Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning Trump backs down on Greenland and is Tony Blair the world’s worst person?
Jan 22, 2026
Donald Trump's retreat from the Greenland proposal raises questions about global power dynamics. At Davos, Canada's Prime Minister highlighted the reality that the powerful often dictate terms while the weak suffer. The discussion also delves into Tony Blair's controversial role on the Gaza Peace Board, scrutinizing his historical ties to Israel and accusations of prioritizing power over humanitarian concerns. The contrasting views on Blair's motives—ideological versus opportunistic—add depth to the critique of modern political leadership.
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Extremism Shapes The Debate
- Donald Trump deliberately uses extreme statements to set the terms of debate and force concessions from opponents.
- Joe Brolly says this 'doctrine of extremism' works when the speaker has power and media attention.
Blair's Pro-Israel Trajectory
- Tony Blair has long-standing ties to Israel that shaped his Middle East posture and appointments.
- Joe Brolly argues those ties explain Blair's bias and his selection for the Gaza Peace Board.
The Dodgy Dossier Example
- Joe and Dion recount the 'dodgy dossier' episode where Blair's team used plagiarized material to justify the Iraq invasion.
- They note Channel 4 found verbatim sections and even repeated typographical errors from a student's thesis.
