Al-Baghdadi "died after running into a dead-end tunnel, whimpering and crying and screaming all the way," Trump later said at the White House news conference, calling him a "gutless animal".
Another coward just like that dope smoking,porno watching,degenerate Osama Bin Laden.
All these cowards trying to disrupt the spread of freedom and democracy ibn America's backyard is enough to make you…sick.
Imagine the USA chasing a protest leader here like that. It isn't impossible to think of as annually or more often, there are Defence Force maneouvres with the USA and other countries and they have a game plan and often it is about a group rising up against the government. Turning language, 'weaponising' naming of protests to calling them 'terrorists' is a move towards turning the facts so they present a different picture. And even people minding their own affairs may be attacked; Why? Because we can!
Think about the Marshall Islands where the USA let off a giant atomic blast, and lots of other blasts too.
The commission's chair, [National Nuclear Commission] Rhea Moss-Christian, said the NNC Strategy is a tool for all Marshallese, whether living in the islands or overseas, to use in their individual and collective efforts to respond to the devastation resulting from the U.S. nuclear weapons testing program in the Marshall Islands.
"It is also a resource for our partners and friends outside the Marshall Islands to understand the nuclear testing impacts that persist today and how they can support the Marshallese people," Rhea Moss-Christian said.
This is what the USA is prepared to do to small islands that pose no threat to their might. They may choose to hold military exercises and then start testing weapons. We have new business here in NZ – setting off rockets, more dangerous an activity than on November 5th.
I don't know whether your comment is meant to be satire Blazer but the world's liar-in-chief will be lying. Sure, the terrorist leader was probably running away but the "gutless animal" bit is a perfect description of Trump himself. In fact if Trump ever found himself cornered , its how he would behave – "like a coward to the end."
Malignant narcissists have a habit of projecting their own dysfunctional personalities onto other individuals.
No, I'm not defending the ISIS leader who deserved extermination.
Yep good points Anne – only an idiot would trust or believe anything turnip.rump says but some people also don't believe in the climate crisis we are in – they make a sack of spanners look smart.
I wish we could stop the cycle of violence that causes so many innocent deaths and devastation.
Update: A previous version of this article said the raid reportedly took place at 3:30 p.m. According to more recent reporting, it took place at approximately 6:10 p.m.
Based on past practice, I'm inclined to suspect Trump had the time of the raid changed so it looked like the photo was taken after the raid instead of beforehand. Whatever… why is it that everything he's involved in always has marked discrepancies attached? I mean, top level professionals don't get the times wrong.
Ah, did not see that note. No conspiracy required – it's just the difference between the Pacific (PST) and Eastern (EST) timezones of the US coasts where its media organisations are based.
Photos of Obama and Clinton in the situation room were widely dispersed in the media as depicting the pres. and his crew watching the raid on the compound as it happened
American imperialism at its finest,don't let anyone criticise it
Two situation rooms,Dem and Republican presidents, both full of shit,both murderers
By that token, you're defending American imperialism and its endless murders, by isolating and targeting Trump , as if all this mayhem and bullshit in the ME started with him
I suspect I'm a few decades older than you, I have a long memory, seen all this bullshit a thousand times before
Of course Trump is a total dickhead, I find it hard to come up with an American pres. who wasn't
He's just the latest clueless American exceptionalist incarnation, who doesn't have the social graces or political nous to clothe it all in fine language.
If your starting point is all American presidents are total dickheads, you will always find find plenty of ammunition for that view point. The job involves balancing competing demands that are fundamentally incompatible, and I find it simply inconceivable that anyone could resolve those issues without the outcomes being pretty shitty for some people most of the time.
But that's not a useful position if you're actually looking for a path to a better world.
There will always be a president of the US, and some of them are 'less crap' than others.The ones that actually are going to be less crap are worth trying to identify and support, and the 'more crap' ones need to be called out and resisted more strongly. Rather than just taking the facile path of throwing a tantrum at all of them, in the hopes of achieving – what exactly, getting to watch it all burn?
Marty – wait until you are 80 before you write silly, disrespectful stuff like that. By then you may have learnt that you actually know less than you are currently so certain about.
I normally agree with you, but at times you come across as highly over-confident.
I agree fully with Francesca that she was not trying to deflect anything.
in vino – talk to her and her disrespectful try to shut the discussion down put down regarding what she thought my age was and then come back and I'll give you the time of day – I don't care about the age of people – you or her – I take what they write as what they write and if you think that she didn't deflect then good for you mate
That's looks like an awful lot of attempted misinformation and smearing on the back of "video blackout".
Quite likely there would have been a lot of other information coming through at the time, as the entire team would have been sweating bullets about the risk of another debacle like the failed Iran hostage rescue in 1980.
Nice smear by implying that people were there to watch a snuff film, when the situation involved an awful lot of personal risk to the personnel involved that carried enormous international and domestic political implications. Those watching would want to have the best information they possibly could in real time in case they were called on to respond to things going bad.
Well if they were called upon , they were shit out of luck .The Seals, those brave heroes, America's finest, made the final decision to kill , in haste even though Bin Laden was unarmed.
Nice try as you would say Andre, but Obama was a killer too, just like all American presidents, but with a prettier face, better speech writers, and a better handle on the political game.
I don't like the way Trump tells the story. You can tell he is loving being in the limelight describing how the guy was killed and able to say anything he likes about it as non of it can be dis-proved.
I was disappointed in the the President's speech about Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi death. Given the same circumstances I'm sure George Washington and Abe Lincoln would've been a tad more eloquent. No doubt when Trump reflects he will rue a chance he could have made more of. Maybe some wimpy adviser limited him
"Died after running into a dead-end tunnel, whimpering and crying and screaming all the way"? A "gutless animal" who "died like a dog, he died like a coward."
Surely a half-hearted effort. The real Trump supporters would have relished some description of the brain tissue of Baghdadi's kids dripping off the ceiling, pieces of their limbs sliding down the walls the odd eyeball still looking at them.
