Sexual molestation rituals … illegal brothel visits … drunken brawls … unauthorized “cowboy” missions. That’s life for New Zealanders in the private security unit set up to guard the US Embassy in Kabul.
Conservative politics, liberal petrol: OIA papers on emission standards
Cabinet papers reveal the motor industry flip-flopping on car fuel economy plans and the government ignoring officials' advice as it abandoned new vehicle standards... Is this another example of political caution gone mad?
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Road-user charges exemption for light electric vehicles
Why I'm sick of the government trumpeting their championing of electric cars...
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday December 11
Obama accepts Nobel amid controversy; China attempts to cool its real estate market; North Korea and US agree that Six-Party talks should resume; Iraq reshuffles security forces; France and UK agree on bank reform; and more
Read MoreThe dark side of the Twilight phenomenon
The hit movies Twilight and New Moon – and the books they are basd on – have huge popular appeal but glamourise violent, dependent romantic relationships
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday December 10
Trouble at Copehhagen talks; Japan's growth not as good as forecast; Phillipines resumes talks with Islamic terrorists; support for Obama's Afghanistan troop plan; and more
Read MoreHave a heart: fixing broken criminals
Paroled murderer Richard Lakich needs a new heart, and Parliament is considering an ACC amendment that disentitles criminals. Are these hard choices, or heartless choices?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday December 9
Over 100 die in Baghdad bombings; EPA threatens to cut US emissions without Congress; Japan tries another whopping stimulus package; India to buy more atomic fuel from Russia; and more
Read MoreBusy out the back... and Labour strategy
In case you're wondering where we are... And a few ideas bouncing off Toby's post
Read MoreClass warfare returns in UK
David Cameron has had four strong years. Now Gordon Brown is playing the posh card - and no wonder, it may just give him half a chance
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday December 8
Copenhagen climate talks begin at last as countries promise emission cuts (+analysis and background); Climate scientists debate 'climategate' emails as Saudi Arabia asks questions; Morales wins Bolivia election; Iranian protesters back on the street; and more
Read MoreThe Time Traveler’s Wife: I waited, you didn’t come
The film version of The Time Traveler’s Wife could be a clever metaphor, cynical exploitation, or just a bit of a flub
Read MoreIntolerant Swiss topple more than just minarets
In taking their army knife to the civil rights of Swiss Muslims by banning minarets on mosques, the Swiss have fallen prey to the politics of hate and fear bubbling all too close to Europe's surface
Read MoreEnough is enough: Copenhagen and too-convenient alcohol
The inconvient truth is that John Key always should have been going to Copenhagen and dairies should never have been selling liquor. So hooray for a change of heart on both
Read MoreSerendipity: the recipe for happiness
Happiness has simple ingredients – good food, a bit of luck and, apparently, lots of rosy sex
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday December 4
Pakistan and Afghanistan raise doubts about Obama's war plans (+ analysis); Italy commits 1,000 more troops; Honduran congress backs new president; Philippine journalists ask for UN intervention; and more
Read MoreNo more buddy buddy, no more messing around
Our courts must not just be impartial and unbiased. Our judges must be seen to be so too
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday December 3
Obama outlines Afghanistan plan; Australian government will reintroduce rejected climate change bill next year; Philippine mayor charged with mass murder; NATO pledges 5000 extra troops for Afghanistan
Read MoreWhich Hone will return to parliament?
Hone Harawira has won himself a second chance. He won't get a third. So the question for him next year is whether he wants to be a leader or a rebel
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday December 2
Obama sends 30,000 troops to Afghanistan; Bank of Japan has a new stimulus plan; China and EU vow to promote green economy; Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock prices fall; views on the Honduran election; and more
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