Category Archives: France

The Brits still want to play in the Great Game? To what end?

Posted on March 22, 2021 by Pat Lang

“The “Army of the future” will see £23 billion of investment. This will include upgrades to tanks and armoured vehicles, rockets, air defence, tactical surveillance drones, and new electronic warfare and cyberspace capabilities. However, with that will come cuts to both … Continue reading →

Posted in Borg Wars, France, government, Iraq, The Military Art | 58 Comments

Des Trognes – Trees with many faces.

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Pat Lang

There are many films on YouTube about the process of Pollarding trees, an ancient process going all the way back to Roman times. In this process trees of various species are severely pruned back over many cycles to produce a … Continue reading →

Posted in Flora, France, Science | 19 Comments

“Why the French Don’t Show Excitement” Emily Monaco

Posted on October 18, 2020 by Pat Lang

"  … with a fairly good grasp of the language, I was convinced that I would soon assimilate into French culture. Of course, I was wrong. There’s nothing like cultural nuance to remind you who you are at your core: … Continue reading →

Posted in France | 16 Comments

Happy Anniversary to The World Turned Upside Down by Fred

Posted on October 17, 2020 by Fred

On the 17th of October, 1781 – General Charles Cornwallis offers his surrender to the Americans at Yorktown, Virginia. Let's raise a glass and listen along to the song that brings such cheer.

Posted in Current Affairs, France, Fred, History, Politics, The Military Art | Tagged , , | 15 Comments

“Macron vows to fight ‘Islamist separatism'” BBC

Posted on October 3, 2020 by Pat Lang

"The country also has the largest population of Muslims in Western Europe. Many complain the authorities use secularism to specifically target them, for instance in banning the hijab. Speaking outside Paris on Friday, Mr Macron said radical Islam was a … Continue reading →

Posted in France | 28 Comments

French LTC Assigned To NATO, Arrested For Committing Espionage On Behalf of Russia. by J

Posted on August 31, 2020 by j

French DSGI Counter-Intelligence (their MI5 equivalent) arrested a French LTC assigned to NATO, as he was wrapping up his vacation in France and heading back to his NATO base in Italy.  The LTC was arrested for committing espionage on behalf … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Intelligence, J | 12 Comments

A Bombshell Report from the New CNN

Posted on May 23, 2020 by Fred

A report by Fred There I was, first day on the new job. Trying to impress the boss with my worsmithing and insights on life, the universe, and, well – everything. Of course all good writing takes coffee, and some … Continue reading →

Posted in China, Current Affairs, France, Fred, Health Care, Humor, Politics, The economy, Whatever | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

«Erdogan leads a panislamist and neo-ottoman project that must be fought urgently» Le Figaro

Posted on March 8, 2020 by Pat Lang

(Mezri Haddad)   We have this translation from the French text courtesy of Phillipe Boileau who lives at Montreal.  pl ——————————- FIGAROVOX/TRIBUNE – The philosopher Mezri Haddad analyses Turkish president Erdogan’s foreign policy. Erdogan aims, in Haddad's  view, to transform … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs, France, Middle East, Russia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey | 15 Comments

Trump moves to unite the Middle East! (irony)

Posted on January 6, 2020 by Pat Lang

Teevee coverage of the recent events in the ME has been predictable.  Those who hated Trump continue to hate him, etc.  A few observations: 1. I had hoped that Trump's decision to kill an Iranian general engaged in a diplomatic … Continue reading →

Posted in As The Borg Turns, Borg Wars, France, Iran, Iraq, Oil, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey | Comments Off on Trump moves to unite the Middle East! (irony)

“Latest situation in foreign forces deployment in Syria” Yeni Safak

Posted on January 2, 2020 by Pat Lang

"The U.S. forces evacuated 16 bases and military posts during Operation Peace Spring and returned to six bases as the operation was paused. The U.S. army strengthened its military presence in Syria’s northeastern border and oil fields. With five bases … Continue reading →

Posted in As The Borg Turns, Borg Wars, France, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Middle East, Russia, Syria, Turkey | 8 Comments