Today's discussion about the news

Agree it seemed obvious. Israel were a bit like a fish that could see the huge hook in the bait but couldn't resist, they could have ruined the plan with a more proportionate response. I don't think they particularly care though as they have a large element internally that support aggression towards Iran.

Not that the West can talk much as I've always felt Islamist terrorist attacks have worked on a similar basis. Not necessarily State sponsored but the intention is to stir up a reaction that can then be used to rouse more moderate Muslims into the belief they are being attacked. Again, the responses have often been exactly what I assume the terrorist groups wanted.

FWIW I think the actions of the US and UK at the weekend is much more what we should be doing i.e. assisting in a defensive role but there should also be another side that is saying we're happy to help you defend yourselves but we will stop that support if you continue expanding your land and taking offensive action.

especially as israel refused to let ukraine get the iron dome missile defense system, resulting in the destruction of infrastructure and increasing loss of life

the israelis dug this hole for themselves through decades of stealing palestinian land, subjugating/murdering the people and flouting international law

shouldn't get a penny of uk taxpayers' money

Seems like Iran's attack was very deliberately telegraphed so as to be mostly symbolic. I would imagine the main reason for US and UK involvement was to see that it did pass off as that and some error didn't lead to a big escalation.

afaik improved saudi relationship with israel was required by usa in return for agreeing to sell the saudis lots of usa weaponry

True. The question is what will follow?

Logic says no harm, no foul, so no retaliation is necessary. Will Israel continue playing the game, or retaliate?

Was depressed to see the number of comments along the lines of "oh, so if Iran attacks Israel we step in, but if Israel attacks Gaza we can't do anything". Many suggesting it was some sort of racially motivated double standard. As if Iran was some sort of justified victim rather than just another regime clinging to power by any means. Obviously when they murder their own population it's just an unpleasant necessity.

Symbolic in that it was hilariously shit?

Ultimately the reality is that Israel is our ally and Iran not, so we're hardly likely to be the perfectly unbiased third party.

Within that reality, stopping the Iranian drone attack like this seems more likely to slow the escalation than letting it take place.

I don’t think we need reminding how Britain and America responded to being attacked by terrorists…

He’s not the only one, as I have been banging on about.

I'm surprised he's baffled - the world only cares about other countries where they have an interest which usually means oil or, increasinly, precious metals. In Africa most of that is already sewn up by China so there's no gain. Does anyone think Governments get involved in wars or political issues of other countries unless they stand to gain in some way? The Middle East is critical because of oil and control of the Suez.

It's shit but it is the way of the world and always has been.

let the african states sort it out

the locals need to stop killing each other in the name of their rulers/parties/imaginary friends/sects/tribes/whatever, that can't be imposed from outside, they weren't born doing it, it's a choice they made

for ex-colonial powers it's lose-lose, they're often hated on the ground and would end up even more hated for propping up one side or another - better and cheaper to fund african union/whatever to assemble member peacekeeping forces (as long as there's a strict control on where the money goes, i.e for boots on the ground, not ministers in mansions)

china doesn't want any military involvement

some states turned to russia's, now nationalised, wagner as their preferred rent-a-thugs, but they'll only do it for gold/similar, they're certainly not interested in solving anything for the locals, just funding russia's war

Just seen bits of the BBC interview with Liz Truss - she didn't even look fully switched on, very strange

In other more important news. What the hell has happened to Michael Slater, former Australian opening batsman? Really gone off the rails the last few years. Looks like he’ll be going away for a stretch this time.

I'd guess if you were gonna go to the trouble of getting something illegal, you'd go for something more fun.