The Curious Case of Harold James Nicholson

One of the enduring questions that we will probably never know the answer to is: what was the extent of the CIA’s involvement in the 1989 Revolution? Effectively, there are three theories as to how the FSN formed: It was a CIA plot. It was a KGB plot. Ion Iliescu was the right scumbag at the right place at the right time. Again, short of … Continue reading The Curious Case of Harold James Nicholson

Glorious Traditions

It’s hot as balls in Romania right now, and the current scandal that everyone’s talking about is the recent revelations about Liviu Dragnea, the unofficial emperor of Romania. It’s not so much just that he’s up to his eyeballs in corrupt practices, but that he’s been laundering millions of dollars while on “fishing trips” in Brazil. I’ve got nothing new to add other than that … Continue reading Glorious Traditions

Veti mai trai pana la 9 ianuarie!

Over the past few months, a lot of people have been asking me exactly how much of what happened during the Romanian 1989 Revolution was orchestrated by the United States (or conversely, the Soviet Union). There’s a really persistent conspiracy theory that the Revolution was largely stage-managed by the USA, and I want to know if that’s true. The short answer for now is: I … Continue reading Veti mai trai pana la 9 ianuarie!

Legion of Honor

I see that the beatification of Saint Laura Codruta Kovesi continues apace as the French government just officially awarded her the Legion of Honor (French version ici), the highest civilian distinction that the French government has. I suppose she’s in good company. Other Romanians who have received this very prestigious and completely legitimate honor include: King Michael/Mihai – the same guy who fucked over Romania … Continue reading Legion of Honor

A Cheap Sacrifice

I see that the world media is enjoying this: In the first case of its kind since the end of the communist era in Romania, an appeals court in Bucharest has upheld a jail sentence against a prison commander convicted of crimes against humanity for the death of 12 political prisoners more than 50 years ago. . Alexandru Visinescu, 90, was sentenced to 20 years … Continue reading A Cheap Sacrifice