Could have been Israel, could have been the Maldives, it's all quite mysterious

Israel retaliates against Iran, senior U.S. official says.

James Longman joins Linsey Davis from Lebanon: 'We'll see if Hezbollah decides that now is the time. Certainly, they've been saying they're ready for war, although they do not want it, but they may be forced to act.'

Congratulations James, such an achievement. Very brave to delve into such personally vulnerable subjects. Well done, looks like a great read. :)

🥬 🥬🥬🥬

LinkedIn AI bot messages me telling me they are ‘looking for fluent Ukrainian speakers - like you!’ I’m enjoying how hilariously bad AI seems to be right now. And also realise it won’t be funny, very soon.

As the world braces for a response from Israel, James Longman in Beirut on whether any counter strike could target Iran directly or its regional proxy groups now emboldened by this assault. trib.al/uMeHgWJ

So in one night Iran takes Gaza out of headlines, loosens pressure for ceasefire, pulls Israel back from isolation and puts deal with Gulf back on the table. Not a strategic master stroke.

I wrote a new piece for the FT about the recent escalation in the region.

BLUF:
“Relegated in all this are the Palestinians of Gaza. For all its performative support for them, Iran’s attack may well push the war there down the global agenda just as calls for an immediate…

A few thoughts after a long night. First, I think there's a strong case that Iran's reprisal was a strategic error. For months Israel was increasingly isolated, America looked feckless and Iran was projecting power through proxies whilst preserving detente with Arab states. 🧵

I WROTE A BOOK! The Inherited Mind is the story of my dad's schizophrenia & suicide, the impact on my family and my own battles with depression. It explores the latest science on the genetics of mental illness, and how genes aren't everything

Order today! a.co/d/fwJ3vPk

Me: “What’s your address?”

Protest group which targeted Starmer’s house: “I can hardly disclose that on the radio.”

Me: “Why not, someone might want to come round and protest outside your house.”

Ffs

I’m so sick of people who—every time their team loses, or their candidate loses, or it rains when they were hoping for sunshine—immediately say with zero proof whatsoever, “Well, you know that’s how THEY wanted it.”

Not everything is rigged. Almost. Nothing. Is. Your “enemies”…

Thank you to our wonderful ABC News photographer John Freeland for capturing the most gorgeous video of totality over Indianapolis. Here you will find all 4 minutes of it sped up 2.6x. Watch ‘til the end! Clara McMichael picked the perfect soundtrack for the moment. Enjoy!

The Vatican's doctrine office has issued a document called 'Infinite Dignity,' which was approved by Pope Francis, and declares sex change operations and surrogacy on par with abortion and euthanasia. @jamesaalongman has more details.

Many congrats James! Coming from a family myself in which mental health issues are unfortunately prevalent, I can only say:

Thanks for doing this and I look forward to reading & learning more!

Wow! Can’t wait to read this book James

A book I have been looking forward to - 3 years of hard work by James, and sure to be a thought-provoking addition to the conversation around these issues that we all encounter one way or another.

🚨 My book on the genetics of mental illness goes on pre-sale Sunday. It tells the story of my father, his schizophrenia and suicide, and my family’s broader genetic history

It explains the latest epigenetic mechanisms being uncovered

And it shows how genes aren’t everything

An American woman was killed while on a safari in Zambia after an elephant charged their tour group. @jamesaalongman has more on the attack.