Ukraine - Russia's new agenda

Where is the aid for Aleppo, Latakia, Homs and Homa? Where are the big aid organisations like International Rescue or the Disasters Emergency Committee? Where are the Western Governments. Turning their backs on a country in ruins. That's where.Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

We live in tough times, and they may continue to be tough times. What is required of us as we walk forward together into 2023, is Strength. We need to lift our eyes from the furrow and see the stars. If only because so many others depend on us, and they may not be as strong as we are, and what they need, and we can offer, is unconditional love. But if we are weak and broken ourselves and have not yet found a way to carry hope in our hearts, it becomes difficult to generate hope in the hearts of others who need us.Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

An assessment of the Russian position on Ukraine and the dangers that position represents Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

We have just had the Jewish New Year, swiftly followed by the iconic and emotionally important "Day of Atonement".  The Next Century Foundation's Secretary General offers a few reflections on the occasion.Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

Next Century Foundation Secretary General, William Morris, is in Baghdad, where the streets are in turmoil once again. What hope for Iraq? William reflects on the current situation.Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

William Morris, NCF Secretary General, argues that even for Russia, the Ukraine issue is an existential issueSupport the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

The denial of the opportunity to Muktadr Sadr's victorious candidates to take a lead in the formation of a government, indeed the action of the courts in stalling and inhibiting the appointment of a new president, has led Iraq to the brink of a Shiite-Shiite civil war, as militia leaders who did badly in the elections seek to retain their power.The prospect of a new election is slim and even then, would a rerun of the parliamentary elections actually provide a way forward.Next Century Foundation Secretary General, William Morris, gives his take on the crisis.Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

Next Century Foundation Secretary General, William Morris, reflects on the death of Regnant Queen Elizabeth the Second and the accession of King Charles the Third.Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

There's not much to inspire in the contenders for the crown:Rishi SunakSunak was behind the UK Government’s abandonment of its commitment to spending 0.7% of its GDP on developmental aid. Cutting this budget will have a detrimental effect on countries that receive British foreign aid, such as Yemen and Afghanistan. As already mentioned, these countries are likely to struggle even more this year, and it is unlikely as a candidate he will commit to repealing these reforms as lowering foreign aid is a popular policy within the Conservative Party.Penny MordauntMordaunt has voted for military action in both Iraq and Syria, as well as for the continued deployment of British troops in Afghanistan. She has a military background as a Royal Navy Reservist and has a month-long stint as Defence Secretary. Mordaunt has vowed to increase defence spending, and it is likely she would favour a Hawkish foreign policy.Mourdant was appointed Secretary for International Development on 9th November 2017, leaving in April 2018. She has made concerning statements since leaving the position, such as suggesting in June 2020 that some foreign aid should instead be spent on a replacement for the Royal Yacht Britannia.Liz TrussLiz Truss received the support of 64 MPs in the second round. Liz Truss is perhaps even more Hawkish than Mourdant, and has been backed by some of the prominent figures on the right of the Conservative Party, such as Jacob Rees Mogg and Nadine Dorries. Since becoming Foreign Secretary in September 2021, she has tried to style herself after Thatcher and has been aggressive in opposing Russia when it comes to the situation in Ukraine.However, this has led to her pushing Middle Eastern issues to the periphery. Questioned by a committee of MPs, she highlighted the important status of the Gulf States as allies but declined to say whether she had questioned their governments on their arguably weak human rights records.Kemi BadenochIn fourth place in the second round with 49 MPs backing her was Kemi Badenoch. Badenoch is a rising star in the party, positioning herself as an ‘anti-woke’ candidate. When it comes to foreign affairs, she has said she ‘doesn’t care’ about colonialism. These attitudes could lead to worse relations with Middle Eastern countries, as many of them suffered from colonialism. Badenoch doesn’t believe ‘institutional racism’ exists in the UK, which might affect the way refugees are treated in the UK, many of whom coming from countries like Syria and Afghanistan.Tom TugendhatTom Tugendhat came fifth in the second round with 32 MPs backing him. He has experience in the Middle East, having served as a soldier in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Tugendhat did a Master’s degree in Islamic studies and is fluent in Arabic, which would both be useful in working with Middle Eastern countries. Tugendhat came to national attention for his strong criticism of the Western withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling it the “biggest foreign policy disaster since Suez.” He is also a strong supporter of Israel, condemning the United Nations for its official criticism of Israeli settlements. He has suggested that other disputed territories should also receive attention, such as Western Sahara, Kashmir and Tibet.Tugendhat has accused Iran of funding terrorists, which could make work on a Nuclear Deal difficult. He has also praised Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in 2018 for having a positive impact on his country and the world. Tugendhat also vocally opposed the cut in the foreign aid budget. Tugendhat is seen by some to be on the left of the Conservative Party, yet some of his statements on Israel and Saudi ASupport the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation

It is Eid in a year in which hatred has reached new levels. And there is so much pain in the world. Now a mere word can lift us and a mere word can destroy us. William's Eid message is about coping, in a world in which there is far too much despair.Support the showReflections and observations from William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation