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Sam Lawrence

@saminaustralia.bsky.social
1.2K followers 186 following 138 posts

🌱 Environmentalist: climate and policy. Social justice. Traveller. Geo-politics. Optimist. Pun aficionado. I like to build new things and try to leave the 🌏 better than we found it. 🇬🇧,🇫🇷,🇩🇪 + aprendiendo 🇪🇸 🏡 Melbourne / Bangkok / nomad All views my own.

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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
Beyond the gross debasement of the office, is it possible to quantify in any real sense the substantive damage this numpty’s done to not only his country but the post-war global order? What does it mean? General assertions of a ‘rupture’ don’t seem sufficiently concrete. @andrewmueller.bsky.social
independent.co.uk
Trump posts swear-laden rant as he tells Tehran to ‘open the Strait or live in hell’
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
This is a #warcrime - the latest of many. High time that the #ICC indicted the criminal and put him on trial, along with his cabinet and collaborators. The rogue state threatening global stability needs to be held to account, and stopped. Arrest warrants should help. @coalitionfortheicc.org
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
By far the most incompetent Foreign Secretary in recent history. The hypocrisy of slashing “foreign aid is national security.” @yvettecooper-mp.bsky.social
bbc.com
UK reveals aid priorities after major cuts to budget
Aid groups and MPs have raised concerns over the move to prioritise defence spending over aid.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Are the are-they / aren’t-they debatable US-Iran negotiations simply another ploy the US will use to strike Iran again / seize Kharg when the marines arrive? It’s a repeated tactic Trump has used: pretend to negotiate to throw the other party off. @jonsopel1.bsky.social @thenewsagents.co.uk
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Let me get this straight. The rogue hegemon trash-talks NATO; threatens its (former) allies; lies about their sacrifices on its behalf (Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria); launches an illegal, unwinnable war with appalling forethought, and now threatens NATO to clean it up? Send your own sons and daughters.
bbc.com
Trump warns Nato faces 'very bad' future if allies do not help secure Strait of Hormuz
The US president says he is speaking to several countries about
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
@govpritzker.illinois.gov - investigate and prosecute them under State laws - no White House pardons for State convictions.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Heartening to see France’s public prosecutor doing their job without fear or favour. I can’t wait to see M. Musk in the dock ⚖️ Chances of US sanctions on France ahead of that eventuality? 80%? #StopElon
abc.net.au
French police raid X offices in Paris as Musk summoned to hearing
A widening probe into the platform is investigating alleged abuse of algorithms and fraudulent data extraction.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
“Never let a good crisis go to waste”. An opportunity to overhaul the UN Security Council for the 21st century: no more vetoes and a removal of states non-compliant with the UN Charter and financial commitments. #un #uncrisis
bbc.com
UN risks 'imminent financial collapse', secretary general warns
António Guterres says the international body could run out of money by July due to members' unpaid fees.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
The US is a clear security threat. When will Europe collectively meet the US’ crazed bullying with reciprocal sanctions and asset freezes? DJTs Scottish golf courses could be a start. @kajakallas.bsky.social Switch from dollar denominated payments to Euros and Sterling @yvettecooper-mp.bsky.social
bbc.com
Trump tariff threat over Greenland 'unacceptable', European leaders say
The US president says several European allies opposed to his plans to buy Greenland will face 10% tariffs from February.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Very interested in your views on this debacle @georginagodwin.bsky.social (a Monocle radio feature perhaps?) and the excellent interview given by the superb Louise Adler to the ABC. @louiseadler1.bsky.social
abc.net.au
Louise Adler unloads over reputationally 'trashed' Adelaide Writers' Week
The former Adelaide Writers' Week director takes aim at lobby groups and the SA premier during an intense appearance on 7.30 in which she says the event's reputation has been "trashed".
