Facing the near certain prospect of a catastrophic defeat, British Prime Minister Theresa May has postponed Parliament's vote on the deal she struck with the European Union on the terms of her country's departure from the EU. It is not clear what she gains from delay. There are no good options for dealing with Brexit (as the process is called), and there is little sign that British politicians or the public know how to proceed.
The British Parliament was supposed to vote on Brexit on Tuesday. Debate not only confirmed that the country and the ruling Conservative Party remained deeply divided over the issue, but also that May's withdrawal proposal was getting less, rather than more, popular. As the vote approached, Tory Whips believed that the government would lose the support of over 100 members of their own party.
A defeat of that magnitude would threaten not just the May government but Conservative rule. The opposition Labour Party would demand a vote of no confidence: Party chief Jeremy Corbyn charges that the government is in "disarray" and has already called for a general election, which his party would likely win given the disgust that has been sparked by the entire Brexit mess.