'Rwanda plan is less a deterrent and more a bluff'
Opinion, comment and editorials of the day

There is only one realistic way to reduce the number of Channel deaths
Sunder Katwala in The Independent
The recent deaths of five migrants trying to cross the "icy" English Channel were "a sombre reminder" of our need for a functioning asylum system, writes Sunder Katwala, director of non-partisan think-tank British Future, for The Independent. But the row over the government's "troubled Rwanda policy" highlights how "deeply divided" our politicians are on the issue. The Rwanda bill, if passed, would remove just 1% of asylum seekers, and fails to provide alternative safe routes. It increasingly looks "less like a deterrent, than a distraction".
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The most durable force in American politics: Trump's ties to his voters
Michael C. Bender and Katie Glueck in The New York Times
Donald's Trump's "decisive victory" in this week's Iowa caucus "revealed a new depth to the reservoir of devotion inside his party", say Michael C. Bender and Katie Glueck in The New York Times. His Republican supporters "adore" and have "rallied behind" the former president, despite the the 91 felony charges against him, and despite being offered "viable alternatives" in Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley. Trump's connection with his supporters has "unleashed one of the most durable forces in American politics".
Look at this beautiful Japanese toilet and tell me – why is Britain so useless at public loos?
Alberte Lauridsen in The Guardian
Few issues are "more emblematic of the deterioration of civic infrastructure" than Britain's lack of public toilets, writes architect Alberte Lauridsen for The Guardian. The nation's "once-extensive network of civic lavatories has been abandoned, sold or turned into novelty bars". The "gaping holes in basic sanitary provision" put libraries and cafes under pressure as alternatives, and disproportionately affect people with medical conditions. By contrast, the "architecturally outstanding" new toilets in countries such as Japan and Norway put our "lamentable loos" to shame.
Is Davos still worthwhile?
Financial Times editorial board
The "globalist raison d'être" of Davos is in retreat, say the Financial Times's editorial board. As threats to world stability multiply, the annual World Economic Forum, taking place this week, risks becoming an "echo chamber". Yet the event's "true purpose" lies in its "unmatched power as a giant networking opportunity". Despite the expense and rambling scope, the appeal of a "snowy week of networking and partying" remains "undimmed". Ongoing attendance is guaranteed by "the simple fear of missing out".
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
Cracks appear in MAGA's pro-Israel front
IN THE SPOTLIGHT As the world watches a humanitarian crisis unfold across Gaza, some of Israel's most staunchly conservative defenders have begun speaking out against its actions in the occupied territories
-
5 cultural trails to traverse by car
The Week Recommends Leave the hiking shoes at home
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
US and EU reach trade deal
Speed Read Trump's meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen resulted in a tariff agreement that will avert a transatlantic trade war
-
Trump threatens Russia with 'severe tariffs'
speed read The president also agreed to sell NATO advanced arms for Ukraine
-
Trump U-turns on weapons to Ukraine
Speed Read Unhappy with Putin, Trump decides the US will go back to arming Ukraine against Russia's attacks
-
IAEA: Iran could enrich uranium 'within months'
Speed Read The chief United Nations nuclear inspector, Rafael Grossi, says Iran could be enriching uranium again soon
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
Iran nukes program set back months, early intel suggests
Speed Read A Pentagon assessment says US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites only set the program back by months, not years. This contradicts President Donald Trump's claim.
-
Trump gives himself 2 weeks for Iran decision
Speed Read Trump said he believes negotiations will occur in the near future