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Australia’s Adelaide Writers Week “destroyed by the Zionist lobby” (Yanis Varoufakis) with esteemed Jewish board director Louise Adler resigning on principle: “I could not be party to silencing writers… writing matters, even when they are presenting ideas that discomfort and challenge us”. #auspol
bbc.com
Randa Abdel-Fattah: How Adelaide Writers' Week imploded after axing Palestinian author
Some 180 writers, including former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, have withdrawn from the event.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
I can’t wait to see what deliciousness results from this! 😋
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
I recommend rereading this article by Yale Professor Jason Stanley (since fled to Canada) writing in @theguardian.com in 2021. An update to this article would be both fascinating and devastatingly damning on the descent of Canada’s southern neighbour into neo-fascism.
theguardian.com
America is now in fascism’s legal phase | Jason Stanley
The US’s history of racism is fertile ground for fascism. Attacks on the courts, education, voting rights and women’s rights are steps to toppling democracy
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Reposted by Sam Lawrence
sher12.bsky.social @sher12.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
share.google/MJEFT8sTWM8c...
share.google
You Don’t Get to Break the Constitution Just Because the Bastard Had It Coming
Because “he deserved it” has never been a constitutional argument
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
When can we expect EU sanctions on the violent, rogue criminal-led regime in the Americas that breaks international law (UN Charter Article 2(4)) and attempts to overturn democratic elections? Plus its oddly orange-hued Floridian leader? Or does realpolitik Trump EU values? @kajakallas.bsky.social
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
When can we expect EU sanctions on the violent, rogue criminal-led regime in the Americas that breaks international law (UN Charter Article 2(4)) and attempts to overturn democratic elections? Plus its oddly orange-hued Floridian leader? Or does realpolitik Trump EU values? @kajakallas.bsky.social
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
President of Peace. Someone should check on how Greenland and Panama are sleeping.
bbc.com
Venezuela latest: Trump says US has 'captured' President Maduro in strikes on country - latest
The US president says Maduro and his wife have been
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
@zackpolanski.bsky.social - can a scaled levy on the assets of foreign billionaires and multi-millionaires be considered as Greens policy? Their assets can help pay for British health, social and community services.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
Yep - to which ABC journos regularly respond.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
@abc-news.bsky.social - are you SERIOUSLY advocating for Australians to censor themselves to comply with a foreign governments’ invasive policies? #auspol @larissawaters.bsky.social @mehreenfaruqi.bsky.social
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
Was in die Stasi ist das?! “Applicants could be asked to supply all phone numbers they have used in the past five years, all email addresses from the past 10 years, and detailed information about immediate family members, including their names, dates and places of birth, and current addresses.”
abc.net.au
Privacy concerns over US proposing travellers reveal social media history
Australians travelling to the United States could soon face an unprecedented invasion of privacy, an international law expert has warned.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
🇮🇪+🇪🇸 demonstrated principled leadership, yet again, on the issue of Israeli genocide. The EuSoCo is and always has been political. Countries including 🇬🇧🇫🇷🇩🇪🇮🇹 hiding behind a charade of neutrality to avoid a tough decision (which should be easy) is an abdication of moral responsibility. #eurovision
bbc.com
Ireland among countries boycotting Eurovision after Israel allowed to compete
There had been calls for Israel's exclusion over the war in Gaza, as well as unfair voting accusations.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
It’s so telling that the G20 is far more effective on climate without certain destructive elements present. A permanent G18 (sans the two pariahs across the Bering strait) could be a great option.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
COP30 was a failure. When a coalition of petro states led by Saudi Arabia and Russia red-line mention of fossil fuels, and the outcome is treating the symptom not the cause, it’s a failure. This jamboree needs massive overhaul. Much like the UN itself.
