Ruth Watson
@ruthwatson.bsky.social
Journalist. Activist. Working for a better tomorrow today.
Political perspectives. Sustainability. Resilience. Food security. Social justice.
Scottish. Irish. Algerian. Kabyl.
There is no Planet B.
Political perspectives. Sustainability. Resilience. Food security. Social justice.
Scottish. Irish. Algerian. Kabyl.
There is no Planet B.
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Barack Obama blasted Donald Trump and the administration in a new interview with Brian Tyler Cohen.
Obama Blasts ‘Clown Show’ Politics In Scathing Interview Scolding Trump
Barack Obama blasted Donald Trump and the administration in a new interview with Brian Tyler Cohen.
www.forbes.com
February 14, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Barack Obama blasted Donald Trump and the administration in a new interview with Brian Tyler Cohen.
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Greenland PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen: “Imagine a NATO country acquiring, taking, or threatening an ally. Where would the world stand if that happened?
“…what would prevent the United States, Russia, and China from splitting up the world into three big blocks if that were allowed?
“It’s outrageous.”
“…what would prevent the United States, Russia, and China from splitting up the world into three big blocks if that were allowed?
“It’s outrageous.”
February 14, 2026 at 9:56 PM
Greenland PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen: “Imagine a NATO country acquiring, taking, or threatening an ally. Where would the world stand if that happened?
“…what would prevent the United States, Russia, and China from splitting up the world into three big blocks if that were allowed?
“It’s outrageous.”
“…what would prevent the United States, Russia, and China from splitting up the world into three big blocks if that were allowed?
“It’s outrageous.”
Reposted by Ruth Watson
The Minister for Defence has said Ireland is considering boarding and inspecting Russian oil smuggling ships, known as the Shadow Fleet, as they pass through the seas off Ireland.
jrnl.ie/6957232t
jrnl.ie/6957232t
Irish Defence Minister says Ireland considering boarding and inspecting Russian Shadow Fleet ships
Helen McEntee, who is also Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, was speaking to The Journal today as she attends meetings at the Munich Security Conference.
jrnl.ie
February 15, 2026 at 12:12 AM
The Minister for Defence has said Ireland is considering boarding and inspecting Russian oil smuggling ships, known as the Shadow Fleet, as they pass through the seas off Ireland.
jrnl.ie/6957232t
jrnl.ie/6957232t
Reposted by Ruth Watson
In November 2013 a Ukrainian protest comprising thousands of college students became a Euromaidan of millions.
Normal men and women without strong political views faced down paramilitary thugs in the freezing cold.
Asked why, they said the same thing he does.
"They're beating our children."
Normal men and women without strong political views faced down paramilitary thugs in the freezing cold.
Asked why, they said the same thing he does.
"They're beating our children."
Yesterday morning kids were sent running from their bus stop in panic because ICE showed up. This guy at today’s ICE Out of Lindenwold protest is a must watch 😭. @maddow.bsky.social
February 14, 2026 at 7:20 PM
In November 2013 a Ukrainian protest comprising thousands of college students became a Euromaidan of millions.
Normal men and women without strong political views faced down paramilitary thugs in the freezing cold.
Asked why, they said the same thing he does.
"They're beating our children."
Normal men and women without strong political views faced down paramilitary thugs in the freezing cold.
Asked why, they said the same thing he does.
"They're beating our children."
I miss the 'Special Relationship' being partnered by someone who was a grown-up.
@barackobama.bsky.social: "When I was POTUS, I suppose I could have simply unilaterally ordered the military to go into some red state and harass and intimidate a governor or cut off funding for states that didn't vote for me... but that is contrary to how I think our democracy is supposed to work."
February 14, 2026 at 7:03 PM
I miss the 'Special Relationship' being partnered by someone who was a grown-up.
Reposted by Ruth Watson
@barackobama.bsky.social: "When I was POTUS, I suppose I could have simply unilaterally ordered the military to go into some red state and harass and intimidate a governor or cut off funding for states that didn't vote for me... but that is contrary to how I think our democracy is supposed to work."
February 14, 2026 at 5:42 PM
@barackobama.bsky.social: "When I was POTUS, I suppose I could have simply unilaterally ordered the military to go into some red state and harass and intimidate a governor or cut off funding for states that didn't vote for me... but that is contrary to how I think our democracy is supposed to work."
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Each week in Essential India our correspondents analyse the big Indian news and business developments, keeping you in the loop with everything from cricket to technology, social trends and electoral politics
Essential India Newsletter
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econ.st
February 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Each week in Essential India our correspondents analyse the big Indian news and business developments, keeping you in the loop with everything from cricket to technology, social trends and electoral politics
February 14, 2026 at 6:48 PM
Very competent refereeing which both allowed the game to flow, but also kept a tight rein to ensure fair play.