When it comes to emulating his historic heroes he has a way to go but a touch such as naming American victims of executions by the Islamic State was nice.
Quite a peachy performance by the ringmaster in the Big Top.
What chance the author of the demise of Otto Warmbier receiving equally eloquent salutations?
"There’s no credible data to prove a successful American raid took place against Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Russia’s Defense Ministry said. The US coalition didn’t even carry out any airstrikes in Idlib recently.
Moscow pointed out that it recorded no US coalition airstrikes in the Idlib area in northwest Syria on Saturday when the raid was held.
It also rejected Trump’s claims that Russian forces opened up the airspace under its control in Syria to American planes to facilitate the operation against the IS leader.
The ministry questioned the very possibility of al-Baghdadi’s presence in Idlib as the area is held by Al-Qaeda offshoot, Jabhat al-Nusra, who have always been mortal enemies of Islamic State."
Someone bombed the site of the house where al-Baghdadi lived. Since it was only a few km from Turkish border theres many ways they could have flown to the immediate area or even used so called glide bombs without going through the airspace controlled by Syria /Russia
Why go through the charade of thanking Russia for opening its air space
"Later in his press conference, Trump said Russia allowed US forces to fly through its airspace and that the US government informed Russia that it would “like” the nature of the American mission."
Not that I could ever see NZTA taking out a judicial review of a decision from its own Minister, but Chris Bishop may well have a point here on light rail; from today's NZHerald:
From NZInfra: "Prior to submitting our proposal, we discussed it with Sir Brian Roche and Sir Michael Cullen and, together with them, corresponded with and sought meetings with Ministers to explain the concept and our investment.
"There was no invitation from the Government to submit such a proposal nor any pressure to do so."
Cullen said that the Super Fund had initiated the approach.
"The purpose of the January meeting was to try to ensure that the Government was aware that the Super Fund was interested in putting forward a proposal and that space was made to listen to that proposal."
Twyford has subsequently appointed Roche to chair NZTA, but Twyford said there was no conflict of interest "because Sir Brian is not a decision-maker on the light rail project".
National Party transport spokesman Chris Bishop has criticised the process.
"Two years after the Prime Minister made this flagship promise, we have no business case, we have no costings, we have no route map, we don't even have an identification of the objectives of why they're doing it in the first place.
"If the Prime Minister had the courage of her convictions, she would remove Phil Twyford from the portfolio."
Yeah, yeah, Chris Bishop, no business case, no costings, no route map, no budget, big deal.
You've got slimy National bullshit artists saying the current Government killed massive improvements to the highway to Northland which National was implementing.
National election promises became reality and your desperate, sycophantic supporters have ridden a highway of lies since.
So Chris, if business cases, costings, route maps and trivialities like budgeting are a big deal, 1) get your sad mob to shut up and 2) since you're so good at getting headlines, grab some to tell the truth about Warkworth to Whangarei roading.
The problem of open-ended civil unrest in Hong Kong, which has been punctuated by rising acts of violence and vandalism carried out by a distinct but hardline minority, is a reflection of China’s new assertiveness under Xi – an assertiveness that marks a break with the caution of the post-Mao era. It can be seen in Xi’s signature undertaking, the Belt and Road Initiative – an infrastructure building project with global ambitions. Or, most recently, the flaunting of new weapons systems during the military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Communist party rule – a declaration of China’s intention to rival American military power more openly than at any time in the recent past.
Under Xi, China has been intervening much more directly in the governance of Hong Kong. The most notable example of this was the abduction to China of Hong Kong booksellers who traded in titles critical of Beijing or historical accounts that undermined Chinese orthodoxy.
Ihumatao – what gives. Had a look and managed to get on a site with a pouting curvy woman with big boobies. It's hard to get through the barriers to real information these days!
.
But NZ Initiative are showing how they have joined the list of continuing earthquakes rumbling away, making our lives more uneasy and falling into an irreparable condition.
https://nzinitiative.org.nz/reports-and-media/opinion/property-rights-and-ihumatao-blues/ Property rights and Ihumatao blues: Dr Bryce Wilkinson Insights Newsletter 27 September, 2019 The apparently successful illegal occupation of private property in Auckland’s Ihumātao is potentially a serious setback for the rule of law, and thereby New Zealanders’ wellbeing. Also disturbing are the more immediate implications for Auckland housing and the Treaty of Waitangi claims process.
.
"Ōruarangi will be home to a new neighbourhood that will provide a range of affordable housing for our whanau and new families. The developer Fletcher Building plans to build 480 homes. Around 40 of these will be affordable housing for our people.
Te Kawerau ā Maki has played a key part in the design of the new development. It will reflect our heritage, including walkways that mirror the movements of our tupuna Hape, and parks that resemble our maunga.
KAM acknowlege other iwi and hapū have whakapapa to this whenua .
This could be the loophole to get around the 'settled claim issue' although even the SOUL group when opposing the the Fletcher development in legal proceedings were as Kawerau a Maki.
There will be claim and counter-claim for a while. Then a cash deal.
Sure at a good point before the election, they'll come out singing and Prime Minister Ardern will wrap it up in her most polished of televisual emotions. Singing and orchestrated weeping covers everything.
I see a very high chance of judicial review of any decision – barring some little legislative carve-out – because one Maori group or other will feel slighted.
Ain't no stable truth emerging out of this for a long time.
There are complex relationships with that place. No gain from us talking about it here without the neccessary background understanding, and certainly not with the views of the right-wing Business Roundtable NZ Initiative added to the bonfire.
'Courage beads' are given out to children going through cancer treatment. Some families say they've become much more difficult to get out of the Child Cancer Foundation since the charity changed the way it operates.
Abso-fucking-lutely. The more I take a look at those involved in the provision of public services, the more control-freakery and utter muppetry I seem to encounter.
Newly released video shows a Fresno, California, police officer shooting a fleeing, unarmed 16-year-old in the back of the head and then handcuffing the boy as he lies motionless on the ground.
