Something is happening in the United States. It’s not just the rise of a tyrannical, anti-democratic, narcissist President. It’s a people’s movement in response. It is the rise of a nationwide resistance, led by skilled truth-tellers who defy the tsunami of post-truth bilge and document the death toll and other obscenities. (more…)
Category: Politics
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Trump’s new tariff war, America’s waning status in Asia, and mixed reviews for BTS – Asian Media Report
The legal fiction behind America’s trade attack, Asia is the main victim of global energy crisis, Pakistan’s ‘indirect talks’ diplomacy, K-pop company’s sagging share-price, Takaichi survives Trump summit, and Cambodia’s push to restore ancient heritage. (more…)
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“Terrorism” may be the most powerful word in modern politics
The term “terrorism” simplifies complex conflicts, often obscuring history, perspective and the motivations behind violence.
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Batteries and electrification buy time on gas
Falling gas demand and a surge in batteries and electrification have delayed forecast supply shortfalls – but only for now.
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History shows Iran is not easily defeated
Iran’s long history shows a pattern of resistance and resilience against external powers. (more…)
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Why delaying the Trump-Xi Summit could anchor global stability
The postponement of a US–China summit reflects domestic constraints and shifting global leverage – not just competing priorities – and may open space for recalibration with China.
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UN experts urge Israel to free Gaza doctor amid reports of ‘severe torture’
UN experts say a Palestinian doctor detained by Israel has been denied medical care and subjected to serious human rights abuses.
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Treason in the futures markets
Unusual market activity before a sudden US policy reversal on Iran raises serious questions about insider knowledge and government integrity.
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Serious times call for serious leaders
In a time of global instability and mounting crises, Australia is being led by an unserious leadership class across politics, business and beyond.
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Underfunded public schools, overfunded private ones – the gap grows
Private schools are pulling further ahead as funding policies deepen inequality across Australia’s education system. (more…)
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Does Iran already have a nuclear deterrent?
Iran may already have the materials and delivery systems to deter a nuclear strike – raising the stakes in an escalating conflict. (more…)
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Free speech and antisemitism: drawing the line
In this extract from his submission to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion Gareth Evans argues that it is crucial that protest language claimed to be inherently antisemitic be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account context and intent. (more…)
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Patriotism or politics – the fight over the flag
As populism rises, the Australian flag is being used as a political tool – defining patriotism and drawing lines around national identity. (more…)
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Budget savings for Chalmers – fix the bloated pay system at the top of the public service
As the government looks for budget savings, the biggest opportunity lies at the top. Senior public service pay and structures have become costly, inconsistent and hard to justify.
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Tuberculosis remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease – Australia’s regional leadership matters
Tuberculosis is preventable and curable, yet remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease. Australia’s regional role is critical to changing that.
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Kharg Island – a dangerous gamble in a war with Iran
A US move on Iran’s Kharg Island would be a high-risk military gamble that could escalate rapidly and destabilise global energy.
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The greatest danger is not war – it is planetary breakdown
Human activity is pushing Earth beyond safe planetary limits, raising the risk of climate breakdown, ecological collapse and systemic global failure.
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India’s Iran calculus – Part 3
In a new three-part series, Ramesh Thakur examines dimensions of the Iran war. In part three, he takes a look at India’s contemporary and historic relations with Iran.
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Time for tax reform – and this may be the moment to act
With inequality rising and budget pressures mounting, a rare political window has opened for meaningful tax reform – if the government chooses to act.
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Labor’s 2025 landslide – but Australia remains divided
A new book on the 2025 election reveals Labor’s commanding win – but also a fragmented electorate, a weakened opposition and a volatile political landscape.
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In South Australia One Nation surges and the Liberals slide – but the shake-up has limits
A poor result for the Liberals and a surge for One Nation signal voter anger and fragmentation – but history suggests the insurgency may not last. (more…)
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Silence facilitates climate disinformation, and the government is complicit
As extreme weather intensifies and disinformation spreads, the government’s silence on climate change is undermining public understanding and action.
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Australia’s superannuation pivot to America: prudent strategy or moment for pause?
Australian super funds are rapidly increasing investment in US tech and AI, concentrating risk and tying retirement savings to systems linked to modern warfare. (more…)
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Jewish Australians speak – and contradict the government’s antisemitism report
A new grassroots study of Jewish Australians challenges the government-backed antisemitism report, exposing contradictions in its methodology and conclusions.
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Crippling or buttressing Iran’s nuclear ambition – Part 2
In a new three-part series, Ramesh Thakur examines dimensions of the Iran war. In part two, he analyses how the US-Israeli war may affect Iran’s nuclear capacity and ambitions.
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The lies that fuel war
The Albanese government’s support for the US–Israel war on Iran rests on claims about nuclear threat, humanitarian intent and non-involvement that do not withstand scrutiny.
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The most liberal of Judges – Anthony Mason
Beyond his landmark judicial legacy, Anthony Mason’s later advocacy for a bill of rights and a republic remains a powerful challenge to Australia’s political conservatism.
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Albanese risks losing the voters who put him there
From foreign policy to domestic reform, Labor risks alienating key supporters and wasting a moment of political opportunity in a volatile landscape.
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The WTO is dead? Long live the WTO
Trade ministers gathering to reform the WTO risk starting from the wrong premise. The WTO’s dispute system is impaired, but its core functions remain active. Reform should build on what still works – not start from a false premise of collapse.
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The sinking of IRIS Dena: will hubris meet nemesis? Part 1
In a new three-part series, Ramesh Thakur examines the dimensions of the Iran war. In part one, he analyses the legal issues surrounding the sinking of the Iranian warship Dena. (more…)
