Showing all posts in June 2019

The White Australia policy is a blight on our history. A new book examines this legacy and my review in this week’s Bulletin is here. Author and refugee activist Arnold Zable recently launched the book in Melbourne. His speech captured the essence of Gwenda Tavan’s book: “Perhaps, one day, we will again have a prime…

The Los Angeles Times recently tried a noble experiment by introducing a wikitorial asking readers to rewrite an editorial on the Iraq war. The paper received over 1000 participants but closed it down when abuse and pornography was posted. Deputy Editorial Page Editor Michael Newman told Editor and Publisher that the paper was considering reintroducing…

Bloggers under repressive regimes are fighting a brave battle against censorship, imprisonment and torture. The BBC examines a few case studies, especially Iran and Nepal. World solidarity with these gutsy men and women prove that they will not be forgotten.

The Liberal Government has finally relented on some of the harshest measures of its draconian mandatory detention system but the changes don’t go nearly far enough. In fact, resting more power with Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone seems about as logical as asking Saddam Hussein to monitor human rights abuses in a Basra jail (though perhaps…

Recently released Australian hostage Douglas Wood, currently in Melbourne with his family, is considering a return to Iraq to pursue “business opportunities.” During a press conference upon his arrival at Melbourne airport, Wood said that he supported the American occupation of Iraq: “I’d like to apologise to President Bush and Prime Minister Howard for things…

British Prime Minister Tony Blair sees himself, not dissimlarly to NSW Premier Bob Carr, as an environmentally caring leader. The facts, of course, bring no such confidence, but our media prefers to play along with their delusional games. Yesterday’s UK Observer revealed (and thus far, in my reading, completely ignored in Australia) attempts by the…

How many American soldiers have been killed in Iraq? We’re told just over 1700, but we’re now told possibly over 9000. How? Read on. I’ve read nothing like this report anywhere else, so perhaps it’s best taken with scepticism. Thanks to Phillip Gomes for the tip. UPDATE: The story seems to be bollocks.

The Iranians are going to the polls. It’s a sham democracy, really, as only candidates vetted by the Mullahs have been allowed to run. The Guardian’s weblog looks at the options and asks the key question: “do you boycott the election or vote for a reformer who would probably struggle to drive through change?” With…

Philippe Sands QC is director of the Centre for International Courts and Tribunals at University College London and currently speaking in Australia. During an interview on ABC TV Lateline last night, he argued that John Howard, Tony Blair and George W. Bush may one day face criminal charges over their actions in the Iraq war:…

Reporters Without Borders has announced the winners of the Freedom Blog Contest. Chosen by popular online vote from around 60 nominated blogs who “each in their own way, defend freedom of expression”, the winners are from a variety of countries, including Iran, Malaysia, Italy, Morocco and Afghanistan.