Truly delighted to share this big news. The hope is that the Rokos School of Government can - over time and across boundaries - become "an important element of that soft power which has been a great asset to the UK".
Out today @EngelsbergIdeas: I have written an explainer on #Yemen's Houthis & the Red Sea attacks
▪️Who are the #Houthis & what do they want?
▪️What is the link to #Israel-#Gaza?
▪️What is #Iran's role?
▪️Can they be reined in?
▪️How likely is all-out war?
#ISIS#Yemen thwarted by loudly squawking bird:
Heroic bird relentlessly drowns out ISIS-Y's attempt to renew allegiance to the caliph. Leader's feeble memory adds to the woes... These bodged "takes" didn't make it into the official video of this solemn event, released end July
I was getting a falafel sandwich in #Beirut last night.
Falafel guy "Where you from?"
Me "Britain"
Falafel guy falls about laughing "Here to monitor the protests? [I'm not, but we were speaking Arabic] Look at your own mess! [more laughs]"
So much for British soft power...
This is deeply disturbing. In today's @guardian podcast, @GuardianAnushka speaks in depth to @carolecadwalla & @shahmiruk on how #VoteLeaveBrokeTheLaw, then tried to undermine the whistle-blower. The rot appears to go to the heart of government. #Brexit
Just had a WhatsApp from a tribesman in #Yemen's north-east deserts, checking to see if I'm ok. Apparently they've just heard news of how many Brits🇬🇧 are dying from #CoronaVirus. How lovely is that?
I wish Brits were equally worried about what Yemenis 🇾🇪 are dying from...
#Yemen: Finally something that the Houthis, STC & Hadi government can all agree on...
All 3 rival power structures have released warm words of respect, appreciation & condolence on the passing of #Oman's #SultanQaboos. It's hard to imagine any other world leader achieving this
UK #Parliament is currently in an emergency debate on #Yemen. Turnout is disgraceful. This is how the House Chamber looks right now. British voters do care about famine, cholera, blockade, sale of UK weapons that *may* kill civilians, atrocities on all sides. Why don't our MPs?
Strongly disagree with views aired in @Guardian & @BBCNewsnight that revoking #ISIS bride #ShamimaBegum's citizenship is racist. UK Home Secretary (himself of Pakistani Muslim heritage) acted -rightly or wrongly- because she opted to join ISIS not because of her Bangladeshi roots
Flags at UK royal residences & government buildings are flying half-mast today to mark the passing of #SultanQaboos. The special relationship between #Britain & #Oman - and our monarchs - is long & enduring. All respect to Oman for a swift & smooth transition to Sultan Haitham