December 2024
The incredible story of Afghanistan’s exiled women’s cricket team
For them, cricket is not just a game. It is a way of showing that women can make their own choices, rather than meekly obeying the rules laid down by unelected bigots with beards.
September 2024
White House dismisses Republicans’ savage Afghanistan report
Security spokesman John Kirby derided what he called the “one-sided partisan nature” of the findings and noted that it was not the only one issued by the GOP.
Chalmers open to RBA deal; Khuda’s migration push; $6trn PE squeeze
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
As the Taliban silences Afghan women, we must raise our voices
Since 2021, the world has stood by and watched as the basic rights of women in Afghanistan have been dismantled.
July 2024
On any measure, India has disappointed
It was never meant to be this way. India was to be in the corner of the democracies in the contest with the autocracies.
June 2024
Rishi Sunak uses TV debate to try to avert Tory electoral meltdown
With new opinion polls pointing to a massive Labour majority, the PM came out fighting, insisting that Sir Keir Starmer would raise taxes and allow spending to spiral.
May 2024
China and Russia have one bed but different dreams
Russian weakness has enabled China to emerge as Eurasia’s dominant power. But it also limits the partnership of the two.
Foreign Minister another hardliner close to Revolutionary Guard
Hossein Amirabdollahian represented the hardline shift in Iran after the collapse of Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers when Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew.
For the Taliban, Afghans’ best status symbol is a $2120 iPhone
Commerce is thriving for some entrepreneurs despite the difficulties imposed by the country’s rulers.
March 2024
With Russia distracted, China makes its move in Central Asia
China is the only major country to recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan, a move that could give it access to large lithium and copper deposits.
October 2023
A combat photographer driven by guilt, not ego
The fall of Kabul was the most terrifying experience of Australian Andrew Quilty’s life. He’s disappointed more people don’t ask him about it.
June 2023
The 60 Minutes star who became a voice of the far right
Lara Logan was one of the world’s best-known television journalists. She now promotes wild conspiracy theories. What happened?
January 2023
Women risk Taliban ire to play the sports they love
Afghanistan’s rulers are enforcing a ban on women taking part in sports by intimidating them with visits and phone calls.
Sibling rivalry is a tale as old as time
For every Old Testament Cain that murders Abel, there is a Jacob who outwits a slow-witted, elder brother Esau to win his father’s inheritance.
November 2022
How novels are helping the women of Afghanistan
For a decade, author Deborah Ellis has used fiction to tell the real stories of those whose lives have been upended by the brutal Taliban regime.
October 2022
A year under the Taliban
I hardly could remember how life was before the Taliban came back into power. It was as if they had never left.
June 2022
Afghanistan quake kills more than 1000, injures 1600, officials say
Heavy rain and strong winds were frustrating search and rescues efforts late on Wednesday after a massive earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan.
May 2022
The burqa is back: Taliban orders women to cover up
If a woman does not cover her face outside home, her father or closest male relative faces prison or the sack, under the Taliban’s latest decree.
January 2022
Indonesian prosecutors seek life for Bali bombing suspect
Aris Sumarsono, 58, better known as Zulkarnaen, sat impassively as the prosecution announced the sentencing demand before a panel of three judges.
December 2021
Taliban seek ties with US, other ex-foes
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said the country wants good relations with all countries and has no issue with the United States.