Alph

I'm not having a dig or anything so I hope this comes across in the right way. But is it not important to hear from both sides or all possible angles rather than to allow one country or perspective to filter the news? Don't get me wrong, there's nothing Putin could say that would, for example, justify in my mind the war on Ukraine. Everything he says should be challenged and examined. But I also think by hearing him it encourages us to challenge and examine opposing views. I would say the same about Hamas or Netenyahu too. Whether you approve of their behaviour or agree with their views won't change the fact that they are what they are. The problem isn't just going to vanish if you ignore them. The justice is kind of half way between the two kind of scenario.

I fell for all the left wing loons stuff in the past. Then you find yourself nodding when Cruella and Priti Patel talk. Then you realise Liz Truss is on your side. Next thing you know Jacob Reese Mogg is inviting Farage to your latest Conservative splinter group. Then you're throwing Human Rights groups, World Health Organisation, LGBT, Peace Protesters all under the same label as "wokey left wing extremists" (right Liz?) Reminds me of that funny David Mitchell sketch where he's a Nazi soldier starting to wonder if they might possibly be baddies?

The other one that gets him is any mention of Andre Ward. He can take and dish out some good banter but watch him fluster at the mention of Ward. He's like the one who shall not be named.

Carl Froch is growing on me. Still an arrogant knobber pretending that being an arrogant knobber is part of an act. But.... He's quite funny and a decent troll. I wanted to go to the tour him and Groves were doing last year or the year before. Mostly because I like Groves and their rivalry was good. But the price, if I remember was extortionate. That had Froch written all over it. Did anyone go? Any Froch fans here?

Stretching himself thin, old Putin. A two week invasion turned into a few years of intense war. But he's about to turn his attention to what? The rest of Europe? Britain? Ok. To be fair, the right wing macho stuff is working wonders on the lads at work. I'm half set to follow Rishi and Suella into the trenches when the fight for freedom starts. Got my own Nerf gun. Just need Joe or Donald to tell Rishi who we should aim it at. Might fly us out to one of those US bases that aren't in Syria. Conscription my arse. The IDF are doing a fine job for us.

Don't know whether to laugh or cry. It's one hurdle after another because Israel's word and action is taken as truth and time and time again the Palestinian effort must prove them liars while they move onto the next lie All the while they kill and destroy. From 40 beheaded babies through "baseless and meritless genocide case" to 12 UNWRA agents helped Hamas so we must stop funding. The goalposts are always moved. They lie all the time. Yet Palestinians can't even give their casualty figures without "Hamas ran health ministry isn't it?". I mean, Hamas are quite honest! It's an exhausting, relentless battle against cover ups and feigned ignorance Putin is coming for us, Houthi Rebels are driving up the cost of living, Iran need to de-escalate, Hezbollah are attacking USA, conscription needed to save Europe, British houses for British people, asking a Muslim MP to stop apologising for Hamas/tell Houthis to ceasefire, the boats are coming, Trump or Biden.... .... Really relentless stirring.

You know the light heavy division doesn't seem to have any ladder. It's all very meh and then you've got the elite. Yarde always annoyed me by fighting nobodies and then he went and jumped in with Kovalev. But there's not much out there for him to go up through to Kovalev and then onto the elite. Still think he wasted time on some absolute walkovers Now Buatsi doesn't even have a faded Kovalev to test himself against. Have Buatsi and Yarde snookered themselves? They should have fought each other already and they should definitely do it soon. They have no reason to believe they could beat the likes of Bivol, Beterbiev. They need to build up and I can't see how? Gvodyk? High risk no money? Just got to fight each other? The division is no mans land with two monsters hogging the belts

America desperately pursuing another war. Imagine. Must be near election time or they're trying to draw attention away from something. Self defence innit

They better have a good offer for dreamy Carlos. Perez replacement? I wonder how Toto sees this and if the relationships may sour as the season goes on.

Wow. Lost faith in Merc? Or big payday before retirement? Both?

While I can't see any negatives for Palestinians from this earth shattering insight from David Cameron I do believe it's a hollow gesture. Protecting their image. There are many states that already recognise Palestine. And while the UK halts funding to UNWRA over the allegations of 12 of it's people. It continues to cheer on Israel. What Cameron says has no weight. The terms will ultimately be dictated to Palestinians by their enemies? Again. Now I'm not a fully signed up member of Hamas yet and I thought I made that clear 50 pages ago. So on the flipside here you're walking the tricky tightrope of graciously giving Palestinians the rights of self determination and trusting them not to determine to attack Israel. Which will be extremely likely if Israel don't make concessions. Still likely even if they do, as some Palestinians see the entirety of Israel as illegal occupation. The best we are hoping for is de-escalation. So Cameron suggesting a Palestinian State can exist working around the Israeli government under conditions determined by the likes of Britain is a pipe dream. It's pleading to voters. Hamas and Zionists won't respect that. America wouldn't respect that! Who knows how you find the balance between national security for Israel and giving the Palestinians the freedoms we enjoy? Not David Cameron and Co. A true positive step would be to defy America and call for a ceasefire. To open lines of communication with Hamas, Fatah, Netenyahu etc. To stop providing Israel with weapons. Don't undermine South Africa. Don't say it's self defence. You know, just stop gaslighting peace protesters.

