Sunday notes

Everybody survived their April Fool? Good.

Cloudy but bright day in the islands. A tanker has gone to anchor outside the port, according to AIS. The Clipper Highlander has not been here before, and they are probably waiting for a pilot. I happen to know that there was a problem with our regular tanker, the Border Heather, and this vessel is probably taking its place.

Can't say I found George W. Bush's intervention on the Iranian crisis very helpful. Typical inflammatory outburst at a delicate moment which we could very well do without. It is perceived that given the right turn of words, a way out of the current situation between the UK and Iran could be found which would save both parties from losing face. Very important in the Middle East. But he used all the words that everybody else has been studiously avoiding like "hostages". The more moderate elements within Iran have called for a peaceful solution, saying that the region cannot afford another major crisis like Iraq blowing up.

Still in the Middle East, Palestinian journalists are boycotting news stories related to the newly formed government. This is a protest against the perceived lack of action by the Palestinian authority in the case of allegedly abducted BBC journalist Alan Johnston. He disappeared 20 days ago, and intense pressure is being applied to ensure his safe release.