This Month
Reality will bite Trump’s big dreams in Gaza
The US president’s vision of the US taking over Gaza and turning it into a peaceful, prosperous property development project is a fantasy.
January
Trump’s defence nominee Pete Hegseth weathers Democrats’ grilling
The former Fox News host and decorated veteran is one of the most controversial figures ever nominated to be Secretary of Defence.
The shadow of Islamic State will loom over the Trump presidency
Whatever ISIS’s operational capacity, it has influenced a wave of radicalised ‘lone wolf’ attackers on both sides of the Atlantic.
December 2024
‘We need time’: Syrians in Europe resist calls to return home
Those who fled the 13-year civil war pointed to the political uncertainty after a rebel offensive swept into Damascus over the weekend.
November 2024
World braces for Trump’s ‘clown show’ defence chief
The Iraq and Afghanistan veteran and Fox News host gained notoriety by blaming “wokeness” for US military failures. Now he is set to be in charge.
Macquarie slumps; Trump’s dubious ‘secrets’; 10 Melbourne legends
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
October 2024
Turkey strikes Kurdish targets following deadly attack on defence firm
The defence ministry said more than 30 targets were “destroyed” in the aerial offensive, without providing details on the locations that were hit.
Beware the unintended consequences of Middle East escalation
As tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv flare again, the broader geopolitical consequences of the crisis remain difficult to discern.
After a year of war, Gazans wonder how to deal with tonnes of rubble
Two-thirds of Gaza’s pre-war structures – more than 163,000 buildings – have been damaged or flattened, according to UN satellite data.
Nuclear war or lasting peace? What lies ahead for the Middle East
For many Israelis, there is an obvious emotive appeal for a decisive, region-changing war. But beyond its borders, allies fear doing so may prompt a bloodbath.
Thousands around the world protest war on eve of anniversary
About 40,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through central London while thousands gathered in Paris, Rome, Manila, Cape Town and New York City.
Iran is playing its last few cards as its missiles strike Israel
Iran has little chance of defeating Israel in an all-out war. Tehran is in no position to dictate terms, and it knows it.
September 2024
Iran’s Guards ban communications devices after strike on Hezbollah
Iran is concerned about infiltration by Israeli agents, including Iranians on Israel’s payroll, and a thorough investigation of personnel has already begun.
Israel, Hezbollah launch bombing blitz as region ‘on the brink’
Israel says it struck around 400 targets in Lebanon, while Hezbollah targeted a key Israeli airbase, in the most intense bombardment in almost a year.
August 2024
Risk of broader Middle East war has eased: top US general
But Iran still poses a significant danger as it weighs a strike on Israel, says Air Force General C.Q. Brown
Whatever happens next, Iran is in poor shape to fight anyone
Iran is under acute social, political and economic stress. Its rulers will be under pressure if they retaliate against Israel, or if they don’t.
US personnel wounded in attack against base in Iraq, officials say
It was unclear whether the attack was linked to threats by Iran to retaliate over the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
‘You don’t embarrass the New Yorker in Trump’ says military adviser
Chris Miller, a former acting secretary of defence and Project 2025 contributor, says the AUKUS military alliance will be fine if Donald Trump wins the election, but Vladimir Putin could be in a jam.
July 2024
Iran’s new president vows balance with all countries but warns US
Masoud Pezeshkian urged Arab countries to use “all diplomatic leverages” to push for a lasting ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.
What if Joe Biden stays?
A second presidential term that was already burdened with political disadvantage will be incalculably more difficult because of questions about his age.