iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Replies

George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

I don't know how to clip a segment (sorry), but the bit I really want you to watch starts at 29'10". It's about the deep roots of the attack on Iran and why it's just as well Starmer is "no Winston Churchill". I'm surprised this aspect isn't more widely discussed. 🧵 www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...

bbc.co.uk

Question Time - 2026: 05/03/2026

Fiona Bruce presents an hour of topical debate from Kettering. On the panel are Stephen Doughty, James Cleverly, Shashank Joshi, George Monbiot and Annabel Denham.

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jojitsu @joti.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

It was so good to see you on QT and getting some of the reality about Churchill out there. I thought I knew a fair bit but had no idea about this. Thank you for that bit of education.

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Māyā @mayaofaotearoa.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Google for "free online video editor" or similar.

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Hilary @mrshilary.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

I was (am) woefully ignorant about a lot of the history in the region so thank you for the information; I shall be reading and learning further using this as a springboard.

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JB @jbmh.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Trump doesn't know who Churchill was. He doesn't know anything.

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djkenthenoo.bsky.social @djkenthenoo.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

A good point. I still don’t know how you can support NATO in Ukraine after years of Russian requests to get out. Russia wants peace in Europe and a neutral Ukraine. Russia is not my enemy. Who else is NATO intending to attack?

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Ruthi Brandt @ruthibrandt.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

I'm not at all surprised - most liberals and centre-left people are really uncomfortable with that truth and would just rather not know...

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Geordie og @geordiebm.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Great history lesson!

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PaulPierreF @paulpierref.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Thanks for the education. It’s rare that anyone learns anything on QT these days as it’s usually just a platform for Farage and his cohorts to peddle hatred and generate anger based on ignorance.

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Keith Hyland @keith1275.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Later this evening I'll dig it out from behind the geoblock, clip the segment and share it.

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Antifa, since I was born @pos1tive3nergy.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

George there is an excellent BBC podcast called Central Intelligence, it's the life of someone who was in the CIA from the start, after WW2. It explains all the CIA involvements in places such as Iran, Albania, Vietnam, Cuba, it's shocking what they've done, all allegedly in the name of democracy🤨

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frasersdad.bsky.social @frasersdad.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

I rarely watch QT these days as I normally end up infatuated with the guests and Fiona’s direction. I’ll watch this one on iPlayer later on though

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Pete Marchetto @petemarchetto.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

There's a clip doing the rounds, George. bsky.app/profile/pete...

Pete Marchetto@petemarchetto.bsky.social

Bloody excellent.

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rammersn.bsky.social @rammersn.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

How did the guy who said Israel has been living under the shadow of Iranian missiles for decades make his case so convincingly and give the impression that poor little Israel has been a victim of bullying.

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psbaker10.bsky.social @psbaker10.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Brief, incisive and well informed contributions by yourself - no wonder you don't get invited often.

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SaveTheNHS 💚 🍉 💙 VoteGreenParty @savethenhs.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Why did you say on Question Time “Well, I’m very glad Starmer *is* [refusing to back the US]”? You know any use of our air bases - which we knew well before Thursday to be occurring - constitutes participation in the war, especially as far as Iran is concerned.

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fionn114.bsky.social @fionn114.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Excellent point. Karma huh?

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Syd Barhey Esq. FCA. #FBPE @barheys.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

The story is told in here - recommended reading for anyone who wants to know about the roots of all the problems in the middle east

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Sharon @shazbot42.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Well said George, helping us out of our collective amnesia about the consequences of Western interference. Our hubris and arrogance never fails to amaze me. Not heard much mainstream media offering historical context.

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ChrisJ @chris17jn.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

I saw this, George. It was very good and I certainly learned something last night! I think you were getting the most applause from the audience too!

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David Boother @davidboo.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Well done George last night 👏👏

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Patricia S Paton 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇧🇷 @patispaton.com · 06/03/2026

It was excellent what you said about Iran and going back into history! Trump, an ignorant narcissist, is being played like a puppet in the hands of Netanyahu, fascist, which couldn't attack Iran by himself. I think that was the reason he got involved, as the administration can't explain precisely.

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stefanrw.bsky.social @stefanrw.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Well spoken! This is one of the many reasons why 'resistance' against refugees coming to 'our' countries is hypocritical.

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Perranmaid @perranmaid.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

I can't really stand to watch Questiontime anymore but tuned in last night as you were on and I'm so glad I did. You and Shashank Joshi clearly the only adults in the room who had the faintest idea what they were talking about, thank you

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michaelburl.bsky.social @michaelburl.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Having written about the coup in 1953, I dimly remember that Churchill knew Kermit Roosevelt and had fond feelings towards him. MI6 had the first stab at it but failed, so the CIA took over. You were very good on QT by the way.

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Formerly Thommo on X @empty52.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

I've lost count of the number of times I've tried to highlight this in recent days, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social

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Margaret Shepherd @lhllybrochh20.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

It’s a excellent ; very relevant and informative listen…

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CMCambridge @cmcambridge.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Thank you! I think a lot of people didn’t know this, and adds important perspective to the causes of Middle Eastern unrest and wars.

