This Month
Asian Development Bank mulls lifting nuclear power funding ban
The rethink follows a decision by the board of the World Bank last week to remove its decades-long prohibition on funding nuclear energy.
IDF told to show detained Greta Thunberg October 7 massacre videos
Israel cast the voyage as a PR stunt, saying in a post that “the ‘selfie yacht’ of the ‘celebrities’ was safely making its way to the shores of Israel”.
May
Russia’s massive strikes kill 12 after major POW swap
Russia and Ukraine exchanged hundreds more prisoners in a swap that amounted to a rare moment of co-operation in otherwise failed efforts to reach a ceasefire.
‘Nothing’s going to happen’: Ukraine peace talks descend into chaos
Donald Trump played a part undermining the peace process by saying there would be no progress until he had personally spoken to Vladimir Putin.
Bowen in line for top global climate role
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen is a contender for one of the world’s top climate roles.
April
Sports shoe supply chain a pain point in Trump’s tariff war
The US lacks factories with the specialised equipment to make running shoes and workers with the knowhow to operate them, meaning higher prices for trainers.
Turkish democracy is fighting for its life
The jailing of President Erdogan’s main political rival Ekrem Imamoglu follows a familiar trajectory. It could also backfire spectacularly.
March
Trump’s trade ‘Liberation Day’ explained
The US has said it wants to impose tariffs on a “country by country” basis, hitting any trading partners that have higher levies on the US than it imposes back.
The eight extraordinary hotel openings in Europe to book this summer
Debuting this season, these luxury stays will soon be the talk of the Continent, including private country manors, trendy ocean-side resorts and next-gen wellness retreats.
January
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
Syria’s Islamist rulers appoint first woman to head central bank
The appointment fills a key economic role and comes as the United States and Europe look for a commitment to women’s rights in Syria.
‘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.
October 2024
Ukraine and Russia in talks about halting strikes on energy plants
An agreement would mark the most significant de-escalation of the war since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
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.
Trump slight favourite but US election ‘so close’: Costello
Former treasurer Peter Costello says a close result could inflame the US government; NAB backs first home buyer interest rate buffer changes. How the day unfolded.
Drone targets Netanyahu’s house as Hezbollah ramps up strikes
Israel’s military said dozens of projectiles were launched from Lebanon a day after Hezbollah announced a new phase in fighting.
The storm chasers trying to save the world from drought
Everyone agrees the planet needs more water. So why is cloud-seeding so controversial?
September 2024
Ukraine’s new foreign minister Is Zelensky’s latest power play
Ukraine’s new foreign minister has cultivated deep contacts in NATO states during postings to Ankara and Warsaw. He’s also close to Ukraine’s wartime power centre.
August 2024
Widespread boycotts in Muslim countries hammer Western brands
Consumers are shunning goods produced by companies such as Coca-Cola, KFC, Starbucks and Mondelez in protest against their perceived support for Israel in the war in Gaza.
July 2024
Tough-talking Haniyeh was seen as more moderate face of Hamas
Ismail Haniyeh moved between Turkey and Qatar’s capital Doha, escaping the travel curbs of the blockaded Gaza Strip and enabling him to act as a negotiator in ceasefire talks.