Well, it's meant a lot to me. There's times when I've felt lonely, depressed and then times when I've wanted to share times of celebration with others. Always found comfort here. I know many feel the same So thanks David and all the mods in those 15 years. And the online friendships. It's never descended into a place that's just a toxic hell like most corners of the internet

Jeez, been here ages. Some great people though. And feel like I've learned a lot. The non football talk has always been an important part. The depression thread I think is possibly the greatest thread. And amongst all the bickering over various topics i like to think we all mostly take away some valid points that over time broaden our perspective. It's sad how often you get your news from here too. I miss arguing with curtains about McClaren. Much love to you @Curtains, hope you're well mate. Also, I think we should give up on George Thorne and move on. He's clearly not coming

What did you expect/hope for when you set it up?

Ah, of course Israel's response is to accuse the ICJ of being Antisemitic. The ICJ didn't stand for Jews during the Holocaust according to Ben Gvir. That is true. It didn't exist. Netenyahu said they'll continue to obey international law. Well, it's been decided that it's entirely plausible that Israel are committing genocide. In fact the court provided direct quotes and evidence to illustrate why they won't dismiss the case. So "continue" might be tricky. What's even trickier is continuing this war under the rulings. There is no wriggle room for killing, harming or even effecting Palestinians. So it's Hamas targets and Hamas targets only. Which you will then have to prove. "Hague Shmague" says Ben Gvir. The question is, what would Israel have to do before the apologists just stop? Where's the line? Instead of claiming everyone else is unreasonable, extreme or racist etc it would be good to just get a simple answer. What has to happen to Palestinians before Israel has gone beyond self defence? A typical response played out when Zarah Sultana asked the question last week. Either refuse to engage in such pettiness or attack the person. Never get answers.

I've seen a lot of anger that the ICJ haven't ordered a ceasefire but while Hamas threaten Israel and hold hostages then they couldn't do much more. But the facts are that Israel's conduct is wrong in the eyes of the UN, Amnesty Int, WHO, Save The Children, Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross, International Court of Justice among many other human rights organisations. No more "collateral damage" and "war is ugly". The ICJ dealt a killer blow to that narrative. The leaders of democracy, justice and freedom will now explain to you why you shouldn't listen to the laws that we all agreed would protect humanity.

Fury: Nobody who wears earrings will beat Tyson Fury Usyk: This is Cossack tradition. Not fashion. They defend my country for many years against our enemies and they never lose. Ever Fury: In your country it might mean you're a good fighting man. Where I'm from, it means you're a pussy with an earring Tickled me anyway

The response seems to be to imply ITV are spreading Hamas propaganda. At least this journalist wasn't accidently killed with the hundred odd others. Cameron will have to check with his lawyers if this is a war crime. In the mean time can all polemicists wait for the facts before jumping on their soapbox.

Easy way to save IDF lives. Go home. Take these https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.timesofisrael.com/ben-gvir-says-10000-assault-rifles-purchased-for-civilian-security-teams/amp/ "security teams" home. Like, back behind the green line home.

everything gets blamed on Iran destabilising the region while America carries out the odd invasion and provides various factions with arms. Saudi Arabia is an excellent customer for American arms industry

Have you seen what Iran have done? They forced IDF forces to blow up a university in Gaza that the IDF themselves have been using as a base for months.

Back on the old soapbox as "British socialist hailing Hamas" and resident antagonist in a pointless thread split from the Ukraine thread, I thought I'd post this. "The quiet bit out loud" they call it. The right wing extremists we've been covering and apologising for. The regional conflict we seem to be heading towards would muddy the waters and I'm absolutely sure nobody wants that. Definitely not. No way.

States that don't have equal rights for their population. It's disgusting and I'm glad you've spoken against oppression. We're finally find common ground again. Imagine that, an anti war antagonist like me who speaks against illegal occupation and Apartheid. You'll be calling Israel and their weapons suppliers antagonists at this rate. If you do I'll storm out. Claim you can't be reasonable. It'll be fun

Good to have you back. Missed your context in these last few weeks.