So it seems that the US and Israel have regime change as their top priority in the war with Iran. From air bombardment alone…

Off ramps are already being discussed; but a lack of trust among the parties will make a diplomatic solution almost impossible to achieve.

060/365

So here we are. Again.

US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, but there has not been any compelling arguments regarding why this is happening NOW. Iran has retaliated with strikes in the region. At this time, it is not yet confirmed if the Iranian leader has been killed.

059/365

It does not bode well that diplomatic missions are drawing down some staff in embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv. Travel advice for ex pats and visitors has also been strengthened.

Diplomatic careers can be tough on families in turbulent times and in hostile environments.

058/365

Diplomats in Geneva are stating that the Iran talks in Geneva were a “reprieve” and that the next round will be as soon as next week. This is positive news. The military build up in the region continues. That’s the not so positive news. Extended deployments are not good for morale either.

058/365

The State of the Union address on 24 February included lines that Iran was building missiles that would “soon reach the United States”. Really not sure whether this is accurate or not, but this sets the tone for the next round of negotiations in Geneva on 26 February.

056/365

Russia’s war with Ukraine enters its fifth year today. We all remember when, on the campaign trail, tRump said he would end this conflict within 24 hours as president. The only winner will be Putin if US pressure on Ukraine to capitulate prevails. The art of the deal? GTFO

055/365

Evacuating non-essential staff from the US Embassy in Beirut is a worrying development. While core functions of a diplomatic mission will continue, business as usual won’t be possible.

Evacuations can be deeply unsettling for diplomats as they won’t know if they will be able to return.

054/365

With the upcoming State of the Union address this week, it will be interesting to see if there will be breakthroughs in the Middle East and in Ukraine; or if there will be more attacks and increased tension in these theatres.

053/365

The US’ trading partners expected POTUS to continue with tariffs as a diplomatic weapon. Diplomats around the world will be shaking their heads, waiting for instructions.

Like the military build up in the Middle East, this “flexing of muscles” by the US is dangerous for all concerned.

052/365

No surprise at all that POTUS responded in this way to SCOTUS’ ruling on the administration’s sweeping global tariffs. Throwing tariffs around as a diplomatic tool has been as subtle as a punch in the face.

Trading partners & diplomats will need to deal with his doubling down. Tiring

051/365

Diplomats in various locations around the world are surely suffering from whiplash - again - as the US president takes to social media to criticise the UK’s lease deal with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands.

We have been here before; no doubt the president will change his views. Again.

050/365

No breakthrough in the talks to resolve Russia’s war with Ukraine. Despite the US President confidently stating during the campaign that he would broker a deal within 24 hours.

Who knew dealing with Putin’s Russia would be so difficult?

049/365

Indirect talks between the US and Iran on the latter’s nuclear programme concluded today. Although there was no announcement of a resolution, both sides were cautiously positive. The US’ military build up in the Middle East looms and the recent protests in Iran loom over the discussions.

048/365

Today marks the second anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s death. At the weekend, UK and European leaders issued a statement that the dissident was murdered by the Russian state.

In a surprise to absolutely no one, the current US administration did not align themselves with the statement.

047/365

Prime Minister Starmer called for closer links between the UK and the European Union at the Munich Security Conference. GOOD!

It is to be hoped that the UK Government will immediately pursue this immediately. Brexit is an unmitigated disaster.

046/365

The US Secretary of State lambasted the United Nations during his speech at the Munich Security Conference, while trying to mend bridges between the US and Europe.

Bypassing the UN with the frankly bonkers Board of Peace instead of reforming the UN from within is a recipe for disaster.

045/365

Germany’s Chancellor opened the three day Munich Security Conference with a speech stating that Europe must do more regarding its defence, while emphasising that the US can’t “go it alone” in security matters.

It is going to be an interesting weekend…

044/365

This year’s Munich Security Conference will take place this weekend. It was at this event in 2025 that the US and European defence relationship started to fray. It will be interesting to see and hear about further developments, as well as receive more updates on key issues such as Ukraine.