"1.5 Million Packages a Day: The Internet Brings Chaos to N.Y. Streets"
'The push for convenience is having a stark impact on gridlock, roadway safety and pollution in New York City and urban areas around the world.
One of the issues is they use the public space- streets and footpaths- as sort of warehouse. And apartment buildings which were designed for letters now have an avalanche of packages every day.
"About 15 percent of New York City households receive a package every day, according to the Sustainable Urban Freight Systems center
Where I live with a group of 20 houses , some days I see Uber Eats deliveries multiple times. Even though its about 1 km from 2 supermarkets , a Countdown truck drops off a delivery at least once a week. A neighbour uses Uber for getting to and from work even though a good bus service is 50m away
In retrospect, it is striking how well Turkish, Russian, American, and Syrian actions fit together, effectively shaping an outcome in concert instead of bouncing off each other and breaking down in chaos.
[…]
Nevertheless, the idea that the carve-up of Syria was the result of sheer improvisation and happenstance is so far-fetched that if you believe it—well, I’ve got a pontoon bridge over the Euphrates to sell you.
I think that is the kind of stuff that goes on behind closed doors.Give me this propaganda coup to offset the Kurd issue.The promise of a homeland for the Kurds was never going to be kept .How could it? Without endless aid and military protection.
And a 10 Kurd minority in control of the richest part of the country in terms of oil fields was never going to sit well with the rest of the population
The Rojava experiment might have sounded cute, so did the kibbutzim for socialist hippies .Didnt turn out so well
Trump gave plenty of warnings he wanted to pull out.Each time he was over ridden
Who knows whos calling the shots on the American side, with the President saying one thing, the CIA another and the Pentagon going its own way .
Now it seems the Americans are going for the oil again. Out and out theft
Last weekend, the conservative website RedState published a series of articles alleging that Hill had engaged in relationships with a member of her campaign staff and the House staffer. Hill denied the relationship with the House employee, which would be a violation of House rules, but did not deny the relationship with the campaign staff member.
The release of the story, complete with intimate photos of Hill, sparked debate about a double standard in the male-dominated world of political sex scandals, particularly because Hill has blamed Heslep for releasing the photos. Hill’s resignation is likely to bring those questions further out into the open.
On Wednesday, in a letter to constituents, Hill again denied the alleged relationship with the House staff member but acknowledged she was involved in a separate relationship with a member of her campaign staff “during the final tumultuous years of my abusive marriage.”
“I know that even a consensual relationship with a subordinate is inappropriate, but I still allowed it to happen despite my better judgment,” the letter read.
Perhaps Comey could take dual citizenship and become our next National Party leader. If we don't allow duality now we can soon change our laws to enable it, flexibility is our name. It would be a fun feather in his cap which Key has shown how to stick in behind the Right band.
Becoming a politician – anywhere – I think would be the last thing James Comey would have in mind. He does not strike me as a political animal. Yes, I think he is probably a conservative thinker but that does not mean he is National Party material.
He comes across to me as a man of integrity who nevertheless, like all of us, is not immune to making mistakes.
bit late as been busy, but to joe90 at 2.1.2.2 : I agree with you absolutely about Trump's obscene joy in killing another ( and probably several), whoever it be. His attitude and the proof again of his infantile stage of development is frightening. I turned off all TV and radio today when found the event such a big deal to them too…..also concerning/frightening. I write in sincerity.
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Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy.Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
The Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...
With Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...
The Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Changes in the May 14 budget will cut the student debt of more than three million people, wiping more than $3 billion from what people owe. The government will cap the HELP indexation rate ...
Asia Pacific Report The prosecutor’s office at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has appealed for an end to what it calls intimidation of its staff, saying such threats could constitute an offence against the “administration of justice” by the world’s permanent war crimes court. The Hague-based office of ICC Prosecutor ...
By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk A women’s union in New Caledonia has staged a sit-in protest this week to support senior Kanak indigenous journalist Thérèse Waia, who works for public broadcaster Nouvelle-Calédonie la Première, after a smear attack by critics. The peaceful demonstration was held on ...
New Zealand Food Safety is monitoring overseas recalls of Indian packaged spice products manufactured by MDH and Everest due to concerns over a cancer-causing pesticide. ...
By Stephen Wright and Stefan Armbruster of BenarNews Fiji’s ranking in a global press freedom index has jumped into the top tier of countries with free or mostly free media after its government last year repealed a draconian law that threatened journalists with prison for doing their jobs. Fiji’s improvement ...
We might be in Invercargill but all anyone can talk about is Gore. Specifically, Salford Street. That’s where three-year-old Lachlan Jones lived, south of the centre of town, between the A&P Showgrounds and the Mataura River. Roughly 1.2 km away from the single level home he lived in with his ...
MONDAY I lined up the latest round of civil servants from city hall against the wall, and signalled for the firing squad to drop their rifles. I stepped up onto a wooden crate to look at the office workers in the eye. But that didn’t feel right, so I found ...
Keen hiker and second-year MSc student Liam Hewson wears two hats when he’s in the great outdoors. “The scientist in me appreciates nature and goes, ‘Oh, there’s that thing and there’s another thing,’ but then the tramper and the outdoorsy person in me thinks, ‘Cool bush.’” Born and bred in ...
After a long and illustrious career as a goal kicker, Dan Carter’s favourite way to unwind is… kicking goals. Why can’t he get enough of it? And what it’s like to watch him do it for an hour straight? A semicircle of people wielding cameras and phones has formed in ...
Dame Susan Devoy takes us through her life in television, including late night ER debriefs, her proudest CTI moment and the show she watches in secret. Quite aside from her four world champion squash titles, Dame Susan Devoy will likely go down in history as one of the best Celebrity ...
Hera Lindsay Bird reveals the best places in Ōtepoti to score more for your apocalypse-prep book hoard.Sometimes I get the feeling I’ve been killed in a car crash, and this second half of my life is just the brain unspooling itself, like one of those episodes of a hospital ...
ThreeNow’s new murder mystery series takes us on a dark, damp journey into the Australian wilderness.This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. High Country is ThreeNow’s new Australian eight-part crime drama, set in a remote part of the Victorian highlands. It tells ...
