Trade follows the flag
A depressing basis for foreign policy indeed but, at least the coalition government are being honest about their motivations instead of pretending that it is about ethics or responsibility.
Brexit & Foreign Policy
Afghanistan: Is Now the Time to Talk?
Former Captain in the Royal Irish Regiment, Patrick Bury, writes exclusively for Left Foot Forward on the way ahead in Afghanistan, and the options available for the coalition forces.
Cameron is showing refreshing pragmatism on Turkey and Europe
David Cameron’s stance on Europe and the European Union seems to have turned on its head in recent weeks; earlier this week, he used his meeting with the Turkish prime minister to state Turkey’s case for EU membership – a crucially important issue for both Turkey and the future of the EU.
Brown: Africa key to global growth
In his first major speech since leaving office, Gordon Brown called for Africa to be at the heart of a new global growth strategy, aided by a mass roll out of broadband.
Al Megrahi debate puts Westminster/Holyrood relations under strain
Speaking in the US, Mr Cameron made clear that he felt al-Meagrahi “should have died in jail”, and speaking to the Herald, the foreign secretary at the time of the release, David Miliband, described the decision as “clearly wrong”.
Serious questions need to be asked following latest Afghan troop deaths
The media is again questioning the credibility of the Coalition’s only exit strategy. This is exactly what the Taliban who planned the attack will have hoped for.
From “top priority” to “top target for cuts”: A Coalition u-turn on climate diplomacy?
Writing for the Telegraph, James Kirkup flagged a couple of weeks ago that William Hague has quietly announced cuts to the Foreign Office budget for climate diplomacy.
Where next for Afghanistan after McChrystal’s dismissal
It is a professional maxim, and sound piece of personal wisdom, that the greatest gift one person can give another is clear expectations. In that respect, the leadership of the NATO coalition in Afghanistan has not been particularly generous of late: the past two weeks have seen surprisingly public outbreaks of discord at the highest levels of the British and American security establishments.
Hague’s actions on Europe not his words will show where he really stands
If we are to take something positive from William Hague’s speech yesterday, it is that senior Conservatives seem to have got the message that Britain’s role in the European Unioin is important. However, it has also exposed the emptiness of what the Cameron government has to offer on the international stage.
UK voters call for talks with Taleban – as Taleban say no
Three-fifths of the British public believe the government should enter negotiations with the Taleban, as it emerged this morning that the Taleban themselves are unwilling to negotiate.