Failure to call out Hamas a feeble act of leadership
Instead of clear moral positions on international issues, Western political leaders are just responding to the vagaries of public opinion.
Alexander Downer
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‘Selective morality’ across the West has let Iran off the hook
A Palestinian from Gaza who professes support for Hamas, which is a proscribed terrorist organisation, can get a visitor visa to Australia. So presumably can supporters of al-Qa’ida and Islamic State, or is Hamas somehow more virtuous than them. If so, how?
Australia is more united than Britain. But there are bitter lessons from England’s riots
Australia has done better than Britain in resisting demands to subdivide our country. But beware those who would wish to destroy that unity.
The vulgar vs. the divisive: I know who I’d vote for
Much as I admire America, I’m glad I was born an Australian. Having spent the past month in America I’m reminded of one of the reasons why: I don’t have to choose between Trump and Harris.
Immigration, not globalism, is true source of centrist pain
For a long time, commentators argued the rise in support for these hitherto fringe political movements was caused by globalisation. But the main cause now seems to be immigration.
‘Champagne, Mr Assange?’ This man is no hero – certainly not to our closest ally
The optics of our US ambassador Kevin Rudd travelling on a jet with a convicted man who stole national security secrets is a very poor look.
A lot to learn from Britain’s rejection of Tories’ failures
People vote for conservative parties in Western democracies because they are perceived as better economic managers, strong on defence, and driven less by ideology. The Conservative Party has not lived up to this.
Simmering global tensions threaten the age of complacency
Since the end of the Cold War we’ve seen living standards steadily rise and we’ve avoided major wars. The great and catastrophic conflicts of the 20th century couldn’t return? Well, they could.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/alexander-downer