It's still underdeveloped isn't it and relatively poorer, much so in many places affected by war, drought and famine.

If we want to see the desire for migration decreased then we need to ensure there are strong motives not to do so. Fear is one of the strongest motives, but it's also one of the most dangerous because it can be reversed and lead to conflict. Co-operation and collaboration are both safer and more effective.

We need to learn to appreciate the benefits of globalisation and realise that ultimately it enriches the whole world. Us included.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.

With talks due to start again tomorrow my instinct is that it's more likely to be a strategic pause. A sword of Damocles swinging over the heads of the Ukrainian negotiating team.

I cannot believe with the length of time they were getting prepared for this that something as fundamental as supplies would be failing so soon.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.

Yes, this is bang on in my view. There's no denying a tribal element to people (though that can manifest itself in all manner of ways, as a cursory glance of the world and indeed current events attests to), but significant problems comes through the tendency to - within this - prefer or 'go with' bad ideas from those we're in general alignment with and rejecting good ideas elsewhere. As much as we may hate it, much of life is a series of compromises.

Brand doesn't get much love on here it seems, and I get his reputation (or 'character'), but despite his faults he's certainly not shy of being open to others views and seeing faults in his own. His attitudes could be accused of being a bit 'peace and love' and seeing maybe too much good in people, but in an age of cynicism and echo chambers, people like him have actually honed a talent and type of social intelligence that isn't all that common now.

Out of all posters your have been more factual rather than opinion.

TBH, i think it will spiral into a European war.

Yet again:

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I think the problem is actually that that isn't true. It's a favourite myth of the right to try to avoid being found guilty by association. Nothing I have ever read suggests that 20th century fascism "started on the left". It had elements of capitalism and socialism but was really neither. It might take its name from Roman times, but what's in a name?

Try reading this:-

[Link]

This is an extract:-

"The first fascist movements arose in the last years of World War I. They were a form of radical nationalism carrying a promise of national rebirth; they blamed liberalism, socialism, and materialism for the decadence they perceived in society and culture, and they expressed an appreciation for violence and the role of leadership and willpower in shaping society.

One significant fascist economic belief was that prosperity would naturally follow once the nation has achieved a cultural and spiritual re-awakening".

Familiar sentiments? You can read things like this on Gab. Fascism might not be called fascism any more, but it still lurks in our politics.

Whether Putin is a truly fascist is not the point. He certainly carries some of its baggage, and a lot more besides.

Whilst removing Putin won't change the way Russia operates immediately it should make a massive difference pretty quickly. Much of what is being done is not in Russia's ultimate interests. It's a personal crusade by Putin.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.