France and Germany terminate FCAS fighter jet project, dealing blow to European defence autonomy
France and Germany have ended their joint Future Combat Air System programme, a project intended to produce a sixth-generation fighter jet for Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on Monday that the scheme is being terminated, according to the supplied material. The decision marks a significant setback for European defence cooperation and for efforts to reduce reliance on the United States for security.The move comes after years of disagreement over the project, which was designed as a landmark partnership involving France, Germany and Spain. The supplied material says the dispute centred on the role of France's Dassault Aviation, although the... [Continue Reading]
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France and Germany terminate FCAS fighter jet project after leadership dispute
France and Germany have terminated their joint Future Combat Air System programme after failing to resolve a dispute over leadership and control. The decision is a major setback for one of Europe's most ambitious defence-industrial projects and comes as European governments face renewed pressure to strengthen their own military capabilities. The French presidential office confirmed on Monday that the project was being terminated, ending a plan that had been intended to deliver a sixth-generation fighter jet and related systems.The FCAS project was launched in 2017 and later brought in Spain, with the aim of replacing France's Rafale jets and the... [Continue Reading]
Pope Leo XIV begins first papal visit to Spain in 15 years
Pope Leo XIV has begun a week-long visit to Spain, arriving in Madrid for the first papal trip to the country in 15 years. The visit opened with meetings at the royal palace, where he was received by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. Later in the day, he led a large prayer vigil near Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu stadium, drawing an official tally of 500,000 people.During his first public remarks in Spain, the pope called for an end to "polarising narratives" and "sterile simplifications". He thanked Spain for what he described as its "faithful adherence to international law and... [Continue Reading]
Hegseth criticises European migration policy in Normandy D-Day speech
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has used a D-Day anniversary speech in Normandy to criticise European migration policy, describing migrant arrivals on European beaches as an "invasion". He made the remarks in France on the 82nd anniversary of the Allied landings that helped liberate Nazi-occupied north-western Europe in 1944. The comments were delivered during commemorations in a setting closely associated with wartime sacrifice and transatlantic military cooperation.Hegseth said that "different dangerous ideologies" were now storming "different European beaches", naming Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria. He asked when European capitals would do something about what he called an "invasion", referring to... [Continue Reading]
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The Madness of Power, From Balfour to the Edge of World War Three
A Voice in the Wilderness of War: Who Still Dares to Speak Truth While Empires March There are moments in history when the world suddenly accelerates toward disaster, moments when anyone who has studied history can feel the temperature rising even before the explosions reach their peak. The current escalation in the Middle East is one of those moments. According to the facts we now see unfolding, the United States and Israel made the unilateral decision to attack Iran without the approval of the United Nations, without a global coalition mandate, and without the support of most of the international... [Continue Reading]

