Greek debt downgraded to "junk status" as markets tumble and Germany delays (+analysis); Iraqiya bloc calls for caretaker government; Soldier dies amid further protests in Thailand; China takes stance on US chicken subsidies; and more
Read MoreThe business lobbies' dangerous hot air
The cowardice of the business lobbies are on display for all to see as they try the same old ETS stalling strategy. It's just dumb management
Read MoreTime to talk with the Taliban?
New Zealand's military chief wants to negotiate with the Taliban. It's a controversial approach that raises the classic question of whether we talk with terrorists... and dozens of other questions alongside
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday April 28
New Arizona law requiring immigrants to carry documentation "opens the door to hatred" (+ analysis); Australia shelves its emissions trading scheme until 2013; Iran looks for uranium in Zimbabwe; US and Israel relations thaw; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday April 27
US climate legislation delayed by Senate focus on immigration (+ analysis); Did a North Korean torpedo sink South Korean boat?; Afghan crowd turns on NATO fuel trucks; pressure comes on Greek bailout plan; and more
Read MoreMy week with Jake Tapper
This Week, ABC network’s political TV programme, missed the boat when they chose a new anchor – an anchor who isn’t Jake Tapper
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday April 23
Obama speech to spell out his demands for financial regulations (+ analysis); Israel snubs US and keeps building in East Jerusalem; Nigeria removed from terror list; tensions flare between government and military in South Korea; and more
Read MoreWho is indigenous? The coming question
New Zealand's support for the Declaration of Indigenous Rights ends one debate for Maori. But it begins another, one which strikes at heart of what it means to belong to this country
Read MoreThe Pope loves the Beatles, but who loves Il Papa?
As the latest Pope passes the five year milestone, rather than take the time to pardon the Beatles, he could do worse than reflect on advice from an American columnist
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday April 22
Planes flying across Europe again after 95,000 flight cancellations; Third al Qaeda leader killed in Iraq leaving terrorists "severely weakened"; G20 meeting to press China on currency; Somali pirates take fourth ship this week; and more
Read MoreThe price and profits of freedom farming
As consumers wake up to the false economy and cruelty of ‘factory’ meat and poultry, free range producers are bringing home the bacon while sales soar, according to industry sources
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday April 21
Iraqi troops kill top Al Qaeda leaders; Thai 'red shirts' backdown as troops deployed; Iran to build new nuclear site but wants talks; British regulators launch Goldman Sachs inquiry; and more
Read MoreWith nary a whisper of drama, signifying much
Pita Sharples cut a fine figure at the UN. But what, if anything, did it all mean?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday April 20
European governments critised for ash cloud decisions as airports re-open (+analysis); Baghdad recount ordered in Iraq election; China restricts property investment; Kenyans lose work to ash cloud; and more
Read MoreThe Budget wish list
Bill English is running scared of big bang reforms in this year's Budget, fearful of voter backlash. But what about some big ideas that have broad public support?
Read MoreNothing like a few nukes to bring back the mojo
While President Obama has been strutting the world stage with the "un-American" intention of stopping nuclear terrorism, his country's tea-partiers are working assiduously to undermine him
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday April 16
China's economy heats up, spurring housing market concerns; Bloody clashes in Jakarta; Obama says Israel-Palestine impasse is "costing" US; BRIC leaders gather in Brazil; and more
Read MoreUp the Hurunui without a paddle: Foreshore and Seabed Act, reprise
Extinguishment of Hurunui litigation rights recalls the Foreshore and Seabed Act, and it is breathing life into the embers of green activism
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday April 15
Nuclear summit pledges to secure fissile material within four years (+ analysis); Ukraine, Russia, Malaysia and Canada all make concrete promises to cut loose nukes; India demands action on Mumbai bombings before talks with Pakistan; Israel claims Syria gave Hezbollah scuds; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday April 14
US and China promise to work together Iran sanctions; Hu Jintao rejects foreign pressure on currency reform; Kyrgz president will stand down in return for safety guarantee; Sudan voting extended
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