Five Catalan Politicians Jailed, Five Reasons for Russia’s Spy Poisoning
The arrests make it even more difficult to form a government in the breakaway region of Spain.
Catalonia
Analysis and commentary about the independence crisis in Catalonia by Nick Ottens (based in Barcelona) and Ainslie Noble (an expert in Basque and Catalan identity issues).
Trump Doesn’t Understand New Cold War, Doesn’t Understand Presidency
Donald Trump treats the American presidency like his reality-TV version of a business.
Mainstream Parties Win Dutch Elections, Catalans to Swear In President
Extremists lose in the Netherlands. The civil war in America’s Democratic Party is exaggerated.
Democrats Should Keep Superdelegates, Salvini Calls for Anti-EU Budget
Superdelegates are a failsafe. Italy’s right-wing leader has no need for EU budget rules.
Grand Coalition Wins Vote in Germany. Next Problem: Italy
German Social Democratic Party members support a coalition with Angela Merkel.
EU Sets Red Lines for Brexit, Puigdemont to Lead Government-in-Waiting
The EU’s red lines are unacceptable to hardliners in the United Kingdom.
Macron Breaks Taboo, Spain Makes Gibraltar Demands
Emmanuel Macron opens the door to farm subsidy cuts. Spain wants power over Gibraltar’s airport.
Lies and Distraction from Trump, Putin’s Dangerous War in Syria
Donald Trump lashes out at Democrats. Vladimir Putin is playing a dangerous game in Syria.
Corbyn’s Spy Career, Catalan Language War
Jeremy Corbyn met with Czech agents during the Cold War. Spain restarts the Catalan language war.
Catalan Liberals Start Language War to Woo Conservatives
A hopeless proposal to ban the Catalan language could bring support from other regions of Spain.
Still No Government in Catalonia, Shades of Fascism in America
Catalan separatists struggle to form a government. The “Is Trump a fascist?” debate is back.
Summary of Recent Developments in Catalonia
What has happened since the election in December.
Catalonia in Common Rules Out Supporting Unionist Government
The decision makes another separatist administration almost inevitable.
Tabarnia: A Separatist Parody That Gets Too Much Attention
A proposal to split Catalonia’s cities from its more separatist hinterland does little to heal divisions.
Both Sides Claim Victory in Catalonia
Separatists and unionists each find reason to claim victory. The view from abroad is that nobody won.