Forum Topic

"Your countries are going to hell."

"Donald Trump took the stage at the United Nations general assembly hall for the first time in six years to launch a full-on assault on the world body, which he described as a feckless, corrupt and pernicious global force that should follow the example of his own leadership.In an inflammatory speech on the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, Trump called for countries to close their borders and expel foreigners, accused the UN of leading a “globalist migration agenda”, and told national leaders that the world body was “funding an assault on your countries”."And yet:-"Shortly after his speech, Trump’s tone shifted dramatically during a bilateral meeting with UN secretary general António Guterres. “Our country is behind the United Nations 100%,” Trump told Guterres. “I may disagree with it sometimes but I am so behind it because the potential for peace at this institution is great.”"(Gdn today)--------------------------------Lear. "O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven!Keep me in temper; I would not be mad!"

David Ainsworth ● 25d48 Comments

Rumour has it that the heating bills are higher in the UK than hell!

Ed Robinson ● 21d

Philippa evidently does not know or prefers to ignore the fact that up to 800 000 Jews were exiled from Muslim countries after 1948.

Steven Rose ● 21d

"I thought not."Well, you could give us your thoughts on this.

David Ainsworth ● 21d

I thought not.

Steven Rose ● 21d

Have you any view on the hundreds of thousands of Jews forced to leave Muslim countries after 1948?

Steven Rose ● 21d

https://www.up.edu/garaventa/files/fildg%20files/refugees.pdfIt looks as if you should have read this poem top down and bottom up.  Why do you think that one group should have total preference over the other considering your reply?

Philippa Bond ● 21d

Ms Bond'Have you looked at where the Palestinian diaspora are living?  These people you dismiss so readily have ended up spread all over the world mostly as a result of the nakba. 'Doubtless a traumatic event, part of decades if not millennia of conflict that cannot be rectified to the status quo ante.But the world is now what it is, and so I would have thought the Palestinians would have come to terms with the situation and attempt to live alongside the Israelis and not try to annihilate them.Do you have a different solution ?Harping on about deeds of the past helps no one.

John Hawkes ● 22d

Mr Boyce'Actually, I find the manner in which you throw abusive accusations around'.Pot: kettle: black springs to mind here.What I was trying to point out is that all the flack is being directed at Israel for trying to eliminate Hamas whilst no balancing comment is made as to why they are doing it.Hamas' atrocities seem to be forgotten and ignored and they still exist to carry out more.I confess we have very different and opposing attitudes to the Middle East crisis.I support the interests of Israel and in the main the actions they take to defend themselves.I see Hamas and similar Palestinian terror groups as evil and unsupportable.Other people may have differing attitudes of course.

John Hawkes ● 22d

Really?Have you looked at where the Palestinian diaspora are living?  These people you dismiss so readily have ended up spread all over the world mostly as a result of the nakba.  And BTW they aren't all Muslims.

Philippa Bond ● 23d

I remember October 2023 very well, John, as I have said many times before, but for some twisted reason you choose to forget or ignore my comments.Actually, I find the manner in which you throw abusive accusations around whilst claiming to be uniquely affected and sensitive to the atrocities carried out by Hamas exceptionally disrespectful to the dead, and very possible hurtful to the living.You should try harder and do better.

Gerry Boyce ● 23d

Mr Boyce'Or maybe it is because the public is utterly fed up, horrified and despairing of the brutality that the government in Israel is inflicting on Gaza, including the killing and injuring of many innocent civilians and children?'The public will soon forget whatever atrocities Israel is accused of carrying out.After all no one recalls the pogrom carried out by the Palestinian group Hamas in October 2023 where it kidnapped, raped and murdered Jewish women, children and the elderly and holds many still as hostages as well as the corpses of those it killed.You obviously don't.

John Hawkes ● 23d

Mr Rose'Britain only recognised Palestine  because of pressure from Labour MPs  who fear losing their seats in constituencies where there are large numbers of Muslim voters.'Absolutely right.Where is Palestine ?By no definition does it exist.

John Hawkes ● 23d

"This may be true, but without any supporting evidence, your original claim that "Britain only recognised Palestine  because of pressure from Labour MPs  who fear losing their seats in constituencies where there are large numbers of Muslim voters" is just speculation, not fact."Apparently some pressures are valid and some pressures are invalid.

David Ainsworth ● 23d

This may be true, but without any supporting evidence, your original claim that "Britain only recognised Palestine  because of pressure from Labour MPs  who fear losing their seats in constituencies where there are large numbers of Muslim voters" is just speculation, not fact.

Richard Carter ● 23d

Thank you, Steve.You have just confirmed that normal British Christians, forget about Jewish or atheists, do no longer count as important voters for decision making/makers in this country.

Ivonne Holliday ● 23d

So, does that logic extend to France, Canada, Australia etc? Or maybe it is because the public is utterly fed up, horrified and despairing of the brutality that the government in Israel is inflicting on Gaza, including the killing and injuring of many innocent civilians and children? I'm convinced it is the latter.I also think many people want to see their governments do something in order to bring about an end to this horror show and ultimately the creation of a two state solution.

