Author Archives: John Russell

John Russell

Opinion: Libya – Where now?

By John Russell | Thu 30th June 2011 - 4:25 pm

In my second article on the Libyan conflict (read the first one here) I want to look at possible solutions and answers and creative ways that the international coalition can ensure that the war is brought to a quick and decisive conclusion.

The central problem is that Resolution 1973 is not up to the task at hand and either needs to be circumvented or rewritten. Without the right mandate it will be very difficult to win this war. Creative thinking and diplomacy are urgently required.

Supporting the Rebels
One hundred days in it is shocking that this amateur and brave army has …

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Posted in Op-eds | Tagged | 11 Comments
John Russell

Opinion: Libya – A conflict without a strategy?

By John Russell | Wed 29th June 2011 - 4:25 pm

Monday marked 100 days since the air campaign began in Libya. Resolution 1973 authorises ‘all necessary measures to protect civilians’. The resolution, however, specifically excludes a foreign occupation force of any form on Libyan territory.

The White House was always lukewarm, at best, to the prospect of international intervention in Libya and has taken a back seat in the operation. As yet the combination of rebel forces and NATO air strikes has failed to have much significant strategic impact. Indeed, the Gaddafi regime seems intent on playing the long game and out lasting the unlikely combination of NATO airpower and weak …

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Posted in Op-eds | Tagged , and | 10 Comments
John Russell

Opinion: The death of affordable Outdoor Education?

By John Russell | Mon 13th June 2011 - 4:13 pm

The BBC has reported that 95% of all local council-funded outdoor education centres have had their entire funding cut. A third of all the council-funded out door centres now feel their future is uncertain. 12 outdoor education centres are set to shut, in addition to all those that have already closed over the years.

I can not think of another national, educational service that has suffered a 95% cut in the latest rounds of budgets and been expected to survive.

The Liberal Democrats should be championing outdoor education.

Affordable high quality outdoor education which is available …

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Posted in Op-eds | Tagged , and | 6 Comments
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