Federal Union review of 2013
The overwhelming sensation from 2013 was that of waiting. Important processes have started and not yet concluded. There is a certain amount to be done in the meantime to shape …
Syria
American retrenchment – can Europe adapt?
Report on the address by Professor Stephen Haseler at the Federal Union AGM, 10 September 2013 Stephen Haseler is always thought provoking and novel and this was no exception. He …
Create court for Syria judgment
In the Independent, 3 September 2013 Amid all the arguments over whether and in what circumstances military action against Syria might be in accordance with international law, do not forget …
Does the government obey the law?
It must hurt when, in government, you are defeated by the opposition. Still more so when you thought you had the votes lined up on your side, but you never …
Syria: the next best thing
He’d lost the debate before he even opened his mouth. To summon back Britain’s MPs from the four corners of the earth during the summer recess needs an urgent case: …
How to go to war with Syria
Parliament has been recalled tomorrow for a debate on the crisis in Syria. The use of poison gas in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta appears to have crossed a line, …
The national interest in Syria
Foreign secretary William Hague has been outspoken in his criticism of Russia and China for their position on the conflict in Syria. Those two permanent members of the UN Security …
Lessons for Syria
This blog warned earlier in the year about the stretching of the UN Security Council resolution on Libya, 1973, that authorised a no-fly zone and led to regime change. Was …