum to help save our democracy. We could have won - the premium increase notices were just starting.
And giving in now will embolden him. Things will likely get worse.
The people were on our side. We were building momentum to help save our democracy. We could have won - the premium increase notices were just starting.
And giving in now will embolden him. Things will likely get worse.
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
an underrated part of this turducken of garbage is Elon posting an image of the Odyssey while discussing the Iliad, but it's all so terribly, terribly pathetic
*maximum alpha at 1.25x speed* continuously lives on in my head, unfortunately.
November 11, 2025 at 1:48 AM
an underrated part of this turducken of garbage is Elon posting an image of the Odyssey while discussing the Iliad, but it's all so terribly, terribly pathetic
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
"Prominent Afrikaners refuse to be 'pawns,' and hit back at Trump's claims about South Africa" www.npr.org/2025/11/10/n...
Prominent Afrikaners refuse to be 'pawns,' and hit back at Trump's claims about South Africa
Prominent Afrikaners are pushing back after President Trump announced no U.S. officials will attend the G20 in Johannesburg, rejecting his claims of "white persecution" in South Africa as false and po...
www.npr.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:23 AM
"Prominent Afrikaners refuse to be 'pawns,' and hit back at Trump's claims about South Africa" www.npr.org/2025/11/10/n...
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
This kind of influence by a political appointee of the Johnson government, with a strong partisan record and reputation, appeared a Faustian pact imposed on the BBC by the government of the day. Its striking that this attempt continued after a change of government
www.theguardian.com/media/ng-int...
www.theguardian.com/media/ng-int...
‘Make no mistake – this was a coup’: the extraordinary downfall of the BBC’s top bosses
The whirlwind that started when Deborah Turness came under attack at a board meeting is part of a wider political story, some say
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:53 PM
This kind of influence by a political appointee of the Johnson government, with a strong partisan record and reputation, appeared a Faustian pact imposed on the BBC by the government of the day. Its striking that this attempt continued after a change of government
www.theguardian.com/media/ng-int...
www.theguardian.com/media/ng-int...
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
The reaction to the Panorama edit has been nothing short of hysterical. Yes the BBC has some impartiality problems. But its biggest isn't the one you think.
New piece from me.
open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
New piece from me.
open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
The truth about impartiality at the BBC
And the hysteria of the current "crisis"
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:22 PM
The reaction to the Panorama edit has been nothing short of hysterical. Yes the BBC has some impartiality problems. But its biggest isn't the one you think.
New piece from me.
open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
New piece from me.
open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
That old metaphor about the frog and the boiling water isn’t true: If you put a frog in a pot of water and slowly raise the heat, the frog will jump out before it gets boiled to death.
The question now is whether American journalists are smarter than frogs.
My Stop the Presses newsletter.
The question now is whether American journalists are smarter than frogs.
My Stop the Presses newsletter.
How news coverage eases us into tyranny
When the media act like things are normal, they don’t reassure us – they gaslight us
www.stopthepresses.news
November 10, 2025 at 6:53 PM
That old metaphor about the frog and the boiling water isn’t true: If you put a frog in a pot of water and slowly raise the heat, the frog will jump out before it gets boiled to death.
The question now is whether American journalists are smarter than frogs.
My Stop the Presses newsletter.
The question now is whether American journalists are smarter than frogs.
My Stop the Presses newsletter.
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
November 10, 2025 at 6:40 PM
SUPERB and angrily unvarnished response, by former BBC chairman, Lord Patten.
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
"I don't think that we should allow ourselves to be bullied into thinking that the BBC is only any good, if it reflects the prejudice of the last person who shouted at it." ~AA
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
The evidence keeps accumulating that Brexit was an astonishing self-inflicted economic policy disaster. The fact that it is a slow-moving one bodes ill for those who think that populist economic mismanagement will translate into voters punishing populists. www.nber.org/system/files...
November 10, 2025 at 4:26 PM
The evidence keeps accumulating that Brexit was an astonishing self-inflicted economic policy disaster. The fact that it is a slow-moving one bodes ill for those who think that populist economic mismanagement will translate into voters punishing populists. www.nber.org/system/files...
Reposted by Colin Wrafter
President Trump pardoned Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell and dozens of other allies accused of trying to overturn his 2020 election loss, a DOJ official said. The largely symbolic move does not apply to any state charges reut.rs/4oyhPp6
November 10, 2025 at 7:01 PM
President Trump pardoned Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell and dozens of other allies accused of trying to overturn his 2020 election loss, a DOJ official said. The largely symbolic move does not apply to any state charges reut.rs/4oyhPp6