G7 leaders pledge to support financial markets in wake of US debt downgrade; the European Central Bank buys up Spanish and Italian debt; US dollar continues to weaken against other major currencies; China calls for "international supervision" of US dollar and says the country must live within its means; Syrian forces attack Eastern city of Deir al-Zour; efforts to recover US Army helicopter shot down in Afghanistan, killing 38, hampered; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday August 5
UN talks tough on Syria, but falls short of concrete action; Syrian tanks keep up bombing of Hama (+ analysis); Bank of Japan intervenes to drive down Yen; China calls Japanese criticism of its naval growth "irresponsible"; Somali famine spreads to new areas; and more
Read MoreNever argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference
There's an old saying in politics – that explaining is losing. Which is why it's best to have nothing to do with Viscount Monckton's search for publicity
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday August 4
Hosni Mubarak pleads not guilty to corruption and murder charges, but protesters want more; Court appearance high point so far of Arab Spring; Thousands protest for Papua independence after 21 deaths; US allows aid even into rebel areas of Somalia; Calls for restraint as South Korea-Japan tensions grow; Italy in crisis talks; and more
Read MoreDunne: All snow related sports to be banned
Kronic must go because it might hurt some people who think taking it is fun. A good start, but how about we deal with the real problem our nation faces?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday August 3
US Congress raises debt ceiling at the 11th hour, avoiding default; commentators call a victory for the Republicans, but stock markets fall regardless; Syrian forces shell Hama for a third day; Somali refugees starve as rebels block escape; Chinese police shoot Uighurs accused of attacks; Trilateral AfPak talks; and more
Read MoreNorway's terror - Lessons learned?
Left- and right-wing politicians and commentators in Europe are grappling with the lessons to be learned from the terrorist attack in Norway -- and what it means for debate about immigration.
Read More7 thoughts on Media, science, and sustainable dairy
When science joins journalism, good things happen, as Mike Joy and Stephen Sackur showed. It was a big media science story, that should have been a bigger economic one: how to reconcile dairy’s growth industry with our “100% pure” brand
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday August 2
Obama and Congress agree debt deal – plan is long-term but no new taxes; Markets respond positively, but downgrade still predicted (+ analysis); Deal a victory for smaller government; Assad storms Hama, at least 80 dead; North Korea agrees to resume six-party talks; Ethnic violence in China pre-Ramadan; and more
Read MoreWhat are you prepared to sacrifice for our kids?
Sacrifice isn't a popular word, but the government green paper on vulnerable children poses some tough questions for all of us. For one, if we're to really help the worst off, are we prepared to stop judging them?
Read MoreThe debt that binds us
Americans may think that they are not in as much economic trouble as Greece but perhaps they should take a closer look, particularly if they factor in the game of chicken their politicians are playing with their futures.
Read MoreThe Rich List: A pat on the back, but national treasures?
The NBR's Rich List today begs us to celebrate the richest of the rich for, well, being rich. Me, I'd like a broader definition of success if it's all the same
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday July 29
Investors look for alternatives to US bonds – find little that looks safe; House set to vote on doomed Republican plan; what a default would do to America; China's naval plans spark neighbourly concern; NATO takes over Kosovo border after trade squabble; Half a million Ivorian refugees too afraid to go home; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday July 28
US dollar and Euro markets fall as debt ceiling debate stalls; Wall St suspects US downgrade even if agreement reached (+ analysis); Australian inflation on the rise; Bueraucratic delays to Somalia flights; Breivik on suicide watch; Suicide bombing kills Kandahar mayor; and more
Read MoreBennett's Green Paper an excuse to party – but what about the kids
Paula Bennett releases Green Paper for Vulnerable Children – a great campaign photo op – but how about some real commitment to help the most vulnerable children right now – those growing up in deepening poverty?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday July 27
No solution yet for US debt--Obama and Boehner both seek support from American people via TV addresses; US will default on loans if compromise not reached by Aug 2; territorial feud between China and Philippines heats up; Britain and France come to agreement on Qaddafi; US military funds meant for transportation contract diverted to Taliban; and more
Read MoreA polling scandal, and a saviour on the Horizon?
In which Chris Trotter tries to make sense out of a poll he does not like, and a bunch of people get confused about online polls
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday July 26
Police across Europe investigate far-right threats after Norway massacre; Breivik calls for new revoltuion against Muslim "animals" and pleads not guilty; Analysis of US blogs that influenced Breivik; Moody's downgrades Greece declaring default "virtually 100%" certain; US debt debate drives down Asian markets; North Korean diplomat to visit US; and more
Read MoreThis famine is man made
The disaster unfolding across the Horn of Africa is a man-made catastrophe that reflects decisions by developed countries about poverty, war and climate change
Read MoreThe laws of Nature: finally, useful work for lawyers
It would be ironic if, in the end, it was lawyers who saved the world while I was out, tree-hugging and tweeting
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