043/365

The Prime Minister of Israel had a lowkey 3 hour meeting with the President of the United States: he entered the White House via a side door & he did not have a joint press conference. In the world of diplomacy, this usually indicates that the principals are not in agreement. Worrying

042/365

Outward royal visits are an important soft power tool, with diplomats working to achieve key objectives. British diplomats in Saudi Arabia dealing with William’s visit have to contend with an authoritarian host government and the royal family / Epstein scandal links in the UK. Challenging!

041/365

When diplomacy has its limits…

Despite raising this case at the highest levels, including during a PM trip to China, pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by Chinese authorities.

There’s not much that diplomats can do, except to carry on with lobbying.

040/365

The Olympics are top tier soft diplomacy. International relations are boosted for the hosts and competing nations. No surprise then that the team from Ukraine received a loud and positive welcome from the spectators during the opening ceremonies last Friday in Milan-Cortina

039/365

BBC reporting states that there will be trilateral talks (US / Ukraine / Russia) in the week commencing 9 February to thrash out a peace deal. Zelenskyy was quoted as saying that the US wants the conflict to be over by June for “US domestic reasons”. This does not bode well for Ukraine.

038/365

It would appear that tRump is supportive again of the UK’s agreement with Mauritius on the Chagos Islands. He withdrew his support last month in a fit of pique… His unpredictability and rampant racism are trashing the US’ reputation with the international community.

037/365

06 February 2026

And here we go again…

Talks to resolve Russia’s war with Ukraine have concluded with no peace deal in sight. A prisoner swap will bring joy to some families, but the conflict will continue.

036/365

05 February 2026

The international community is waiting with bated breath to hear about the talks to end Russia’s war with Ukraine. But we’ve been here before…

035/365

04 February 2026

Many agree that Europe’s move away from the US is long overdue. The “language of power politics” means that Europe will try to seek their own way on security and defence, trade and business as well as energy.

This will take a long time to achieve (if it can be achieved…)

034/365

03 February 2026

Plunging temperatures in Ukraine are bad enough, but weaponising winter by attacking power stations and energy installations are truly diabolical.

Here’s hoping that positive US engagement and European support will soon bring an end to this nightmare.

033/365

02 February 2026

All eyes are on Iran, as the international community waits on developments in the US-Iran discussions. It would seem that both parties are keen to come to some kind of agreement but the risk of escalation is real.

032/365

01 February 2026

Shoutout to the British diplomats in Washington, Beijing and Tokyo for doing their level best for the national interest (security, trade and economic growth) in a challenging and eventful week in international relations! PHEW! It’s definitely NOT all parties & glamour

031/365

31 January 2026

Sounds rather churlish for tRump to criticise Starmer and Carney about engaging with China, when the US president is due to meet Xi in April…

030/365

30 January 2026

Despite the British PM being in China for an important visit, the lead international story today is the “beautiful Armada” en route to the Middle East and a possible strike on Iran. This gunboat diplomacy is not in support of protesters, but a menacing threat to secure a nuclear deal.

029/365

The British Prime Minister is in Beijing on a three day visit. The timing of the trip is being criticised by many in the UK. No doubt the British diplomats there will be doing everything they can to show how it is in the national interest - economically and for security reasons

A tough job.

028/365

Social media bans for young people under 16 years of age is an issue for governments around the world. The federal government in Australia has put a ban in effect and other countries, such as the UK, are considering whether to follow suit. Consultations have started.

027/365

The BBC’s business editor reported that the price of gold has shot up, as it always does in periods of uncertainty. The last time this happened was during the global financial crisis in 2008.

Today’s uncertainty is… the future of the US. Apparently. Has anyone else seen similar reports?

026/365

Sorry seems to be the hardest word…

Following a telephone call with the UK Prime Minister, tRump posted positive comments about British armed forces after his offensive remarks about NATO troops in Afghanistan. But he did not apologise and there were no expressions of remorse nor regret.

025/365

tRump has achieved a difficult feat - twice! In just one week he has united the major UK political parties in common causes: maintaining the sovereignty of Greenland and condemnation of his outrageous claims that NATO troops were not on the frontline in Afghanistan.