Introducing a new way to read The Spinoff every weekend. After nearly 10 years of being an online magazine, we’re finally embracing the weekend liftout. Despite our best efforts to convince you otherwise, writers and editors at The Spinoff don’t work weekend. It is through the sheer power of technology ...
Tip one: let yourself be nurtured by this big old man. Tip two: don’t ask him to adopt you. So, you’ve arrived at your first session with a new therapist. He tells you to make yourself comfortable and you opt for the tweed armchair, hoping it makes you look like ...
I didn’t know books could open you back up; that there were books that stayed with you, where reading was like a chemical event. I knew nothing.The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand.Not too long ago, I was listening to the American ...
Former Olympic swimmer James Magnussen has already started training for the Enhanced games, though says he won’t start taking performance enhancing substances until about nine months out from the competition. The Australian world champion was the first athlete to be announced by Enhanced, but he says the organisation has had ...
Everyone thinks he’s dead. Every day they expect his body to be washed up along the coast. Most likely up Karitane way, the way the tide’s running. But nobody’ll be too surprised if his body’s never found. Even in death he wouldn’t have wished for such attention. He would have ...
Council members voted 21 to 4 in favour of Ahluwalia returning to the Laucala campus following a much-awaited meeting in Vanuatu this week. It comes as USP and its two unions — the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS) and the Administration and Support Staff Union ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicola Henry, Professor & Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Social and Global Studies Centre, RMIT University Shutterstock Following an emergency meeting of the National Cabinet this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a raft of measures to tackle the problem ...
Analysis - A poll showing the opposition is more popular than the government raises questions, politicians go through their 'trial by pay rise' and a Green MP loses her cool in the debating chamber. ...
The entire stretch of Tokomaru Bay on the East Coast will be subject to a joint customary marine title for two hapū, and extending up to four miles out to sea. A High Court judge has found the two groups, who during the case settled a dispute over boundaries for ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Hall, Lecturer, Media & Cultural Studies, Edith Cowan University A longstanding feud between TikTok and Universal Music Group seems to have finally reached an end, with both parties signing a deal that will see Universal-backed music returned to the social media ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Siobhan O’Dean, Postdoctoral Research Associate, The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney After several highly publicised alleged murders of women in Australia, the Albanese government this week pledged more than A$925 million over five years ...
Political parties have now fully disclosed the donations they received last year - with National getting more than double the cash of any other party. ...
A Pacific regionalism expert has called out New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters for withholding information from the public on AUKUS military pact. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard de Grijs, Professor of Astrophysics, Macquarie University Bruno Scramgnon/Pexels All systems are “go” for tonight’s launch of China’s next step in a carefully planned lunar exploration program. Placed on top of a powerful Long March 5 rocket, the Chang’e 6 ...
National returned a massive donation the day after a Newsroom story linked the donors to a property being investigated for operating unlawfully as a migrant workers’ hostel. The party’s 2023 donation filings, released on Friday, show it returned a $200,000 donation from Buen Holdings on August 23. That was the ...
Pacific Media Watch New Zealand has slumped to an unprecedented 19th place in the annual Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index survey released today on World Press Freedom Day — May 3. This was a drop of six places from 13th last year when it slipped out of its ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Black, Political Historian and Administrator Officer, Australian Historical Association, Australian National University Australia has had its fair share of public record-keeping controversies in recent years. Some have been mere farce, as in the case of two formerly government-owned filing cabinets (containing ...
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a United Nations-affiliated organization dedicated to fostering peace through civilian-led initiatives, has issued a statement in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. ...
A poem by Tessa Keenan, from AUP New Poets 10. Mātou These days we are a photograph; one of a farm strewn with cows that used to be bright harakeke or swamp. The kids point at it and say the sun sits behind a smudge (left by someone at Christmas); ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (Faber & Faber, $25)The masterful Irish writer ...
Marriage and civil union statistics record the number of marriages and civil unions registered in New Zealand each year, and divorce statistics record the number of divorces granted in New Zealand each year. Key facts Marriages and civil unions In ...
Marriage and civil union statistics record the number of marriages and civil unions registered in New Zealand each year, and divorce statistics record the number of divorces granted in New Zealand each year. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lennon Y.C. Chang, Associate Professor of Cyber Risk and Policy, Deakin University Taiwan stands out as a beacon of democracy, innovation and resilience in an increasingly autocratic region. But this is under growing threat. In recent years, China has used a variety ...
In this excerpt from her new memoir, Dame Susan Devoy remembers her turn as star contestant on the 2022 season of Celebrity Treasure Island. The most anxious time of every day was pre-elimination, when you knew this could be your final day on the show. I felt such contradictory emotions, ...
A week that began in triumph ended in an all-too-familiar disaster for the Green Party. Duncan Greive asks if there’s something in the mission that breaks its best and brightest. A long, strange week for the Green party began with a fantastic poll result. On one level this is hardly ...
By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist Vanuatu’s former prime minister and opposition MP Ishmael Kalsakau has stepped down — just two days after he confirmed he was the rightful opposition leader. Kalsakau, MP for Port Vila, confirmed to ABC’s Pacific Beat, and the Vanuatu Daily Post on Thursday that he ...
What’s to blame for the coalition’s choppy start? Six months in, and the mojo meter is in the doldrums. A new poll would put National out of power and sees its leader, Chris Luxon, sliding in popularity. How much is it about policy, how much coalition management and a perception ...
The striking report goes far beyond the proposed repeal of the Oranga Tamariki Act’s Treaty of Waitangi provision, and its impact should be felt far beyond the unique circumstances of the claim it addresses. Earlier this week, the Waitangi Tribunal released an interim report on the government’s proposed repeal of ...
The world has been experiencing a productivity slowdown, from which New Zealand has not been exempt. COVID-19 temporarily boosted labour productivity, but more recently, productivity has retreated. The overall trend since 2007 has been one of slow productivity ...
