MOAS, MSF and Sea Watch: Independent Research and Rescue Services Following the End of Mare Nostrum

Work of NGOs in the Mediterranean migrant crisis. Putting in valuable work, saving lives.

Mediterranean Hope

by Paolo Cuttitta (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) – If 2014 went down in history as the era of Mare Nostrum – rescuing people at sea through government and military humanitarian interventions – on the other hand 2015 will be remembered for a number of non-governmental and civic initiatives.

This summer, in fact, three different non-governmental actors are playing a very decisive role by searching for boats heading towards the Italian coasts:  MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station), operated by MSF (Medici Senza Frontiere, Doctors Without Borders) and Sea Watch.

View original post 1,267 more words

RAF Nimrod Replacement – The Poseidon’s Competitors

It’s got to be the P-8A Poseidon. RAF personnel already train with US Navy P-8As to keep up MPA/ASW skills. RAF should get the kit it trained with. Also, common airframe & systems ensures full interoperability with the USN. It’s GOT TO BE the P-8A Poseidon. If I was a Boeing salesman I’d surely be offering an affordable lease or lease-to-own package.

Could the RAF resume the nuclear deterrent as a cheaper alternative to Trident?

Short answer: No.

You can’t cram the naval genie back into an air force bottle.