Explainer
Middle East at war
Can Israel’s Iron Dome withstand Iran’s missiles?
The Iron Dome is just one part of Israel’s missile defence system. David’s Sling is another. How does it all work?
- by Jackson Graham and Angus Holland
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Explainer
Middle East tensions
‘It’s mayhem’: Can all-out war in Lebanon be prevented?
Why has the conflict over the Israel-Lebanon border escalated? How bad is it looking? And what do Iran and the US want to happen?
- by Gemma Grant, Angus Holland and Jackson Graham
Explainer
Company tax
Do big miners pay their fair share?
Described as “the gift that keeps on giving”, Australia’s mineral wealth has made mine owners into multibillionaires. But at a time when we pay to import our own gas, are the spoils being shared fairly?
- by Angus Holland
Explainer
US Votes 2024
‘A summer romance’: How the US fell in love with Kamala Harris
Previously written off, Kamala Harris has energised the Democratic Party and reshaped the race to the White House. But how was she shaped by her early life, what does she stand for now – and can she defeat Donald Trump?
- by Angus Holland and Cindy Yin
Explainer
Natural world
Clever birds and killer bots: What to know about swarm intelligence
Birds, bees and ants all co-operate to solve problems with no one in charge. Here’s what humans are learning from them.
- by Angus Holland and Jackson Graham
Explainer
Middle East tensions
Houthis, Hezbollah and Hamas: Who they are and what they want
As Israeli troops raid Lebanon, conflict is spreading again in the Middle East. Who are the key players, and what is the Axis of Resistance?
- by Jackson Graham, Angus Holland and Cindy Yin
Explainer
World elections
‘I am Giorgia’: Italy’s far-right leader and the confounding world of Italian politics
Italy’s first female PM is also the first to govern from the far right in decades. Has Giorgia Meloni’s agenda changed in power? Where did her politics come from? And why has Italy had 68 governments since World War II?
- by Angus Holland
Explainer
Sovereign wealth
Trillion-dollar piggy banks: Inside the world of sovereign wealth
Norway’s is famously huge. Qatar used its to buy Harrods. How do sovereign wealth funds work? And why isn’t ours as big as Norway’s?
- by Angus Holland
Explainer
US Votes 2024
‘I screwed up’: When is a leader too old to lead?
Joe Biden’s recent halting debate against a blustering rival caused panic in some quarters. But does it mean he should throw in the re-election towel?
- by Angus Holland and Jackson Graham
Explainer
Housing crisis
‘A diabolical mess’: How did we get into this housing crisis, and how do we get out?
Hard-won deposits, soaring rents, crippling mortgages, capital gains, negative gearing … What’s to blame, and how do other countries do housing?
- by Angus Holland and Josh Gordon
Explainer
World elections
‘Le TikTok king’: Meet the 28-year-old fronting France’s far right
Snap elections in France have put a spotlight on the leader of its major far-right party. Who is he? And why is French politics in turmoil?
- by Angus Holland and Jackson Graham
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/by/angus-holland-hvf2m