What’s more wasteful than spending $315k on syrup and machine maintenance? Trying to drum up a controversy about it.Cast your mind back to the pre-pandemic idylls of 2019. A “rat” was a disgusting rodent and not a self-administered plague test; the sixth Labour government was in power; and the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Professor of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Monash University, Monash University Ken stocker/Shutterstock In the wake of numerous killings of women allegedly by men’s violence in 2024, thousands of Australians have joined rallies across the country to demand action ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Henry Cutler, Professor and Director, Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University Oleg Ivanov IL/Shutterstock Waiting times for public hospital elective surgery have been in the news ahead of this year’s federal budget. That’s the type of non-emergency surgery ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellow, Historical and Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne Amna Artist/Shutterstock One of the earliest descriptions of someone with cancer comes from the fourth century BC. Satyrus, tyrant of the city of Heracleia on the Black Sea, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Rose, Professor of Sustainable Future Transport, University of Sydney LanaElcova/Shutterstock Electric vehicles are often seen as the panacea to cutting emissions – and air pollution – from transport. Is this view correct? Yes – but only once uptake accelerates. Despite the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Giselle Natassia Woodley, Researcher and Phd Candidate, Edith Cowan University There is widespread agreement Australia needs to do better when it comes to gender-based violence. Anger and frustration at the numbers of women being killed saw national rallies over the weekend and ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Graham, Lecturer in Economics, University of Sydney Mark and Anna Photography/Shutterstock As home ownership moves further out of reach for many Australians, “rentvesting” is being touted as a lifesaver. Rentvesting is the practice of renting one property to live ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sukhmani Khorana, Associate Professor, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, UNSW Sydney Netflix The new season of Heartbreak High is garnering mixed reviews. Critics are writing about the racy story lines, comparing it to other coming-of-age series about teenage relationships and ...
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Anyone else doing a Labour Day LEC picnic?
Good riddance
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=12280178
Al-Baghdadi "died after running into a dead-end tunnel, whimpering and crying and screaming all the way," Trump later said at the White House news conference, calling him a "gutless animal".
Another coward just like that dope smoking,porno watching,degenerate Osama Bin Laden.
All these cowards trying to disrupt the spread of freedom and democracy ibn America's backyard is enough to make you…sick.
Imagine the USA chasing a protest leader here like that. It isn't impossible to think of as annually or more often, there are Defence Force maneouvres with the USA and other countries and they have a game plan and often it is about a group rising up against the government. Turning language, 'weaponising' naming of protests to calling them 'terrorists' is a move towards turning the facts so they present a different picture. And even people minding their own affairs may be attacked; Why? Because we can!
Think about the Marshall Islands where the USA let off a giant atomic blast, and lots of other blasts too.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/401921/marshalls-endorses-nuclear-commission-strategy
The commission's chair, [National Nuclear Commission] Rhea Moss-Christian, said the NNC Strategy is a tool for all Marshallese, whether living in the islands or overseas, to use in their individual and collective efforts to respond to the devastation resulting from the U.S. nuclear weapons testing program in the Marshall Islands.
"It is also a resource for our partners and friends outside the Marshall Islands to understand the nuclear testing impacts that persist today and how they can support the Marshallese people," Rhea Moss-Christian said.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj2tXEoqUT0
(refers to the 1953 blast)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erbbBO1W-Ls
(refers to 30 June 1946 and USA used the place for 12 years to test bombs and weapons)
This is what the USA is prepared to do to small islands that pose no threat to their might. They may choose to hold military exercises and then start testing weapons. We have new business here in NZ – setting off rockets, more dangerous an activity than on November 5th.
Some background on the Islamic leader just killed by USA forces.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/labourday/audio/2018719604/islamic-state-leader-killed
I don't know whether your comment is meant to be satire Blazer but the world's liar-in-chief will be lying. Sure, the terrorist leader was probably running away but the "gutless animal" bit is a perfect description of Trump himself. In fact if Trump ever found himself cornered , its how he would behave – "like a coward to the end."
Malignant narcissists have a habit of projecting their own dysfunctional personalities onto other individuals.
No, I'm not defending the ISIS leader who deserved extermination.
Yep good points Anne – only an idiot would trust or believe anything turnip.rump says but some people also don't believe in the climate crisis we are in – they make a sack of spanners look smart.
I wish we could stop the cycle of violence that causes so many innocent deaths and devastation.
His gleeful description of ghastly violence was particularly vile.
https://twitter.com/HoarseWisperer/status/1188526430705111045
What's with all the unconnected cables floating around? Didn't they have time to plug em in somewhere. Make it look authentic.
It beggars sane belief!
They had already unplugged the secure gear by the time Chump demanded his photo op.
EDIT: or the photo was taken *beforehand* according to the story below (https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-28-10-2019/#comment-1663649). Others I saw said the raid was at 3pm but maybe that was PST not EST?
From Andre's link:
Based on past practice, I'm inclined to suspect Trump had the time of the raid changed so it looked like the photo was taken after the raid instead of beforehand. Whatever… why is it that everything he's involved in always has marked discrepancies attached? I mean, top level professionals don't get the times wrong.
Remember this?
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/map-flap-trump-displays-altered-weather-map-showing/story?id=65384094
I love all the pretty pictures on his desk. Donald likes pretty pictures. 😡
Ah, did not see that note. No conspiracy required – it's just the difference between the Pacific (PST) and Eastern (EST) timezones of the US coasts where its media organisations are based.
Possibly WiFi is not considered secure enough for all their little treats and trinkets connecting to an intra/internet
Then again, Obama didnt have a fucking clue what he was looking at , there was a video blackout during the raid
But good to look all presidential and deadly serious, even if the promised snuff movie turns out to be a blank screen
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/al-qaeda/8493391/Osama-bin-Laden-dead-Blackout-during-raid-on-bin-Laden-compound.html
wtf – defending t.rump by deflection – how sad lol
Not a defense of Trump
Marty
I despise all warmongers .
