Edit: Read snoopydog's essay if you like some meat with your essays. Good job snoop!

I haven't seen (or gone looking for) much more than this reprint from CNN in Cuenca High Life: British judge rejects U.S. request to extradite Julian Assange to face espionage charges.

I can't say I'm not surprised. On the surface it appears the judge did the right thing while avoiding a ruling on the defense's main legal arguments. I think it's more nuanced than that though. The UK can still do the bidding of the US without getting their hands bloody and they can prevent any more damage from the Assange affair. Who cares if Assange gets taken out by a drone strike as long as it doesn't happen in the UK and the government can't take the heat. It's a good example of doing the right thing for the wrong reason is still a good thing.

All tolled, it looks like a brilliant tightrope walk by a judge that changes nothing. It also looks like a big, "Bugger off!" to the US. Relations with the the UK may not be quite so cozy. Well, until the UK needs something.

On another note, a good friend has been concerned trump would strike Iran's nuclear facilities on the anniversary of the Sulamon assassination. The recent provocations off Iran's Gulf coast have been unusually aggressive. I can't say I disagree that handing Biden a hot war with Iran wouldn't be something trump hasn't considered for an inauguration gift. It's not inconceivable that in talking to our allies pre-strike would involve the UK. Assange could be their answer. Or not. Just a thought.