Iran claims to have become 'nuclear state' (+ analysis); EU steps in to save Greek debt; Blackwater kicked out of Iraq; Australian employment better than expected; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday February 11
US offers nuclear compromise as Russia turns on Iran; Security forces arrest journalists and opposition ahead of Iranian revolution anniversary; Honda latest automaker to issue recall; Germany steps in to rescue Greece; Russia ally wins Ukraine election; and more
Read MoreFitzsimons' valedictory, and Values
Jeanette Fitzsimons’ valedictory speech in Parliament today ends a political era. Will it be the death of the Greens, or their coming of age?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday February 10
Expectations rise of Greece bailout, despite government reluctance (+ analysis); Toyota announces worldwide Prius recall; Gates wants Iran sanctions in 'weeks not months'; experts committee to lead French identity debate; and more
Read MorePM's speech: Time for a scrap
Key's likeability is about to be tested as he tells voters that GST is on the rise. At last parliament has something tangible to get its teeth into
Read MoreParents and pupils—pawns in a power game
The stand-off between teachers and politicians over the introduction of national standards in schools is simply a side-show in a much bigger struggle over who controls the country’s education system
Read MoreNothing marks a party like a few executions
This week's 31st anniversary of the establishment of Iran's Islamic Republic is likely to be marked by bloody and brutal crackdowns on protesters and the execution of nine currently on death row. The question must now be how long before the regime implodes.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday February 9
Iran to enrich its own uranium – for medical purposes; War games suggest West won't stop Iran getting nukes; China goes after internet hackers; Karzai demands end to NATO raids as US-led forces prepares new campaign; and more
Read MoreSecond year blues – a failure of governance
As the Key administration prepares for the opening of parliament for 2010, where is the plan and wisdom required for good governance? And where's the opposition? Here's a report card – in plain language
Read MoreTwo flags flying – what does it all mean?
Seeing the tino rangatiratanga flag flying over prominent New Zealand landmarks will swell the pride of many Maori. But should a flag representing only one people only fly from government buildings? Is it exclusive? And what does it stand for?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday February 5
NATO press release announces new attack plan (+ analysis); China refuses to revalue currency; Obama to meet Dalai Lama; Three US soldiers killed in Pakistan bombing; and more
Read MoreA dishonourable discharge for "too gay to fight"
The US has begun the long process of overturning law that required gay soldiers to lie about their sexual orientation. But overturning the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy promises to be a nasty, dirty fight
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday February 4
Iran tests rocket but offers olive branch on uranium; Largest ever drone attack kills 10 in Pakistan; Chinese inequality levels off; France bans Moroccan man over wife's veil; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday February 3
Debt could undermine American global influence (+ Davos analysis); China warns US off meeting Dalai Lama; Malaysian sodomy trial; New al Qaeda alliance in Africa; and more
Read MoreHow many years is an animal's life worth?
I have a pet. Being cruel to animals is wrong. But why put more people in jail for it?
Read MoreCubicle dairy farming: were the secret consents unlawful?
Don’t fire up the bulldozers in the McKenzie Basin just yet. Land use consents for cubicle dairy farms granted by the Waitaki District Council may need to be reheard
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday February 2
Obama announces Budget set to grow deficit before cutting it by 2013 (+ analysis); US to build missile shield in Middle-East; Nuclear powers stalling on non-proliferation; Taiwan to buy $6.4 billion in arms; and more
Read MoreKey lifts the SAS veil – a little bit
World News Brief, Friday January 29
Obama's first State of the Union address all about the economy; North Korea holding American man; Clinton calls for Yemen reforms; new Honduran President takes power; more economic gloom on the way; and more
Read MoreWho pays the price of tax cuts for the rich?
The Tax Working Group has concluded that it's just too hard to stop tax avoidance by the rich. Their solution is the tax equivalent of allowing doping in sport
Read More