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.
April 2024
‘At the end of the day, we’re Aussies’: Assyrians assess church attack
For Sydney’s tight-knit Assyrian community, Monday’s terrorist attack in a church was confronting and triggering for a long-persecuted people.
Who is the ‘massive player with deep pockets’ behind gold’s surge?
A powerful force is stalking the world’s gold market and it is operating in the shadows. Whoever it is – or they are – seems insensitive to cost.
Women can’t sue Qatar Airways over invasive strip search, court finds
The Federal Court judge also says the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, which was being pursued by the women, is immune from foreign prosecution.
Erdogan suffers historic loss in municipal elections
Poll results show voters turned against the ruling party in much of Turkey, but the change was more dramatic in urban areas.
March 2024
Why this is the best hamam in Istanbul
Forget the old stereotype of being whipped with towels. This lovingly restored hamam revives the gentle ancient art of communal bathing.
How to spend 48 hours in Istanbul
With new flights starting and a free stopover included, it’s time to tick Türkiye’s biggest city off your bucket list.
Narendra Modi figures out what Trump never has
Alone among strongmen, the Indian PM now concentrates on broadening support rather than just stoking the resentments of his base.
‘Asian countries feel their time has come’: why the West must adapt
The best-selling historian Peter Frankopan says that the rise of Asia and rising global temperatures will force the West to rethink its future and its history.
I just flew from Istanbul to Melbourne with Turkish Airlines
Fares from Melbourne to Istanbul come with free nights in five- and four-star hotels.