Gerry Boyce ● 23d

Well, in the 21 Labour seats with over 30% Muslim voters, Labour's share of the vote fell on average by 29 points in 2024. In particular three government ministers, Wes Streeting, Shabana Mahmood and Jess Ohillips are in danger of losing their seats. So, yes, I think fear of losing the Muslim vote was an important factor in Keir Starmer's decision.

Steven Rose ● 23d

Really? Have you done a comparison of the seats of Labour MPs who have pressed for the recognition with those of the ones who haven't, to see whether they have a higher proportion of Muslim voters, or is this just a tedious, kneejerk response?

Richard Carter ● 23d

Just a couple od examples:Wes Streeting seat dropped 20.7% in the election he won by 528 votes just in front of Independent Leanne Mohamad a British-Palestinian activist.Speculation that his seat makes him unsuitable as a leadership challenger.Jess Phillips down 26.9% just 693 votes ahead of Jody McIntyre a very successful activist on many subjects including Palestine.So Palestine is a huge issue when it comes to Labour and elections.I think Starmer and "I believe they have that right" crowd, when responding to depriving a population of water, electricity and food will be long gone by the next election.

Ed Robinson ● 23d

Britain only recognised Palestine  because of pressure from Labour MPs  who fear losing their seats in constituencies where there are large numbers of Muslim voters.

Steven Rose ● 23d

And many of those people from outside the UK are presumably from places such as Europe, North America, India, Australia, Philippines ...

Michael Ixer ● 23d

What a little twit; there are more appropriate four letter adjectives, but not suitable for here.Anyway, you would imagine and hope that the US Secretary of State would refer to more reliable sources of information on the UK than our own pound-shop Enoch Powell, but for some reason Nigel seems to be their go to guy.'Up the 'RA', as Nigel says.

Gerry Boyce ● 23d

Marco Rubio, the actual Secretary of State in Trump government, claims that Britain only recognised Palestine because it is "flooded with foreigners." But what are the actual figures?
About 16% of the UK's population was foreign-born, according to the 2021 Census data - but, in January 2025, 15.8% of the US population consisted of foreign-born residents. Perhaps he could think again, or even just think.What a silly, ignorant little man!PS: Rubio's parents were Cubans who immigrated to the United States in 1956.

Richard Carter ● 23d

Looks like JFK jnr's stance on vaccines might be good for the UK:The chief executive of Moderna has hailed the UK as “a country that still believes in vaccinationhttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/moderna-trump-uk-factory-vaccination-b2833361.html

Michael Ixer ● 23d

Mr Robinson'The UK should solve it's problems'.Now we have a Labour government what problems do we have ?

John Hawkes ● 24d

"Let's hope if one of his staff tells him someone has launched a nuclear strike against the US he checks they're not lying or mistaken ... "He won't be in DC, or US territory. Air Force One will be over the Bering Straits before that hits the fan.

David Ainsworth ● 24d

Yes, Ivonne, another case of President Trump talking nonsense about things he doesn't understand, or has been erroneously briefed on. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3dr0zrr1kpoLooks like he should really be firing some of his support team for incompetence or, perhaps, being untruthful?Let's hope if one of his staff tells him someone has launched a nuclear strike against the US he checks they're not lying or mistaken ... 

Michael Ixer ● 24d

Hello Michael I,Yes, any excuse to undermine the UN....  The "mishaps" were caused by Trump's team.  To say that the UN is inexperienced in the use of teleprompters and sound systems during international meetings is a bit like saying Mary Berry is just now learning how to cook!The system was being managed by White House staff who plugged their own laptops into the UN system....  I wonder if they had the foresight to check the systems beforehand?  Does not sound like it!Trump later said:  "the sound was completely off in the Auditorium". Tut tut tut!!!  Of course there is no sound as in a theatre!  All proceedings have simultaneous interpretation therefore are listened to through ear pieces/headphones, connected to the individual channels for each of the six official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish) plus another channel for the floor....  As for peer reviewed scientific papers to back Trump's statements on climate change, autism and vaccines, well, in his view, his word is gospel.  No need for scientific proof. 🤔🤔🤔

Ivonne Holliday ● 24d

"Which describes exactly how he's "ending" the war between Russia and Ukraine..."If you ignore the sanctions that is.Trump has said he will extend sanctions if Europe, which includes the UK, ceases importing Russian fuel.Last time I checked the UK had increased importing oil from that well known OPEC member - India.Don't ask what we can do for ourselves, ask what the Americans can do for us - seems to be the view of some people.Overview of U.S. Sanctions on RussiaSince the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the U.S. has significantly expanded its sanctions against Russia. These measures aim to pressure the Russian government and its economy.Key Sanctions ProgramsUkraine-/Russia-related Sanctions: Target individuals and entities involved in the invasion.Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions: Address various malign activities by Russia.Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA): Enforces sanctions for actions against U.S. interests.Magnitsky Sanctions: Focus on human rights abuses.Types of SanctionsType of Sanction DescriptionFinancial Sanctions Restrictions on Russian banks and financial institutions.Trade Restrictions Limits on exports and imports with Russia.Asset Freezes Freezing assets of designated individuals and entities.Travel Bans Prohibitions on entry for certain Russian officials.Impact on Trade and EconomyBanking Sector: Major Russian banks face restrictions, complicating international transactions.Energy Sector: Sanctions target oil and gas exports, impacting global energy markets.Logistics: Transportation and logistics have become more complicated due to restrictions on air and maritime links.These sanctions are part of a coordinated effort with European allies to hold Russia accountable for its actions and to mitigate its ability to finance military operations.