Photos of Obama and Clinton in the situation room were widely dispersed in the media as depicting the pres. and his crew watching the raid on the compound as it happened
American imperialism at its finest,don't let anyone criticise it
Two situation rooms,Dem and Republican presidents, both full of shit,both murderers
Yeah nah you just defended t.rump by deflecting
By that token, you're defending American imperialism and its endless murders, by isolating and targeting Trump , as if all this mayhem and bullshit in the ME started with him
I suspect I'm a few decades older than you, I have a long memory, seen all this bullshit a thousand times before
Of course Trump is a total dickhead, I find it hard to come up with an American pres. who wasn't
He's just the latest clueless American exceptionalist incarnation, who doesn't have the social graces or political nous to clothe it all in fine language.
you may well be 80 or so but it is irrelevant to me
I read what you write and respond to that – sorry if you don't like it
If your starting point is all American presidents are total dickheads, you will always find find plenty of ammunition for that view point. The job involves balancing competing demands that are fundamentally incompatible, and I find it simply inconceivable that anyone could resolve those issues without the outcomes being pretty shitty for some people most of the time.
But that's not a useful position if you're actually looking for a path to a better world.
There will always be a president of the US, and some of them are 'less crap' than others.The ones that actually are going to be less crap are worth trying to identify and support, and the 'more crap' ones need to be called out and resisted more strongly. Rather than just taking the facile path of throwing a tantrum at all of them, in the hopes of achieving – what exactly, getting to watch it all burn?
Marty – wait until you are 80 before you write silly, disrespectful stuff like that. By then you may have learnt that you actually know less than you are currently so certain about.
I normally agree with you, but at times you come across as highly over-confident.
I agree fully with Francesca that she was not trying to deflect anything.
in vino – talk to her and her disrespectful try to shut the discussion down put down regarding what she thought my age was and then come back and I'll give you the time of day – I don't care about the age of people – you or her – I take what they write as what they write and if you think that she didn't deflect then good for you mate
+100
My 10:15pm directed to support francesca
What those two photos say about differences between them …
https://www.businessinsider.com.au/trump-situation-room-photo-baghdadi-analysis-obama-bin-laden-comparison-2019-10?r=US&IR=T
That's looks like an awful lot of attempted misinformation and smearing on the back of "video blackout".
Quite likely there would have been a lot of other information coming through at the time, as the entire team would have been sweating bullets about the risk of another debacle like the failed Iran hostage rescue in 1980.
Nice smear by implying that people were there to watch a snuff film, when the situation involved an awful lot of personal risk to the personnel involved that carried enormous international and domestic political implications. Those watching would want to have the best information they possibly could in real time in case they were called on to respond to things going bad.
Well if they were called upon , they were shit out of luck .The Seals, those brave heroes, America's finest, made the final decision to kill , in haste even though Bin Laden was unarmed.
Nice try as you would say Andre, but Obama was a killer too, just like all American presidents, but with a prettier face, better speech writers, and a better handle on the political game.
"America remains the one indispensable nation "
At least none of them were golfing.
Yes , that makes a huge difference when extra judicial assassinations are going on
It does if you are trying to get publicity mileage from it. The dead people are dead, all the same.
More details on timelines and photo timestamps …
https://www.newsweek.com/obama-photographer-baghdadi-raid-trump-situation-room-suggested-staged-timestamp-golfing-1468012
tRump was handed a chance to present himself as a sober and serious leader. But no, the idiot just can't resist an opportunity to aggrandise himself.
https://twitter.com/ddale8/status/1188518379499458560
I don't like the way Trump tells the story. You can tell he is loving being in the limelight describing how the guy was killed and able to say anything he likes about it as non of it can be dis-proved.
I was disappointed in the the President's speech about Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi death. Given the same circumstances I'm sure George Washington and Abe Lincoln would've been a tad more eloquent. No doubt when Trump reflects he will rue a chance he could have made more of. Maybe some wimpy adviser limited him
"Died after running into a dead-end tunnel, whimpering and crying and screaming all the way"? A "gutless animal" who "died like a dog, he died like a coward."
Surely a half-hearted effort. The real Trump supporters would have relished some description of the brain tissue of Baghdadi's kids dripping off the ceiling, pieces of their limbs sliding down the walls the odd eyeball still looking at them.
When it comes to emulating his historic heroes he has a way to go but a touch such as naming American victims of executions by the Islamic State was nice.
Quite a peachy performance by the ringmaster in the Big Top.
What chance the author of the demise of Otto Warmbier receiving equally eloquent salutations?
Seems tRump was combobulating, again.
https://twitter.com/MaxBoot/status/1188521941235388420
It's a level or few up from "we came, we saw, he died".
and only a level or two below stroking his cheeto while he watches the video
"when Trump reflects"
hilarious
Total load of typical Murican bullshit
"There’s no credible data to prove a successful American raid took place against Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Russia’s Defense Ministry said. The US coalition didn’t even carry out any airstrikes in Idlib recently.
Moscow pointed out that it recorded no US coalition airstrikes in the Idlib area in northwest Syria on Saturday when the raid was held.
It also rejected Trump’s claims that Russian forces opened up the airspace under its control in Syria to American planes to facilitate the operation against the IS leader.
The ministry questioned the very possibility of al-Baghdadi’s presence in Idlib as the area is held by Al-Qaeda offshoot, Jabhat al-Nusra, who have always been mortal enemies of Islamic State."
https://www.rt.com/russia/471984-trump-russia-baghdadi-killed-syria/
How many times has he been killed already?
At least twice, and counting.
Funny how he was flushed out just as the US was decamping.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/16/russia-claims-it-may-have-killed-isis-leader-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi
Dude's obviously a cat with three to go.
https://twitter.com/WilDonnelly/status/1188464800747130880
Someone bombed the site of the house where al-Baghdadi lived. Since it was only a few km from Turkish border theres many ways they could have flown to the immediate area or even used so called glide bombs without going through the airspace controlled by Syria /Russia
Why go through the charade of thanking Russia for opening its air space
"Later in his press conference, Trump said Russia allowed US forces to fly through its airspace and that the US government informed Russia that it would “like” the nature of the American mission."
https://www.businessinsider.com.au/trump-thanks-russia-help-mission-kill-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-2019-10?r=US&IR=T
Mortal enemies, if al Nusra had taken Damascus, it and IS would have merged …
They operated separately because one was fighting Assad and one was fighting the Western Back Iraq regime.
