As official records show more than one million Syrians have fled their own country, and more than 70,000 have been slaughtered by their President's troops, the world's Responsibility to Protect (R2P) seems to be gathering dust.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday March 8
North Korea threatens US with nuclear attack; Malaysia rejects cease-fire offer; Pakistan launches naval drills with US, China; former Italian PM Berlusconi gets one-year jail term; and more
Read MoreDoes Roger Sutton really own central Christchurch?
The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority appears to confuse its role in overseeing the rebuild of central Christchurch with owning it entirely. Here's a reminder - it doesn't.
Read MoreNew Zealand story: an Appeal to our better nature
Government gets bolder. Meanwhile, Forest & Bird Ambassador Sir Alan Mark launches a public appeal for a Wise Government Response to five crises confronting New Zealand
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday March 7
Venezuela's future in question after Chavez's death; North Korea threatens to end cease-fire; Malaysian forces kill Filipino militants; electronic polling system holds up vote in Kenya; rebel bombings cut power in Colombia; and more
Read MoreThe minister, CEO and top cop: We expect accountability
Three recent stories serve as reminders that we have every right to expect much from those given power over us
Read MorePeter Dunne picks up John Key's ticking timebomb
Peter Dunne has written a blog post offering commentary on the SkyCity and Hobbit deals. Thing is, surely he needs to answer the very questions he poses to the Prime Minister
Read MoreWhy the rush to sell Mighty River? Politics.
Selling state-owned assets isn't a growth plan, in fact it makes debt worse
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday March 6
National People's Congress meeting begins in China; Malaysia launches attack in Borneo; Syrian rebels take over Raqqa; Italy considers technocrat government; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday March 5
Kenyans hope for non-violent election; standoff between Malaysian security forces and Filipino rebels kills 26; China to uphold judicial independence of Hong Kong; US pledges support for Egypt; cardinals want to be briefed on secret report; and more
Read MoreThe Mighty River Battle is on again
The Government can sell 49 percent of its shares in Might River Power – but it’s got another battle to fight before it can guarantee the river flows that spin the turbines and generate value for its power generator share buyers, consumers, and taxpayers.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday March 1
US to send food and medical supplies to Syria; Thailand signs deal with militant Muslim group; China signals new foreign policy focus; Tony Blair defends Rwanda's role in Congo; Bulgaria announces election; and more
Read MoreThe Hobbit: Time for answers John, Peter & Richard
The first Hobbit movie has been made and released. And now so have some critical emails. Isn't it time for some full and frank answers from the players in the dispute?
Read MoreThe Partial State Asset Sale poem
An ode inspired by National's mixed ownership programme, to the tune of 'Five Little Monkeys"... And a few thoughts about the sales and the Supreme Court
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday February 28
No breakthrough on Iran nuclear programme; prominent Chinese sign open letter urging government to ratify human rights treaty; Dennis Rodman and Harlem Globetrotters arrive in North Korea; six killed in suicide bomb in Mali; Chuck Hagel confirmed as US defense secretary; and more
Read MoreStandin' on the corner, waitin' for a bus
Two big legal issues in the one day! Lucky I'm on top of my game ...
Read MoreJuries have had their day
Jury trials are slow, expensive and don't necessarily produce the 'right' verdict -- so why do we still use them?
Read MoreAn open letter on Auckland trains. Grrrr
I'm having a commuting crisis due to rubbish Auckland trains, the very trains I once so loved. Here's why
Read MoreWilbur Cussler: A memoir
I used to have a wonderful life. Then Scott Yorke ruined it.
Read MoreNo rules for NZ Police surveillance drones
New Zealand Police have no authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority to operate their recently acquired surveillance drone - no procedures manual governing its operation – and the police won’t say what it is or what it can do … Why?
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