In which I respond to Andrew's post responding to Claire column and add my thoughts on how history repeats... or not
Read MoreIt was different then, and that's all in the past
It would be a brave person to say that they think they know what the 2014 election will deliver. Apparently, Claire Robinson is very, very brave.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday November 14
Aid on way to Philippines, most survivors yet to receive help; China's Communist Party talks reform and economics; far-right rioters disrupt Poland's independence day celebrations; Norway's housing market deflates; and more
Read MoreTPP report shockingly predictable, good for Pharmac
A peek inside the TPP negotiations show that New Zealand is holding its line on some major issues, as you'd expect. But let's not pretend that these aren't incredibly complex negotiations in which something will have to give
Read MoreJohn Key: tips his Conservative hand, reveals a 'many baskets' strategy for next election
Why National could save itself by losing some support, how John Key is strategising for next year, where Colin Craig's Conservatives fit and what it means for the other minor parties...
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday November 12
Kerry says Iran rejected nuclear deal; Philippines typhoon leaves thousands desperate for aid; Bo Xilai supporters form new political party in China; Syria opposition agrees to peace talks; EU and US resume trade talks; and more
Read MoreOf speech and its consequences
Should John Tamihere and Willy Jackson get forced off the air? An anguished liberal wrings his hands.
Read MoreWe need to talk about rape culture
It’s been exclusively men, so far, who have been trying to persuade me of my flawed understanding of rape politics since I posted about the issue, and Willie and JT, on Friday. Left wing bloggers Giovanni Tiso and Egonomist just tweeted that I’m ‘crazy’ and my views ‘embarrassing’.
Roast Busters horror reveals ugly politics
The horrible truth that young men have been allowed to carry on raping under the watchful eye of the police is bad enough. The story has also picked the scab off some ugly politics.
Read MoreRoastBusters, resilience and the reappearance of Bullshit Castle
The Roastbusters club has again exposed police failings when it comes to sexual assaults. Sadly, that's hardly news and the police response to the revelations shows why
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday November 8
Nuclear talks begin among six world powers and Iran; rural businesses in China take to the web; Taiwan and Singapore sign free-trade agreement; Ireland heads towards final bailout review; historic gay rights bill before US Senate; and more
Read MoreThou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people
Apparently multiple complainants about sexual offending by men who then brag about it on the internet isn't enough to get before the courts. But there'll be no hesitation in prosecution if you dare to make a pretend poster criticising the Police's attitude towards such crimes!
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday November 7
Germany wants answers over UK role in US spying; homemade bombs cause of explosion outside Communist Party office in China; Indonesia's GDP lifts slowly in face of inflation; lower petrol prices in US boost consumer confidence; general strike brings Greece to a halt; and more
Read MoreConfessions of a crack-smoking mayor
Toronto's Rob Ford takes the cake - well in his case the rock - in current mayoral scandals following his blubbering confession that while he has smoked crack cocaine while hammered, he's still by far the best person to run the city. Really?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday November 6
Humanitarian missions in Syria hampered by lack of funds; Thai PM defends political amnesty bill; China to begin releasing cotton stockpile; batles rage in Congo despite cease-fire; jailed punk rock singer reportedly headed to Siberia; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday November 5
Morsi's trial adjourned until January; South Korea unwilling to meet with Japan unless Tokyo apologises for World War II crimes; 19 sailors killed in North Korea naval exercises; doctors aided torture at US military prisons; Mali arrests suspects in murder of French journalists; and more
Read MoreCalling New Zealand's Jeff Bezos - NZ Listener for sale
Is there anyone out there with a spare few million and a heart for the public interest? If so, maybe there's still a deal to be done with the NZ Listener
Read MoreArise, Sir Douglas
What defines a man's life? Is it the titles he holds, the wealth he accumulates or some other symbol of status that his contemporaries hold in high esteem? And how do we decide if those symbols of status are still deserved?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday November 1
Egypt continues crackdown on Muslim Brotherhood; Asian governments demand explanation for US surveillance; Bank of Japan says country will reach inflation target in 2015; Syrian chemical weapons equipment destroyed; Russia targets Dagestan insurgents; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday October 31
Iraqi PM wants US weapons; North Korea accused of "gross human rights violations"; Assad regime reportedly using starvation as tactic; Obama orders NSA to curb spying on UN headqurters; and more
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