The only player who saw them for what they were was Turkey. Which is why they worked with both.
Unpacking Generalissimo Bonespurs' statement about the raid …
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/27/politics/donald-trump-baghdadi-death-isis/index.html
This seems a very good innovation for boaties. I think by the Grey in the West Coast SI would be another place for them.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/401907/cameras-to-help-boaties-over-dangerous-bar-crossings
Not that I could ever see NZTA taking out a judicial review of a decision from its own Minister, but Chris Bishop may well have a point here on light rail; from today's NZHerald:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12280093
From NZInfra: "Prior to submitting our proposal, we discussed it with Sir Brian Roche and Sir Michael Cullen and, together with them, corresponded with and sought meetings with Ministers to explain the concept and our investment.
"There was no invitation from the Government to submit such a proposal nor any pressure to do so."
Cullen said that the Super Fund had initiated the approach.
"The purpose of the January meeting was to try to ensure that the Government was aware that the Super Fund was interested in putting forward a proposal and that space was made to listen to that proposal."
Twyford has subsequently appointed Roche to chair NZTA, but Twyford said there was no conflict of interest "because Sir Brian is not a decision-maker on the light rail project".
National Party transport spokesman Chris Bishop has criticised the process.
"Two years after the Prime Minister made this flagship promise, we have no business case, we have no costings, we have no route map, we don't even have an identification of the objectives of why they're doing it in the first place.
"If the Prime Minister had the courage of her convictions, she would remove Phil Twyford from the portfolio."
Yeah, yeah, Chris Bishop, no business case, no costings, no route map, no budget, big deal.
You've got slimy National bullshit artists saying the current Government killed massive improvements to the highway to Northland which National was implementing.
National election promises became reality and your desperate, sycophantic supporters have ridden a highway of lies since.
So Chris, if business cases, costings, route maps and trivialities like budgeting are a big deal, 1) get your sad mob to shut up and 2) since you're so good at getting headlines, grab some to tell the truth about Warkworth to Whangarei roading.
Plenty more scrutiny to come on this one, even if we don't like where it comes from.
Twyford will now need Cabinet help landing this plane.
Hong Kong – what is happening there and why?
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/oct/16/china-hong-kong-xi-jinping
The problem of open-ended civil unrest in Hong Kong, which has been punctuated by rising acts of violence and vandalism carried out by a distinct but hardline minority, is a reflection of China’s new assertiveness under Xi – an assertiveness that marks a break with the caution of the post-Mao era. It can be seen in Xi’s signature undertaking, the Belt and Road Initiative – an infrastructure building project with global ambitions. Or, most recently, the flaunting of new weapons systems during the military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Communist party rule – a declaration of China’s intention to rival American military power more openly than at any time in the recent past.
Under Xi, China has been intervening much more directly in the governance of Hong Kong. The most notable example of this was the abduction to China of Hong Kong booksellers who traded in titles critical of Beijing or historical accounts that undermined Chinese orthodoxy.
Ihumatao – what gives. Had a look and managed to get on a site with a pouting curvy woman with big boobies. It's hard to get through the barriers to real information these days!
17/10/2019 https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018718179/ihumatao-occupiers-shut-out-of-talks-no-word-from-govt
17/10/2019 https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/116676277/ihumtao-protesters-shut-out-of-government-talks
6/10/2019 https://teaomaori.news/know-were-not-alone-indigenous-canadian-filmmaker-visits-ihumatao
2/10/2019 https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2019/10/02/much-to-learn-from-ah-kaa-ihumatao.html
.
But NZ Initiative are showing how they have joined the list of continuing earthquakes rumbling away, making our lives more uneasy and falling into an irreparable condition.
https://nzinitiative.org.nz/reports-and-media/opinion/property-rights-and-ihumatao-blues/
Property rights and Ihumatao blues: Dr Bryce Wilkinson Insights Newsletter 27 September, 2019
The apparently successful illegal occupation of private property in Auckland’s Ihumātao is potentially a serious setback for the rule of law, and thereby New Zealanders’ wellbeing. Also disturbing are the more immediate implications for Auckland housing and the Treaty of Waitangi claims process.
.
Some points about not rubbishing people when argument and race combine. Another RW from Tauranga totally disparaging about reasonable Maori protests and giving that as a reason why we should be come a Republic (like the great 'America' no doubt).
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/116870443/extreme-positions-on-race-relations-push-common-ground-out-of-reach
What the actual fuck, in your opinion, that she is a "pouting curvy woman with big boobies" have to do with anything?
Jezuz
I agree – wtf indeed
Just a land deal jacked up with guilt cash.
Government pays, Tainui Holdings buys it, and then the protesters can ague with Tainui if any family will get housed there.
I dont see that . The claim is now that its not part of Kawerau a Maki at all but another iwi that hasnt done a treaty settlement.
Which conflicts with this
https://protectingihumatao.nz/
"Ōruarangi will be home to a new neighbourhood that will provide a range of affordable housing for our whanau and new families. The developer Fletcher Building plans to build 480 homes. Around 40 of these will be affordable housing for our people.
Te Kawerau ā Maki has played a key part in the design of the new development. It will reflect our heritage, including walkways that mirror the movements of our tupuna Hape, and parks that resemble our maunga.
KAM acknowlege other iwi and hapū have whakapapa to this whenua .
This could be the loophole to get around the 'settled claim issue' although even the SOUL group when opposing the the Fletcher development in legal proceedings were as Kawerau a Maki.
There will be claim and counter-claim for a while. Then a cash deal.
Sure at a good point before the election, they'll come out singing and Prime Minister Ardern will wrap it up in her most polished of televisual emotions. Singing and orchestrated weeping covers everything.
