Recent events have caused the government's popularity to increase, and Labour's popularity to fall. These short-term moves mask a longer period of consolidation that also helps the government.
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World News Brief, Tuesday July 13
Somalia militants claim responsibility for Ugandan bombing that killed 64; Japan sees another government toppling, PM vulnerable; Russia warns Iran is going nuclear; violence returns to Darfur; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday July 9
Suspected terrorists arrested in Norway and Germany, foiling subway-style bombing; East Timor "open" to Australia's for refugee detention centre; Church convinces Cuba to release a third of all political prisoners; US agencies to have access to European bank data; and more
Read MoreThere ain't no party like a JK party 'cause a JK party don't stop ...
In which the author tries his hand at satire. Results most definitely not guaranteed.
Read MoreHas Obama indulged in nuclear hypocrisy for Middle East peace?
Obama and Netanyahu met (again) and managed a pretty good rendition of calm and purposeful intent. But Obama's two goals--a nuclear-free world and a peaceful Middle East--increasingly appear to be political pocket lint trapped in his extremely smart suits
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday July 8
Obama comes up with timetable for Middle East peace negotiations; Netanyahu will give Palestinian Authority security forces more control over parts of West Bank; China will not dump US debt; Japan fights for role in civil nuclear sector; Sarkozy faces campaign funding scandal; and more
Read MoreWill National take a bullet for gun control?
The government's announcement of tougher penalties for knife crimes is a preamble to the bigger, harder issue – gun control. Will it have the courage to tackle our gun culture in this political climate? And what about online sales?
Read MoreGrass stains on the Mackenzie, part II: tenure review
In which policy makers try to grow the economic cake, but end up eating it instead, leaving us with some little brown crumbs …
Read MoreGrass stains on the Mackenzie, part I
Intensive farming development of the Mackenzie district is a failure of law and policy, and ecological disaster on a colonial scale
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday July 7
Obama and Netanyahu finally meet after Gaza aid flotilla scandal; Israel to allow more consumer goods into Gaza; Thailand emergency rule extends to one-third of country; Julia Gillard proposes East Timor as centre for processing asylum seekers; Biden leaves Iraq following meetings; Somali president asks UN for help
Read MoreVegetarianism as a Religion
Why do some vegetarians claim moral superiority over meat eaters?
Read MoreFollowing the footsteps of Monet and Monty
It’s time for tree planting, picture-painting, and the annual garden bird survey
Read MoreAfghanistan: stumbling away from the war
If you think the U.S. strategy for Afghanistan is in a mess – take a look at ours.
IPCC vs the deniers: the next round begins
As greenhouse gas emissions continue to grow and the glaciergate debate fades, the IPCC is gearing up for another report, another round of controversey. It will take great care testing the science; will its critics? And what's the future of transport?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday July 2
Gen. Petraeus confirmed as Afghanistan commander, saying it will get tougher (+ analysis); South Korea rejects talks with North; Merkel's presidential candidate squeaks in; Latin America bucks trend, forecasts 4.5% growth; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday July 2
Gen. Petraeus confirmed as Afghanistan commander, saying it will get tougher (+ analysis); South Korea rejects talks with North; Merkel's presidential candidate squeaks in; Latin America bucks trend, forecasts 4.5% growth; and more
Read MoreFrom Auckland to Wellington, it's all about the money
Forget the World Cup. Expenses and allowances are still the real football of the moment.
Read MoreGoudie sparks revolt - MP competence does matter
Opposition MPs walked out on the Law & Order Committee yesterday because of Sandra Goudie's poor chairing--John Key should take action; after all committee work is at the heart of an MP's job
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday July 1
Worries about nuclear treaty after spy arrests, as Russia says US law enforcement is "out of hand" (+ analysis); Turkey expresses frustration at Iran; New Aquino sworn in as Philippines president; German elections put Merkel's government at risk; and more
Read MoreG8/G20 leaves Canada a large hangover
The billion dollar protection fences are coming down now world leaders have left Canada, but the country has major headaches to deal with following mass arrests, suspension of civil rights and nothing really tangible to show for the outrageous cost of the G8/G20 summits
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