Syria is in turmoil, the war seems without end
As more and more protagonists, seek power and to avenge.
Turkey’s complication of borders of Iran and of the Kurds
Her troops have crossed the Syrian border – arms supersede words.

A cacophony of local nations, out of tune and too unstable
A modern say Sodom and Gomorrah, a modern day Tower of Babel
Shia, Sunni, autocracy, democracy, a multitude of agendas
Rhetoric and greed, too war war, not jaw jaw; for the innocent masses no defender

Today, beyond Assad, beyond rebels, beyond Arab Spring and beyond Islamic State
The world’s two greatest military powers pursue control and, perhaps, too, pursue check mate.
The United States and Russia, omnipotent, look to settle their old scores.
Alas, it seems, that this old chess board is set for a new Cold War.

The Olympics are over and what a games it’s been
Records set, graft and sweat, inspiration, dreams.
The United States topped the medal table with power and with élan
Followed by Britain, China and Russia, by Germany and Japan.

Beyond the usual suspects the rostrum saw new nations
First ever golds for Vietnam, for Kosovo and Fiji (beyond all expectations)
So too for Singapore, Tajikistan, Jordan and the Ivory Coast
Along with Bahrain and Puerto Rico, all gold medal winners, free to boast.

Athletes from 87 countries earned medals – a record breaker
As was the first ever triple triple by Usain Bolt of Jamaica.
So we look to 2020, where in Tokyo once again the world will unite
To compete, to run, to swim, to jump, to throw, to fight.

Norway, allegedly, might block a bid to join EFTA by the UK
Trade talks, political whispers, more Tower of Babel than “hip-hip hooray”.
If you are a Brit, try not to worry, don’t be dismayed
We are at the beginning of all these negotiations, it’s still early days.

The 31st Olympiad has begun in Rio de Janeiro
The world comes together to seek victor, winner, hero.
The Maracanã Stadium will form the heart of this sporting celebration
As motto: “Faster, Higher, Stronger” unites our global nations.

Hillary Clinton has received the Democratic Presidential nomination.
In Philadelphia with much fanfare and a standing ovation.
The real star of the event was Jerry Emmett from Arizona
She announced the nomination with both style and persona
At one hundred and two Jerry was born before women had the right to vote
And so the forty fifth President might be a woman, a possibility once so remote.

The world’s is shock, there’s a sudden coup in Turkey
Confusion, accusations – motivations appear murky.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan looked under the cosh
But the very next day the uprising is quashed.

Turkish coups are not new, but we’d thought they’d passed to fable
Those days seemed over and the country more stable.
Modern Turkey’s position is pivotal, both politically and by location
And it’s cocktail of NATO, Syria and Kurds is a potent combination.

We have a new Prime Minister – all hail Theresa May!
A swift and sure appointment to avoid inertia and delay.
Leadership and metal to see us on our course.
To guide us through the turmoil and broker our divorce.
The new PM’s impressive, she’s steely and know the game
A reputation for no nonsense, but fairness all the same.
So now we live on an island where women rule the roost
A change from male dominance, for equality a boost
Arlene Foster, Nicola Sturgeon. Leanne Wood and Caroline Lucas of the Greens
And above all these worthy ladies, there is, of course, the Queen!

The Iraq Inquiry has been published at last
Since it was ordered seven years have passed.
The Chilcot report (as it is more widely known)
Myths and rumours into the light has thrown.

It stated that Saddam Hussein didn’t pose an urgent threat
And that more effort to avoid war should’ve been met
Furthermore, that the US and UK undermined the UN with alacrity
And that the legal process was far from satisfactory.

Should the war have been waged – each will have their view
And blaming politicians is nothing really new
But many lives have been lost for what seems like zero gain
And Iraq has seen no change, save more misery and pain.

The blame game has begun – tis always the way
Whodunit, whose fault – it’s the only game being played.
Some politicians sought to leave for mere personal gain
Despite many years of supporting “to remain”.

For others this is nirvana, they have waited oh so long
For their day of liberation from the European throng.
The Union Jack, the National anthem, they sing and chant and shout
At last to be rid of Brussels, to celebrate being out.

But now the dust is settling, it seems that no one has a clue
Of what is next, of where we go, of what we have to do.
All the political parties are in turmoil; not unexpected
It would never be that easy, if we really went with Brexit.

The Tories are in the throws of a fresh leadership campaign
It’ll produce more heat than light, before they select the one to reign.
But it’s the Labour party who seem to be in a real spot of bother
As their leader fights his own side – more enemy than brother.

Many are angry that Jeremy Corbyn did not push for remain very hard
And his reputation with many fellow MPs is under pressure, even marred.
Comedian, Andy Zaltzman cited Corbyn’s campaign as having “the ferocity of a cornered blancmange”.
In these times being a politician is tough: they are deemed to have few rights, but lots of wrongs.

Crikey, that was unexpected, the country’s in shock!
We’ve voted to leave, the world’s been rocked.
It was never meant to happen – remain was so sure
And now no one knows what to think anymore.

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has just resigned
Of the European departure his premiership’ll be defined.
Markets are in turmoil, the Pound is crashing
Clouds of chaos and uncertainty are amassing.