I see a very high chance of judicial review of any decision – barring some little legislative carve-out – because one Maori group or other will feel slighted.
Ain't no stable truth emerging out of this for a long time.
There are complex relationships with that place. No gain from us talking about it here without the neccessary background understanding, and certainly not with the views of the right-wing
Business RoundtableNZ Initiative added to the bonfire.you forget that those two know next to nothing about it so they must have a say and put their opinions across
So it seems. Statements including the words "I feel" would be more illuminating.
Hoo boy, the end of the video.
For anyone with a taste for homegrown and politically-flavoured Hip Hop; "Bunga" by SWIDT is a must:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQBEJQJ7_JQ
The story behind "Bunga":
https://thespinoff.co.nz/music/26-10-2019/swidt-the-most-electrifying-rap-group-in-new-zealand-is-now-the-most-political/
Just give the kids the bloody beads you wankers
Abso-fucking-lutely. The more I take a look at those involved in the provision of public services, the more control-freakery and utter muppetry I seem to encounter.
I guess the 16 year old should gave respected what the police were doing. Eh, Bern.
/
https://twitter.com/ReignOfApril/status/1188251624503947265
Newly released video shows a Fresno, California, police officer shooting a fleeing, unarmed 16-year-old in the back of the head and then handcuffing the boy as he lies motionless on the ground.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/oct/25/police-shooting-video-isiah-murrietta-golding-fresno-california
I really really hope this shit gets sorted out before my black nephew (currently living in St Louis MO) reaches his teens.
Who would guessed, from NY Times
"1.5 Million Packages a Day: The Internet Brings Chaos to N.Y. Streets"
'The push for convenience is having a stark impact on gridlock, roadway safety and pollution in New York City and urban areas around the world.
One of the issues is they use the public space- streets and footpaths- as sort of warehouse. And apartment buildings which were designed for letters now have an avalanche of packages every day.
"About 15 percent of New York City households receive a package every day, according to the Sustainable Urban Freight Systems center
Where I live with a group of 20 houses , some days I see Uber Eats deliveries multiple times. Even though its about 1 km from 2 supermarkets , a Countdown truck drops off a delivery at least once a week. A neighbour uses Uber for getting to and from work even though a good bus service is 50m away
10 people drive to and from supermarket to shop or one truck delivers, which is more like a bus service …
Thread.
https://twitter.com/rcallimachi/status/1188514608056811530
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1188514608056811530.html
They needed Turkey and Russia and Syria to guarantee air movement in and out.
A pay off for handing Turkey, Russia and Syria the territory held by the Kurds?
Speculation that the whole thing was a stitch-up.
In retrospect, it is striking how well Turkish, Russian, American, and Syrian actions fit together, effectively shaping an outcome in concert instead of bouncing off each other and breaking down in chaos.
[…]
Nevertheless, the idea that the carve-up of Syria was the result of sheer improvisation and happenstance is so far-fetched that if you believe it—well, I’ve got a pontoon bridge over the Euphrates to sell you.
https://tcf.org/content/commentary/theres-method-syrias-madness/
I think that is the kind of stuff that goes on behind closed doors.Give me this propaganda coup to offset the Kurd issue.The promise of a homeland for the Kurds was never going to be kept .How could it? Without endless aid and military protection.
And a 10 Kurd minority in control of the richest part of the country in terms of oil fields was never going to sit well with the rest of the population
The Rojava experiment might have sounded cute, so did the kibbutzim for socialist hippies .Didnt turn out so well
Trump gave plenty of warnings he wanted to pull out.Each time he was over ridden
Who knows whos calling the shots on the American side, with the President saying one thing, the CIA another and the Pentagon going its own way .
Now it seems the Americans are going for the oil again. Out and out theft
Only Repugs can fuck around and keep their jobs.
https://twitter.com/ma_franks/status/1188606060728336384
The fall came just as quickly.
Last weekend, the conservative website RedState published a series of articles alleging that Hill had engaged in relationships with a member of her campaign staff and the House staffer. Hill denied the relationship with the House employee, which would be a violation of House rules, but did not deny the relationship with the campaign staff member.
The release of the story, complete with intimate photos of Hill, sparked debate about a double standard in the male-dominated world of political sex scandals, particularly because Hill has blamed Heslep for releasing the photos. Hill’s resignation is likely to bring those questions further out into the open.
On Wednesday, in a letter to constituents, Hill again denied the alleged relationship with the House staff member but acknowledged she was involved in a separate relationship with a member of her campaign staff “during the final tumultuous years of my abusive marriage.”
“I know that even a consensual relationship with a subordinate is inappropriate, but I still allowed it to happen despite my better judgment,” the letter read.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-10-27/rep-katie-hill-resigns-amid-scandal
That fucking sucks.
Terrible – the right will love this shit and use it again and again…
He is welcome to come and live in NZ but I hope for his sake and the rest of the US he doesn't have to:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12280210
… not to mention for the sake of the rest of world.
Perhaps Comey could take dual citizenship and become our next National Party leader. If we don't allow duality now we can soon change our laws to enable it, flexibility is our name. It would be a fun feather in his cap which Key has shown how to stick in behind the Right band.
Becoming a politician – anywhere – I think would be the last thing James Comey would have in mind. He does not strike me as a political animal. Yes, I think he is probably a conservative thinker but that does not mean he is National Party material.
He comes across to me as a man of integrity who nevertheless, like all of us, is not immune to making mistakes.
Heh.
Seems the Criminal-in-Chief went to a ball game. First they booed him. Then they chanted "lock him up".
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-boos-world-series-nationals_n_5db64153e4b05df62ec1940f
Oh Dear! How Sad! 😂
bit late as been busy, but to joe90 at 2.1.2.2 : I agree with you absolutely about Trump's obscene joy in killing another ( and probably several), whoever it be. His attitude and the proof again of his infantile stage of development is frightening. I turned off all TV and radio today when found the event such a big deal to them too…..also concerning/frightening. I write in sincerity.