Kevin O’Rourke’s ‘A Short History of Brexit’ provides an excellent introduction to the British muddle, but does not resolve it.
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World News Brief, Friday November 8
Nuclear talks begin among six world powers and Iran; rural businesses in China take to the web; Taiwan and Singapore sign free-trade agreement; Ireland heads towards final bailout review; historic gay rights bill before US Senate; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday May 22
Iraq could plunge into sectarian war; Chinese president Xi Jinping meets with Obama; seven Muslims sentenced to jail for killing Buddhist monk in Burma; Pakistan's new PM wants to have talks with Taliban; Ireland denies helping Apple save billions in taxes; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday June 1
Ireland votes in popular referendum over whether to ratify German fiscal treaty; Asian markets fall over Eurozone fears; Tibetans detained by Chinese police after protests; Pakistan test fires missile; David Cameron's former aide charged with perjury; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday October 28
EU leaders reach deal on debt crisis--Asian and European markets rise as a result; Angela Merkel is getting credit for her calm approach to the crisis; US says there is no indication North Korea is serious about ending nuclear weapons programme; Qaddafi's fugitive son gives himself up, asks for flight to The Hague; World Bank offers Peru $3 billion to sustain economic growth; Ireland holds presidential election; and more
Read MoreTax: Some facts (for a change)
John key says Labour's tax package will make high-income earners "not welcome in New Zealand". Where might they be more welcome than here?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday May 10
Pakistan government to respond to Bin Laden raid, as US demands access to wives (+ analysis of Bin Laden's targets); Egyptian military partols streets after religious violence; Softer bailout terms for Greece and Ireland?; Bashir faces third trial; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday November 24
North Korea attacks South Korea--two marines killed; New York Times reports new nuclear facility in North Korea; some experts speculate Kim Jong-Un is trying to win support from the army by showing toughness; Australia to supply Japan with minerals known as 'rare earths'; Iran assembly tries to oust Ahmadinejad; Taliban leader in secret talks was imposter; Cowan responds to calls for snap election in Ireland
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday November 17
Pressure grows on Ireland and Portugal to accept bailout (+ Euro analysis); US plans military campaign in Yemen; Suu Kyi seeks to reinstate political party; Mullah Omar rejects Afghan peace talks with "puppets"; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday November 16
G20 and APEC fail to deliver enforceable deals of currency and protectionism; Obama returns to US to face unfinished business; Suu Kyi urges reconciliation and rule of law; Netanyahu wants to return to peace talks (and billions of dollars); Is Ireland negotiating an EU bailout?: and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday October 6
Taliban attacks kill eight soldiers in Afghanistan (+America's strategic choices); Did Chinese Premier meet Kim Jong-Il?; Indonesia calls off search for quake survivors; Ireland ratifies Lisbon Treaty; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday December 12
Auto bailout passes the House, looks set to struggle in the Senate; China reveals "dreadful" export figures; no progress in North Korea nuclear talks; Ireland to reconsider Lisbon Treaty; and more
Read MoreWhen record numbers aren't records at all
Pundit member Carolyn points out that the number of Kiwis leaving for Australia might not be as catastrophic as some media – and politicians – suggest. A population expert replies to her questions
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