abc.net.au
COP30 sidesteps fossil fuels, boosts climate aid for poor nations
Denial and division have been highlighted in the COP30 deal that makes no mention of cutting fossil fuels but boosts climate aid for developing nations.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
As predicted, and incredibly smart diplomacy: Australia controls the negotiations, gets moral praise from the Pacific for ‘trying’ to host COP, and incurs none of the costs. Well played. #auspol
abc.net.au
Australia hands COP31 to Türkiye but Bowen to lead negotiations
Adelaide will not host next year's COP summit, but Australia's Energy Minister Chris Bowen will lead the negotiations, and a pre-event will be hosted by a Pacific Island nation.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Reports of the death of democracy are, happily, greatly exaggerated. Australia’s principled and proactive approach to securing democratic norms in the Pacific is a tremendous tribute to quiet, effective middle power diplomacy. #auspol
abc.net.au
Wong says Australia the 'architect' in the region after 'landmark' achievements
The foreign minister has used a major speech to celebrate the government's string of security agreements, saying Labor has helped build a region more stable and less deferential to authoritarian power...
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
🐝 Pretty cool / un-bee-lievable🐝 #bee #conservation #australia
bbc.com
New 'Lucifer' bee with devil-like horns found in Australia
The native bee was found near a rare wildflower, prompting scientists to call for the area to be protected.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
This is grotesque in a world with malnutrition and environmental degradation. 12.5% could fund the entirety of global tropical forests protection. A single figure %’age could rebuild Gaza. No one deserves $1 TRILLION. Shareholders should be ashamed. @teslatakedown.com @lilyjamali.bsky.social
bbc.com
Elon Musk's $1tn pay deal approved by Tesla shareholders
The richest man in the world will get hundreds of millions of new shares if he hits his targets.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Have you heard of the line of St Michael? It’s even more intriguing, and begins even before St Michael’s island in Cornwall. 🪽
en.wikipedia.org
Saint Michael's line - Wikipedia
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
A perfect example of why the Australian government cannot be trusted on climate - it fails at every step. And that’s both sides of the aisle - for decades. Pacific nations are right to call out Australia’s hypocrisy in seeking to host a climate COP while actively undermining climate progress.
abc.net.au
'Climate trigger' formally ruled out of environment laws
A "climate trigger" that could be used to block coal and gas projects has been formally excluded from the government's overhaul of Australia's environment laws, minister Murray Watt confirms.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
An excellent decision. It’s heartening to see the Nobel Committee upholding its high standards.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
“To survive, the United Nations must leave America” - a short essay by Carl Bildt @cbildt.bsky.social
project-syndicate.org
To Survive, the United Nations Must Leave America
Carl Bildt sees a change in headquarters as an unfortunate but necessary step for the embattled institution.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
The @theguardian.com cartoonist @bjennings90.bsky.social absolutely nails it. Highly recommend his piercing observations 👌🏻
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
“All States are under a legal obligation to use all means that are reasonably available to them to stop the genocide in Gaza … and take action on accountability through investigations and legal proceedings against individuals or corporations that are involved … directly or indirectly”- Navi Pillay.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
The UN concludes that Israel is committing genocide. “Israel is responsible for genocide in Gaza…there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza through acts that meet the criteria set forth in the Genocide Convention” - Navi Pillay, Chair of UN Commission. #ohchr #israel #genocide
ohchr.org
Israel has committed genocide in the Gaza Strip, UN Commission finds
GENEVA – Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, a...
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
🤷🏼‍♂️ there goes that Swedish prize 😏
bbc.com
Trump seeks to rebrand Department of Defense as Department of War
The US president has sought to refocus the department on "warfighting" and a "warrior ethos".
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
Don’t suppose you could do a piece on the Daily on why an ex-Victorian State Premier was invited to (and actually) stood in this motley line-up? @andrewmueller.bsky.social
abc.net.au
Why would Daniel Andrews taint his legacy by posing alongside dictators?
Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews posed for a class photo alongside Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in China. The question on everyone's mind is why?
