This edition of Diplomacy Now – ‘Diplomacy's Greatest Show’ features articles on the #USIranWar, selection of the #UNSG, challenges of #UNpeacekeeping + turmoil in #Yemen & #Niger from @benaldson, @AlanCDoss @almuslimi @WilenNina & others. #UnitedNations dialogueinitiatives.org/edit…

... you remember you're not a lawyer so then you ask the opinions of half a dozen legal experts and before you know it you and @benaldson have cowritten a new report for @PlataformaCIPO @1for8billion? Anyway that's how this happened 1for8billion.org/if-security…

So @benaldson and I have a new report for @1for8billion @PlataformaCIPO on what happens if, as looks increasingly possible, the UN Security Council cannot find anyone they will tolerate to be the next Secretary-general before the end of the year 1for8billion.org/if-security…

We have the #s for the UN Security Council straw poll in the selection process for UN secretary-general

And now in @ForeignPolicy with @benaldson foreignpolicy.com/2026/07/28…

"As the race for the next secretary-general heats up, it is likely that history, of trading influence and power for votes for a spot at the top, is “highly likely” given “past practices,” @benaldson said in a phone interview." @dawnmclancy

One of the most interesting projects I've done in a long time, working with @benaldson on a deep dive into the history of UN selection processes for @1for8billion @PlataformaCIPO It's now out! 1for8billion.org/backroom-de…

In Devex alongside @benaldson and @PlataformaCIPO teasing a report I've been working on which should be out shortly on the history of the backroom deals that underlie, and sometimes undermine, Secretary-General selections devex.com/news/no-more-backr…

"Arrested", Guardian? Stop pretending that Israel has any kind of legal right to abduct peace activists – either in international waters or in Gaza's waters. This was yet another act of piracy by Israel.

Absolutely horrific

Horrible news of multiple stabbings at a synagogue in Manchester. On Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar. My thoughts are with the victims of these senseless attacks.

This looks absolutely horrific.

Kieran Andrieu, my colleague at @novaramedia & a friend I admire, has now been kidnapped by Israel. What is happening off the coast of Gaza is illegal under international law. Share this video. A British citizen has been kidnapped @Keir_Starmer.

🚨A new investigation by Channel 4 indicates 110,000 bullets were sent from Britain to Israel last month. The value of UK arms shipments to Israel in August 2025 totalled more than £150,000, the second largest monthly amount since January 2022.

DEMAND SAFE PASSAGE NOW. Governments failed—so ordinary people are risking their lives to deliver aid and open a lifeline to Gaza. After 17 years of siege and total collapse, the minimum governments can do is ensure safe passage for this legal, vital mission

This is astonishing: My colleague Paul Holden - author of the forthcoming revelatory book on Starmer & McSweeney ‘The Fraud’ - and myself were investigated by a private intelligence firm trying to dig dirt on us on behalf of Labour Together, the entity that brought Starmer to power. Is this what democracy looks like to Keir Starmer? U investigate your electoral opponent & a journalist! Fortunately, our investigative work exposing political corruption & my political record speak for themselves. I have a number of questions for Starmer & McSweeney: 1. How long have these investigations been going on for & are they still ongoing? 2. The ridiculous suggestion that we are funded by Russia could have been shown to be farcical if the well paid private intelligence organisation had bothered to read our published work in which we say we can’t travel to Russia for safety reasons because we have revealed Putin’s involvement in arms trade corruption 3. Is this how u believe democratic politics is conducted?

Wonderful to hear to be part of this event, thank you Maria for sharing your perspective - lots of foos for short! Did i hear you tight when you said 8 men control half the world's wealth?!

Can you believe that there has never been a woman secretary general of the @UN? That is shameful. @NobelWomen’s ED Maria Butler taking part in a timely discussion on this failure, hosted by @gnwp_gnwp on the fringes of #UNGA #itsherturn

Such a pleasure to be invited to a Dabke to raise funds for a legal action against St. Bart’s for its suppression of Palestinian solidarity. The health workers leading this action are heroes, taking on their NHS Trust for the right to show solidarity with Palestine. They are Muslim & Jewish, Christian & of no faith. They are heroes in their work & their humanity. Please donate: crowdjustice.com/case/bhs4p/

New details about #spycops released today by the Undercover Policing Inquiry. More than 10 years after the Inquiry began, it has today given a list of groups spied on by key officers Mark Kennedy, 'Lynn Watson', 'Marco Jacobs' & 'Rod Richardson' 🧵