We thought #HollieDavidson did a solid job in last year's Autumn Nations.
Good to see her on the pitch at the #SixNations
We thought #HollieDavidson did a solid job in last year's Autumn Nations.
Good to see her on the pitch at the #SixNations
Big respect and congratulations to Hollie Davidson, the first ever female referee in the six nations. She's had a brilliant game and hopefully she'll be called on for many more six nations games.
#IREvITA
#IREvITA
February 14, 2026 at 5:46 PM
Very competent refereeing which both allowed the game to flow, but also kept a tight rein to ensure fair play.
We thought #HollieDavidson did a solid job in last year's Autumn Nations.
Good to see her on the pitch at the #SixNations
We thought #HollieDavidson did a solid job in last year's Autumn Nations.
Good to see her on the pitch at the #SixNations
Reposted by Ruth Watson
This story keeps getting bigger.
🔴 SCOOP: Wife of Starmer’s comms chief had direct knowledge of Labour Together’s investigation into journalists, documents seen by D4S show
Revelation heaps more pressure on minister Josh Simons to explain why he paid a PR firm to dig dirt on reporters
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/starmer-al...
Revelation heaps more pressure on minister Josh Simons to explain why he paid a PR firm to dig dirt on reporters
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/starmer-al...
Starmer ally Josh Simons faces fresh questions about digging dirt on journalists
Tory and SNP chiefs call for Labour minister Simons to ‘come clean’ as we reveal new details of PR firm’s campaign to discredit journalists
democracyforsale.substack.com
February 14, 2026 at 11:11 AM
This story keeps getting bigger.
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Polish Deputy Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs Radek Sikorski: “Europe is now paying for this war. We are buying American weapons to deliver to Ukraine. US supplemental package ran out last year. We are paying, this is our security and therefore we deserve a seat at the negotiating table.”
February 14, 2026 at 5:31 PM
Polish Deputy Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs Radek Sikorski: “Europe is now paying for this war. We are buying American weapons to deliver to Ukraine. US supplemental package ran out last year. We are paying, this is our security and therefore we deserve a seat at the negotiating table.”
Fascinating.
🦈 #shark
The latest @Forbes column from shark researcher @melissacmarquez.bsky.social is about a #southernsleepershark sighting. This critter was filmed by a baited camera 500 m beneath the surface near the South Shetland Islands
share.google/8gxfYQWcoeqM...
The latest @Forbes column from shark researcher @melissacmarquez.bsky.social is about a #southernsleepershark sighting. This critter was filmed by a baited camera 500 m beneath the surface near the South Shetland Islands
share.google/8gxfYQWcoeqM...
Antarctica’s First Shark Caught On Camera - And Why It Matters
For the first time, a shark has been filmed in the Southern Ocean near Antarctica.
share.google
February 14, 2026 at 5:41 PM
Fascinating.
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Au Nigeria, au moins 46 personnes tuées par des hommes armés dans trois villages du Centre-Ouest
Au Nigeria, au moins 46 personnes tuées par des hommes armés dans trois villages du Centre-Ouest
www.lemonde.fr
February 14, 2026 at 5:34 PM
Au Nigeria, au moins 46 personnes tuées par des hommes armés dans trois villages du Centre-Ouest
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Zelenskyy in Munich: “The Ukrainian Army is the strongest army in Europe, thanks to our heroes.
“And I think it is simply not smart to keep this army outside NATO.”
“And I think it is simply not smart to keep this army outside NATO.”
February 14, 2026 at 11:43 AM
Zelenskyy in Munich: “The Ukrainian Army is the strongest army in Europe, thanks to our heroes.
“And I think it is simply not smart to keep this army outside NATO.”
“And I think it is simply not smart to keep this army outside NATO.”
Reposted by Ruth Watson
I prefer it when ‘Traitors’ describes the TV program, not the people potentially electing the next government.
2024 Reform UK voters are also less likely to describe themselves as anti-Russia (48%) than other voters (66-79%)
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
yougov.co.uk/politics/art...
February 14, 2026 at 11:14 AM
I prefer it when ‘Traitors’ describes the TV program, not the people potentially electing the next government.
Reposted by Ruth Watson
NATO’s Mark Rutte on Russia at Munich: “They lost 65,000 people in December and January. They are not winning this…
“If there is a dictator in Moscow willing to do that…we have to take that seriously, because this is crazy behaviour.”
“If there is a dictator in Moscow willing to do that…we have to take that seriously, because this is crazy behaviour.”
February 14, 2026 at 11:54 AM
NATO’s Mark Rutte on Russia at Munich: “They lost 65,000 people in December and January. They are not winning this…
“If there is a dictator in Moscow willing to do that…we have to take that seriously, because this is crazy behaviour.”
“If there is a dictator in Moscow willing to do that…we have to take that seriously, because this is crazy behaviour.”