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
Collective punishment of civilians is a war crime under international law: one war crime amongst many in Israel’s ongoing slaughter of the Palestinian population. The ICC should indict Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz for war crimes, in addition to its existing indictment of Israel’s PM.
bbc.com
Gaza City will be razed if Hamas does not agree our terms, Israel minister says
Hamas should disarm and release all Israeli hostages, Israel Katz says, as country prepares a massive attack on Gaza City.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
Sophocles’ ancient play Antigone ~440 B.C., says "no one loves the messenger who brings bad news". Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra used the same motif. Plutarch described kings decapitating messengers who brought news of invading armies, leading to a lack of information and eventual downfall.
bbc.com
Pentagon fires intelligence chief after Iran attack assessment
The firing comes just weeks after a White House rebuke of a leaked intelligence report assessing the impact of US strikes on Iran.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
🇦🇺 In a principled response to Netanyahu’s personal attacks on Australia’s PM, our Minister for Home Affairs @tonyburkemp.bsky.social noted that "Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry.” Israel should indict its PM for war crimes per ICC.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
📊 “Firing the head of a key government agency because you don’t like the figures they report is what happens in authoritarian countries, not democratic ones” - Larry Summers, former US Treasury Secretary.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
🇨🇦🍁 Now the indicted war criminals crimes against humanity threaten hundreds of billions in North American trade via a slavish and complicit US administration. History will be the judge. May the True North remain strong and free. 🇨🇦
bbc.com
Israel Gaza latest: Trump says Canada's move to recognise Palestinian state threatens trade deal
After Canada joined the UK and France in planning to recognise Palestine, Trump says the move makes it
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Over 2 million people in Gaza are facing man-made starvation at the hands of the Israeli government, headed by a man wanted by the #ICC for war crimes. Those turning a blind eye to an unfolding genocide are morally complicit.
reuters.com
Gaza facing man-made 'mass starvation', says WHO's Tedros
Gaza is suffering man-made mass starvation caused by a blockade on aid into the Palestinian enclave, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
This comes after the UN’s top court ruled in May this year.
abc.net.au
Russia responsible for downing flight MH17, UN aviation agency says
It ruled that Russia was responsible for the downing of a Malaysian airliner over Ukraine that killed all 298 people on board, including 38 Australians.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
✈️ We can only hope that one day, the Russian criminals responsible for this crime against humanity are brought to justice ⚖️
abc.net.au
Europe's top court rules Russia responsible for downing MH17
Among the 298 passengers and crew on board the Malaysia Airlines flight were 38 Australian residents and citizens.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
Persian literature is ancient and fascinating. One of my favourite quotes is “whoever sows the wind shall reap the whirlwind.” 🌪️
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Called out by the UN - another terrific example of the incompetence of this government - supporting fossil fuel projects which actively destroy 40,000 year old indigenous heritage. @tanyaplibersekmp.bsky.social #auspol
abc.net.au
UN set to knock back World Heritage bid for rock art over emissions concerns
The UN is proposing to knock back Australia's bid to add the Murujuga Cultural Area to the World Heritage list, instead asking the federal government to address concerns about emissions degrading the ...
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
🔥 Exactly what we’ve come to expect from the Albanese government: retrogressive policy based on a complete lack of vision. This is exactly why we’re seeing the two-party duopoly falling in favour of progressive independents.
abc.net.au
Australia's largest gas project approved for operation to 2070
The life of Australia's largest oil and gas project will be extended to 2070, with Environment Minister Murray Watt giving the long-awaited environmental approval for Woodside's North West Shelf proje...
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
🦘🇦🇺 Sounds about right for Australia.
bbc.com
Port Macquarie: Kangaroo 'tries to drown' man in Australia floodwaters
The marsupial held the man down in floodwater after they got into a fight near Port Macquarie.
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Sam Lawrence @saminaustralia.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
So Netanyahu’s 55,000 person ongoing #genocide and egregious war crimes wasn’t enough to stop the slaughter but pictures of Israel’s artificial famine-stricken innocent Palestinian children might be. Grim progress of a sort. His arrest by the ICC can’t come soon enough.
abc.net.au
Netanyahu's slip of the tongue shows how the war could finally end
While bombing raids may be a distant and difficult concept for populations in relatively safe corners of the world to comprehend, the scenes of children jostling and screaming in fear and desperation ...
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