In 10 years, when the U.S. has moved on to other crises, the only thing that will keep Ukraine alive is its geographic defensibility.
• With Crimea: Ukraine is a maritime power and a global breadbasket.
• Without Crimea: Ukraine is a besieged fortress at the mercy of its neighbor's mood.

When I first visited the US, gotta say I was surprised at the general decrepitude of infrastructure, roads pavements, public transport etc. Granted it varies from place to place.. but. In comparison with other wealthy countries, it is generally crap.

Why is Tony Abbott ‘newsworthy’. Even the Guardian regurgitates his views.

One thing rarely addressed is that the goal of increasing US manufacturing includes bearing the direct environmental costs of that manufacturing—AND they’re simultaneously trying to dismantle environmental protections.

(For decades now, we’ve outsourced not just jobs overseas but also pollution.)

Might be time for tariffed nations to organise, before sub-optimal bilateral deals are transacted with the USA.

Again Howard/Costello legacy

But with coffee!!