If we're going to have to have a vote on MMP, we should begin talking about it honestly.
Read MoreDon't leave road safety to the sharks
The government doesn't intend to pass new road safety laws for another year, in which time another 400 people are likely to have died. Steven Joyce needs to see the light
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday October 2
Iran nuclear talks begin with "no compromise" vow (+analysis and background); hundreds die in Indonesia earthquake; Israel to exchange prisoners for video of solider; Obama tells big polluters to install monitors; and more
Read MoreImagine if Iran copied Israel
Iran goes into talks with the UN Security Council members, plus Germany, against a backdrop of various players lying and cheating and bullying—but at least staying within the nuclear rules...unlike Israel
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday October 1
Spies inside Al Qaeda weakening terror group (+analysis); Pacific tsunamis kill more than 100; Survivors angry with slow disaster response in Philippines; US talks with Cuban government and dissidents; and more
Read MoreGovernment girls dish it
Sarah Palin's memoir is rushed to print and another of Bill Clinton's ladies, oops aides, writes a tell-all
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday September 30
Iran: IAEA can inspect nuclear facility "soon" but we'll never abandon programme; Philippines seeks aid after flooding; Hamas welcomes Egyptian plan to reconcile with Fatah; NATO chief wants more troops in Afghanistan; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday September 29
Iran responds to tough talk with missile tests; Merkel wins another term in Germany; NATO gives backing to Karzai; North and South Korean family reunions resume; and more
Read MoreNew Zealand Inc IS our foreign policy
John Key's trip to the US can be defined by a single line on Letterman... we come as friends and we really, really like you. Now let's do some business
Read MoreBill pays (another) hefty bill
Bill English is no doubt hoping Dipton-gate will disappear fast following his decision to pay back all his ministerial housing allowance. But will it?
John Key: Mission accomplished – back to business
Prime Minister John Key’s big gig in
Don Brash: the right road to 2025
Dr Brash’s preliminary comments on his new productivity task force suggest it risks heading in the wrong direction. Its focus is GDP and economic growth. The path to the future is different
Read MorePlaying host to a terrorist, a thief and a choirboy
You've gotta love the UN as it plays host to the rehabilitated terrorist Qaddafi and the thief of democracy Ahmadinejad, who in turn send diplomats and fellow leaders to sleep or to walk out in protest. All that and Obama's inaugural UN speech as President.
Read MorePundit turns one!
Reflecting on a year of great stories; French wine up for grabs; new partnership with tvnz.co.nz
Read MoreThou whoreson H! Thou unnecessary letter!
To "H" or not to "H", that is the question. Or ... a town by any other name ... .
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday September 25
Obama: America is "re-engaged" with the UN; US to start talks with Burma but sanctions remain; Brazil backs Iran's nuclear ambitions; Russia opens door to tougher Iran stance; and more
Read MoreMaking sense of Mexico’s ‘drug wars’
The fallout from Mexico’s so-called drug wars continues unabated. What is really behind the carnage?
Read MoreAfghanistan – The return to secrecy
As Prime Minister John Key confirms the NZSAS is back in
World News Brief, Thursday September 24
China and Japan promise to cut greenhouse emissions by 2020 (+ Copenhagen analysis); Israel-Palestine "ice-breaker" brings talks closer; Obama considers reducing troop numbers in Afghanistan; Burmese general sneaks into US; and more
Read MoreGovt's Global Alliance a step towards prosperity and a change of tune
A link to my TVNZ blog, this week posting about the government's plan to lead the world in research into greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture
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