024/365

24 January 2026

Overnight headlines here in the UK include the news that tRump has rescinded his invitation for Canada to join the “Board for Peace” (!) Massive congratulations to Mark Carney for this badge of honour

“Board of Peace” - are you serious? An international organisation to resolve conflicts around the world… Or, hear me out here? How about we ensure that the UN Security Council is effective, fully representative and reformed with the removal of the veto from the P5?

022/365

22 January 2026

The international community remains unconvinced by tRump’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos today. Actions speak louder than words. The BBC reported that at some points in the hour long speech, 47 mixed up Greenland and Iceland… YIKES! We are all doomed.

021/365

21 January 2026

Good to hear that some European Heads of Government are planning for a future without US leadership. At Davos, the Canadian Prime Minister was also clear. tRump’s arrival at the World Economic Forum will be eagerly anticipated as well as dreaded.

020/365

20 January 2026

The UK Government seems to have a moderate response to tRump’s tariff threats, while the European nations are being more robust and are considering retaliatory measures if necessary.

Is this one of those “Brexit benefits” that some British politicians kept going on about..?

019/365

19 January 2026

With any luck, the last 12 months or so have put paid to the erroneous belief of a “special relationship” between the UK and the US, which was almost always toxic and definitely one-sided.

018/365

18 January 2026

tRump threatens tariffs (again), to get European governments to bend to his will. Here’s hoping for staunch support and solidarity for Greenland and Denmark, from their reliable partners and allies.

017/365

17 January 2026

It is great that the Nobel Peace Prize committee confirmed that the medal can be passed on or donated to anyone, but that the title of Laureate is non-transferable.

016/365

16 January 2026

Traitors as entertainment, as well as in UK politics today. Pretty sure most Britons are more invested in the TV show TBH.

015/365

15 January 2026

Let’s hope that diplomacy and constructive dialogue prevail, because Greenlanders do not want to be annexed, thanks very much.

014 / 365

14 January 2026

The political village was quiet this evening. The loudest sounds were the bell tolling and the buses moving on the rain-wet roads.

013/365

13 January 2026

There’s something so comforting and delicious when you meet up with friends for the first time in years, and it is funny and warm and insightful and thoughtful.

012 / 365

12 January 2026

The underdogs have done it again! Brighton & Hove Albion beat Manchester United at Old Trafford. The positive reception for Danny Welbeck by the crowd was such a great gesture - he’s obviously held in high regard at his former club.

011/365

11 January 2026

There’s something rather sweet about a giant killing in the FA Cup, which we don’t often see in the Premier League era. Macclesfield’s victory over last year’s winners, Crystal Palace, was special.

010/365

10 January 2026

There’s never a good time, but withdrawing from the UN’s climate change agreements now is horrific. History will not look kindly on these decisions.

009 / 365

09 January 2026

Parts of the British Isles are being battered by Storm Goretti. There was a rare red warning, to alert people that there was a danger to life.

Stay safe all

008/365

08 January 2026

International headlines and reporting are top of the running order in UK broadcast news today. Interesting that analysts are asking whether Europe will be passive bystanders and / or whether Europe will be trampled in this headlong rush for hemispheric carve ups.

007/365

07 January 2026

Twelfth Night - so time to put away all the Christmas decorations. But we’re still working our way through the mince pie mountain. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it…

006 / 365

06 January

Probably the first time in over 30 years that I wasn’t anxious about work after the (Northern Hemisphere) winter break. My last day of service in November 2025 was a blessing, I can see that now.

005/365

05 January 2026

“If you break it, you own it”

So I really hope that there will be accountability in Venezuela, because the Venezuelan people have suffered more than enough.

004/365

04 January 2026

“January is not a time for beginnings”.

I feel this with every fibre of my being! My favourite time to start new things or to change my approach is September, aligned with the (UK) school year.

003 / 365

03 January 2025

Helpful insights via a Tarot card and Runes reading for the year ahead. But will I ignore my gut feelings or tread the same path?

002 / 365

02 January

Bright, sunny and cold outside; ideal for a bracing walk! But there were yummy chocolates inside and warm, fluffy socks, so…

001/365

ALT TEXT: Ferrero Rocher and mini chocolates on a white paper plate