US withdrawal from Iraq could be accelerated; China to reduce use of death penalty; more violence in Nigeria; IMF to lend more to poor countries; and more
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World News Brief, Thursday August 30
Iran's detainees; US-China talks come to an end; Chavez ends diplomatic relations with Colombis, and more
Read MoreUncensored: Super Fund Guardian's 40% advice for National finally revealed in full (+Guardian's reply)
After intervention by the Ombudsman, The Guardians of the Super Fund have finally released a full, uncensored copy of their advice to Bill English last year. It reveals a strong fight against the government's 40% local investment target and concerns that the Fund would simply overwhelm the market
Read MoreThe painfully awkward Head Girl
Novelist Margaret Drabble's self-exposure in a new autobiography is both uncomfortable and illuminating
Read MoreMemo to Labour – catch the ball
There's a number of basic rules in politics – don't make mistakes, and don't fight needless fights. Labour needs to heed both.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday July 29
US cabinet in meetings with Chinese leaders (+analysis); North Korea rules out return to six-party talks; Netanyahu resists settlement freeze; mass strike in South Africa; and more
Read MoreDon Brash as Productivity Tsar: this year's biggest political joke so far
To close the gap with Australia, will Brash dare to follow the Australian example? Or will it be Rogernomics: the next chapter?
Read MorePoll of Polls update: minor parties
Only one poll is bothering to get out of bed this winter, but it's tracking some interesting movements by the small parties
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday July 28
US begins diplomatic push into Middle East; Mitchell in Syria to repair relations; Chinese steelworkers riot; Taliban violence resumes in Swat Valley, Honduran army backs down; and more
Read MorePot luck dinner: New Zealand's food mystery
New Zealand’s food supply is the proverbial box of chocolates. Supermarkets offer a buffet of food choices – but when even New Zealand apples don't necessarily come from New Zealand, do you really know where your next meal is coming from?
Read MoreSlimming down the up-sized public sector
The recession is going to change everything else in
World News Brief, Friday July 24
Iraqi PM in Washington for sectarian talks (+America's future in Iraq analysed); Indonesia re-thinks anti-terror strategy; violence in South African townships; China's stimulus wins more praise; Musharraf in court; and more
Read MoreHey kids, get your cocaine
Cocaine is not simply an energy drink with an 'edgy' name, whatever its creators may claim
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday July 23
Clinton warns Iran of "crippling action"; Iran protesters return to the street; Burma-North Korea military links; Kenya strengthens border patrols; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday July 22
Deadliest month in Afghanistan since 2001 invasion; Hillary Clinton to attend ASEAN; three UN agencies banned from Somalia; Iraqi president visits United States; and more
Read MoreIn defence of Barry and the NBR
Bloggers have been pecking at NBR publisher Barry Colman after his very public swipe at online media. Thing is, in many ways he's right.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday July 21
Clinton talks of new era with India, but tensions remain; Jakarta bombings suggest terrorists getting more sophisticated; Khatamai calls for Iranian referendum; Chinese admit killing Uighurs; and more
Read MoreElias v Power – missing the main message
Instead of debating why our judges and politicians should stay off each others’ turf, we need to tackle the real problem – a prison system that isn’t achieving correction.
Down to earth: the sustainability diaries
Today is the start of a new spectator sport for Pundit readers – watching me fall flat on my face in the dirt, in pursuit of sustainability
Read MoreMemo to Key: Canadians keen to quit Afghanistan
As the number of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan continues to mount, the latest public opinion poll shows Canadians steadily losing faith in sending troops into that war. John Key should take note
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