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Parviz Dabir-Alai @dabir-alai.com · 06/03/2026

I know it may seem contentious but Mossadeq was elected by Iran's Majlis (the lower house). So his was a de facto appointment rather than an election of a PM in the British sense. He had popular support though, so discussing the system leading to him assuming power may just be splitting hairs.

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germanicus112.bsky.social @germanicus112.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Notable that your views were enthusiastically applauded by the audience, in contrast to those seeking to justify this illegal war. Nice to hear a voice of reason.

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Petrina Wade @trina10.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Excellent information George, so many people will not know this history 👏

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Jeff @jjjeffspencer.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Well said. The ignorance and sheer blood lust exhibited by the USA and Israel is horrifying.

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Ian Ó Domhnaill. @ianod.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Why knowing the history of a place is so important. The Right won't like you telling a truth about their hero.

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MamaP @mpm24.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Well said George. Very clearly explained. Trump needs a history lesson or two.

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Paul Fernandez @exilefromgroggs.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Trump saying that Starmer was "no Winston Churchill" was a dog whistle to the British right. But it was historically facile, and really just highlighted that Trump is not even GWB.

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Phillwatson FBPE 🇬🇧🇨🇭 🇪🇺🖖 🔶 @phillipwatson.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

I had a discussion with someone here a couple of days ago who said this happened 70 years ago and everyone is dead and buried. I said it’s clear that many people in the west still don’t understand the enmity many Iranians still hold against the British and what they did in 1953

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jjsalmo @jjsalmo.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

George your contribution was truly excellent. Watching the misnamed Cleverly's face was something special. The Toraidh offer a future of vassalage to the US.

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ideasfromangie.bsky.social @ideasfromangie.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

This was very interesting, I learned something.

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Brizo75 @brizo75.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Its not widely discussed for many reasons, the ignorance of our colonial past being the most pertinent. I watched last night and have to applaud you for the simple fact that hearing something thought out, intelligent, largely apolitical, and coherent is at once jarring and refreshing. A sane voice.

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Hugh Williams @hugh69williams.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

I note that Fiona Bruce didn't ask any of the panel to challenge your history. Presumably she didn't want to embarrass her friends.

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mactakeshi.bsky.social @mactakeshi.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Because there are no adults in the room to reassure Trump that the monsters under the bed and in the closet are only figments, he has decided to blow the bed up and fill the closet in with concrete.

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andyinscotland.bsky.social @andyinscotland.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Which highlights why what is happening now is complete madness. But it’s not about regime change, it’s about oil.

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tubaguycolin.bsky.social @tubaguycolin.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

You dropped a couple of truth bombs - well done!😊

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tubaguycolin.bsky.social @tubaguycolin.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Looks like you nailed them George! 😊

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Winchester Greens @wingreenparty.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

Thank you George for what you said at Question time. Thanks for putting the panel right. It was great to see how quiet the room went when you were talking because it made sense, and the applause you got every time.

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dbgirl @dbgirl.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

I’d been trying to explain about ‘learning lessons ‘ to my nephew who was arguing about Starmers lack of action. I got in a bit of a knot trying to describe what I meant . I just sent him this .. cheers George 🙂

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m'dear @mdear.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

I reckon that the opposition want Starmer to make the same mistake as Blair because invading Iraq massively damaged the Labour government.

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Julian Le Vay @julianle.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Indeed our ignorance explains why we keep repeating our mistakes

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Jenny Cooper @jennycooper.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Glad you drew attention to the 1953 coup. It never gets mentioned and yet is central. It's in living memory eg the same year as the Queen's coronation.

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bvoret.bsky.social @bvoret.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Hopefully someone can clip it for you and post it on YouTube or something so that we Continentals can see!

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wordsSHIFTminds @wordsshiftminds.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Just FYI and future reference: If you have a saved video, it's really easy to edit in Canva.com - and free.

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CarolD @carolwildbird.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Thank you George- I had no idea about Churchill's intervention in Iran!

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Mr RobertBob @mrrobertbob.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Facts and historical context can be rather awkward for politicians. Public ignorance is so much easier to manage and manipulate.

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walesgirl.bsky.social @walesgirl.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

You were great on Question Time, 👏👏👏. the only person making strong, logical and compassionate arguments based on fact. Also very noticeable you were the person whose opinions the audience agreed with most. Most politicians and mainstream journalists are out of touch with British Public opinion

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Nikki @jazznikki.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Indeed. It's all about something the imperialistic British started in 1953(?). It's always our fault yet so many warmongering politicians are clamouring in to throw more bombs. Thank goodness Spain has the bottle to say no.

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Ted Shiress @eccentricman87.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

You were great. However my favourite moment was when Cleverly was talking some trash and the Starmer stooge guy just so happened to choose his middle-finger to scratch his eyebrow.

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David Oakes @davidoakes.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Well said George.

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Ray Alexander @rayalexander73.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Well done. 'Imperial blowback', yes so many instances.