Ed Robinson ● 24d

Donald is spot on. God bless Donald.Just need to get Nigel into power this side of the pond, which shouldn't be long..

Michael Brown ● 24d

Exactly. You’d think that people would have lost faith in his medical advice when he suggested that swallowing bleach was a  treatment for Covid.Apparently, Hydroxychloroquine, another of Trump's Covid cures, increases deaths, according to a global study.

Gerry Boyce ● 24d

Did he have a teleprompter yesterday? He claimed it wasn't working. Perhaps he should have checked his facts, it seems the escalator problem and faulty teleprompter were likely the fault of his own team! https://newrepublic.com/post/200833/trump-team-messed-up-un-escalator-teleprompter?fbclid=Iwb21leANBEutjbGNrA0ESm2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeLtW4_uEnfKsMAigB9fZIr5IRdw8kual3P0wa0k5SovAtW7aUhGpJxHI8hPI_aem_oZUyIcvRfQC35DKbQ_ynzwFailure to check facts rather blows his whole credibility. Where are the peer reviewed scientific papers papers to back up his statements on climate change, autism and vaccines? 

Michael Ixer ● 24d

Leaving the content aside for a sec, does anyone else find Trump shockingly awful at reading out speeches from the teleprompter?  Has no one tried to convince him that a montonous, droning delivery in a tedious disinterested style, is , frankly, sad! So sad! Maybe Keir could give him a lesson or two. At least when he’s yelling his guff while standing in front of a roaring helicopter he appears more animated. What a weird guy!

Gerry Boyce ● 24d

Trump also criticised the UN, saying: "All they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter and then never follow that letter up. It's empty words. The only thing that solves war and wars is action."Which describes exactly how he's "ending" the war between Russia and Ukraine...

Richard Carter ● 25d

He’s not wrong!  Unfortunately.

Sue Hammond ● 25d

Ah, I now understand, TDS stands for Trump’s Dementia Symptoms!Apparently the escalator he was complaining about that stop suddenly worked correctly; it seems a safety measure, that prevents people getting caught in mechanism, kicked in when Trump’s camera man, who was travelling backwards, got to the top of the escalator. 

Michael Ixer ● 25d

"it would leave that Christian bigot Vance in charge: just as bad as Trump but more capable."A rational nasty bit of work is, I think, preferable to an irrational nasty bit of work.

David Ainsworth ● 25d

Some people aren't going to let him forget Epstein  ... https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/09/23/trump-epstein-statue-national-mall/(You may need to set up a free account to see this)

Michael Ixer ● 25d

"A country built by immigrants that doesn't like immigrants?""I'm alright, Jack, pull up the ladder"

David Ainsworth ● 25d

The more I read of this ludicrous stream of unconsciousness from Trump the more I wonder how people would heave reacted if Biden had said anything like this.  You can just imagine the reaction: "Biden has lost it, he's no longer capable of rational thought, the time is for him to just stop."Perhaps we've now reached that stage with Trump, and he needs to be forced to resign since he's simply incapable. The only concern is that it would leave that Christian bigot Vance in charge: just as bad as Trump but more capable. What a thought!

Richard Carter ● 25d

"Ed. The UK won't release anything. They've got to protect the Royal Family. That's why Prince Andrew isn't let out often. "That may be the case Michael.But it seems to me we look to the US or EU to solve our issues and not the UK.The UK should solve it's problems and once done it can help others. But to expect other countries to resolve our issues seems illogical to say the least!

Ed Robinson ● 25d

A lot of people in the US think that's their country is going that way. A country built by immigrants that doesn't like immigrants?

Michael Ixer ● 25d

Ed. The UK won't release anything. They've got to protect the Royal Family. That's why Prince Andrew isn't let out often. It's down to the newspaper to do the digging around ...

Michael Ixer ● 25d

I dunno Ed, what does the UK have on Epstein?I don't really care who publishes it, just that the Groper in Chief in the White House is busted, as anyone else connected to Epstein's pervy little secret parties should be.

Gerry Boyce ● 25d

"when the Epstein files are going to be released?"Why do you not push for the UK to release it's information on Epstein? Why rely on the US?

Ed Robinson ● 25d

I said it before, but, what the hell! Does anyone know when the Epstein files are going to be released?There's an awful stink of dead cats here.

Gerry Boyce ● 25d

There was a thing called "fragging" in the Vietnam War.

David Ainsworth ● 25d

Hello David,Thank you for your post.  I have to say I do believe in the work of the UN. Following this, I have come to the conclusion that Trump admires his own strength of convictions - and voice.  I am sure he would have been a very successful sargeant during the Vietnam War.

Ivonne Holliday ● 25d