Today in Scotland, the sun actually shone in a bright blue sky, and I took to the hills with my best pal, and the love of my life.
It's important to celebrate the good moments and feel the gratitude for all the good fortune we enjoy
It's a privilege denied to too many
#FeelTheLove
It's important to celebrate the good moments and feel the gratitude for all the good fortune we enjoy
It's a privilege denied to too many
#FeelTheLove
February 14, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Today in Scotland, the sun actually shone in a bright blue sky, and I took to the hills with my best pal, and the love of my life.
It's important to celebrate the good moments and feel the gratitude for all the good fortune we enjoy
It's a privilege denied to too many
#FeelTheLove
It's important to celebrate the good moments and feel the gratitude for all the good fortune we enjoy
It's a privilege denied to too many
#FeelTheLove
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Monsters
On Thanksgiving, the immigrant children held at the Dilley detention center gathered in the gym for what they thought was a holiday feast.
The kids salivated over a spread of turkey, sandwiches, pastries and pies, a family told me.
But the food wasn’t for detainees — it was for the staff.
The kids salivated over a spread of turkey, sandwiches, pastries and pies, a family told me.
But the food wasn’t for detainees — it was for the staff.
February 14, 2026 at 9:46 AM
Monsters
The underground odyssey that led archaeologists to a Zapotec burial site
In Huitzo, Oaxaca, two experts explore the intricacies of the Tomb of the Owl, one of the most important discoveries in Mexican archaeology of the last decade
In Huitzo, Oaxaca, two experts explore the intricacies of the Tomb of the Owl, one of the most important discoveries in Mexican archaeology of the last decade
The underground odyssey that led archaeologists to a Zapotec burial site
In Huitzo, Oaxaca, two experts explore the intricacies of the Tomb of the Owl, one of the most important discoveries in Mexican archaeology of the last decade
english.elpais.com
February 14, 2026 at 10:35 AM
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Westminster is in chaos, armpit deep in the Epstein scandal and Labour plotting. Yet there’s radio silence from the SNP on independence. Now is the moment to strike and say an Indy Scotland would be better than this circus. Speak out now if you want to win the fight
In @heraldscotland.bsky.social
In @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Is the SNP still actually interested in delivering Scottish independence?
As Westminster reels from scandal and chaos, is the SNP missing its moment to press the case for Scottish independence?
www.heraldscotland.com
February 14, 2026 at 8:54 AM
Westminster is in chaos, armpit deep in the Epstein scandal and Labour plotting. Yet there’s radio silence from the SNP on independence. Now is the moment to strike and say an Indy Scotland would be better than this circus. Speak out now if you want to win the fight
In @heraldscotland.bsky.social
In @heraldscotland.bsky.social
Reposted by Ruth Watson
UN accuses paramilitary RSF of committing war crimes in Sudan’s el-Fasher https://aje.news/p5owoq
February 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM
UN accuses paramilitary RSF of committing war crimes in Sudan’s el-Fasher https://aje.news/p5owoq
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Indian writer Arundhati Roy says she was cancelling her planned participation in the Berlin Film Festival over comments from jury president Wim Wenders that the festival had to “stay out of politics” in response to a question on Gaza.
🔴 LIVE updates: aje.news/vlaa02
🔴 LIVE updates: aje.news/vlaa02
February 13, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Indian writer Arundhati Roy says she was cancelling her planned participation in the Berlin Film Festival over comments from jury president Wim Wenders that the festival had to “stay out of politics” in response to a question on Gaza.
🔴 LIVE updates: aje.news/vlaa02
🔴 LIVE updates: aje.news/vlaa02
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Thailand's traditional centres of political patronage, the 'Baan Yai' (Big Houses), swayed election for conservatives https://aje.news/x3x7rj
February 14, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Thailand's traditional centres of political patronage, the 'Baan Yai' (Big Houses), swayed election for conservatives https://aje.news/x3x7rj
Reposted by Ruth Watson
The debate comes as Jeri, who is not running for re-election, faces allegations of bribery and influence-peddling.
Peru to debate removal of President Jose Jeri four months into his term
The debate comes as Jeri, who is not running for re-election, faces allegations of bribery and influence-peddling.
www.aljazeera.com
February 14, 2026 at 2:30 AM
The debate comes as Jeri, who is not running for re-election, faces allegations of bribery and influence-peddling.
Reposted by Ruth Watson
Tarique Rahman's decisive victory may redraw regional alignments after years of pro-India policy under ousted PM Hasina.
Could BNP's landslide win open a new geopolitical chapter for Bangladesh?
Tarique Rahman's decisive victory may redraw regional alignments after years of pro-India policy under ousted PM Hasina.
www.aljazeera.com
February 14, 2026 at 6:00 AM
Tarique Rahman's decisive victory may redraw regional alignments after years of pro-India policy under ousted PM Hasina.