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Eric Douglas @ericdouglas999.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

It was great to see you being given the time to express your points. This hasn’t always been the case. A masterclass in cutting through the fluff from the other panelists.

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Echinatum @echinatum.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

And don't miss: Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran - August 1941 Iran crisis of 1946

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Andy Watson #MDANT @andywatson8.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Followed by Fiona Bruce saying “Right let’s move on”. Unsurprisingly.

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jojoejones.bsky.social @jojoejones.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

I like to suggest a new law for the UK (international if possible), if a politician proposes bombing a country, then a mandatory, legal & facilitated asylum system must be opened for people fleeing that conflict to the country bombing it. See how many of the politicians fancy that quid pro quo.

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@CreativeCamden @creativecamden.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Not everyone seems to think the outcome of UK security matters only the politicisation of an internationally burgeoning crisis. Seen the front page of the Daily Mail this morning? Keir Starmer is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.

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Cat's Tales👠🎶🐈‍⬛❤️ #NotOurWar @cate79.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

BBC not available

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Ian @ianbspencer.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Here's the clip.

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Vim Fuego @2000manbelfast.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Killing them with facts again.not that facts mean much these days

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Diana Infanti @philosophypupil.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

You were brilliant George. Thank you. 🙏

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Andrew Beasley @andrewbeasleyfootball.com · 06/03/2026

Here’s the clip, George. Well said.

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John Rodway @johnrodway.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Excellent response. The clip was captured perfectly here. bsky.app/profile/mill...

Cam@millap.bsky.social

What we see here is Donald Trump, acting as he always does, as a global chaos generator. The further we stand away from that, the better off we will be. Well said @georgemonbiot.bsky.social 👏 #bbcqt #IranWar

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Pete M 🌳 @pete-m.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

I stopped watching QT a while back but made the exception last night. A great performance from you. I had to laugh at your response to Annabel Denham on her anti-renewable trope tick list she reeled off. 👏🏼

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BirdOnTheWire3 @birdonthewire3.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Well said George, so informative- I didn’t know that. Thank you. I do believe eventually people will see Keir Starmer as being on the right side of history.

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George Monbiot @georgemonbiot.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

In 1953, at Churchill's instigation, and with his assistance, the CIA launched two coups against the democratically elected government of Mohammad Mosaddegh, the 2nd of which succeeded. Why? Because he rightly sought to nationalise Iran's oil supplies, which the UK was taking: seizing Iran's wealth.

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Andrew Grainger @andrewclimate.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Well done George, you were brilliant last night, as was Shashank Joshi, the only adults in the room. And the only ones to get applause from the audience.

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Jenny P @catsmiaou.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

I think you are the first person I've heard mentioning this which is so shocking

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Dawn Robertson 🇪🇺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇫🇷 @hayloftbooks.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Published “Oil, Sand & Politics” by Dr Philip Horniblow - doctor in Middle East, 1940s-60s. “This book isn’t all sandy sojourns, prescribing poultices & SAS skulduggery. Horniblow’s love of the desert peoples & his knowledge of their way of life makes him an excellent guide & his need to...

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Sue @sukey49.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Thank you so much for this as well as your other contributions. I did not know about what happened in 1953 but knowing puts it into perspective. I am glad Keir is no Churchill!

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Simon Dalling 🇪🇺🇬🇱 @simond1954.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

We don’t speak of Winston Churchill‘s failures do we? Perhaps we should. Winston Churchill was the prime proponent of the failed Gallipoli Campaign where there were a quarter of a million allied casualties. George Dalling my great uncle was one, he died unmarried and that branch of the family fell.

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Mat @onedayitwillbetrue.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

More unbiased detail and brilliant presentation available rom @empirepoduk.bsky.social. Iran in episodes 118-125 and Suez in episodes 284-287. It’s all fascinating and I wish I’d been taught this rather than Henry the bleedin’ VIII.

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Nick Goddard @nickgoddard.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Watched Question Time @bbcnewsi.bsky.social last night because you were on the panel. Thankyou for answering the questions with your usual factual, intelligent and reasoned analysis. The studio audience certainly seemed to agree with this, judging by the applause!

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Benjamin @kassandraseye.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Pleasantly surprised that most of the audience haven’t had their brains completely boiled by the right wing media.

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lightenup.bsky.social @lightenup.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

A stellar performance 👏 ✨️

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Simon Mitchell @perilsofbirding.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

To get a round of applause from a question time audience for openly criticising Churchill is pretty much unprecedented. Very skilfully and plainly explained.

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John Ranford FB99% @johnranford.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Rarely do we hear this level of intellectual analysis and clarity on #BBCQT

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Memories of Kuwaiti - Iraqi border @jercor.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Did anyone else nearly fall off their chair laughing when James unCleverly Mentioned the enormous waste of money on firing jet missiles at drones ? £700m Rwanda £1.4bn PPE fraud . how many fucking missiles would that buy ?

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Memories of Kuwaiti - Iraqi border @jercor.bsky.social · 06/03/2026