The job of an international human rights lawyer isn't always battling for the angels. Sometimes it involves having to look out for the interests of devils, as Golriz Ghahraman did.
Read MoreRwanda
The opposite of intervention isn’t peace
John Key hasn’t made the case for military intervention, which doesn’t mean there isn’t one.
Making the case means understanding what drives people to join ISIS and resisting the temptation to retro-fit our own causes onto theirs.
It means staring at the consequences of intervening - and not intervening.
It requires communicating clearly to New Zealanders, the legal premise for intervention, and telling us what peace looks like.
There are a few myths to debunk first.
Read MoreFighting modern day fascism, New Zealand’s fight too
The Left rejects it’s historic commitment to international solidarity and protecting the innocent when it embraces a growing neo-isolationism. It’s all very well to say ‘not our fight’ in the face of ISIS terror, but the opposite on intervention isn’t peace.
Stare at that for a moment.
International law is on the side of intervention in Syria
The disastrous American led invasion of Iraq is exactly why the West should intervene now in Syria. Those who protested against the illegal war in Iraq should be calling on the UN and civilized countries to take action under international law
Read MoreThe Responsibility to Protect Syrians
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 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 MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday December 5
NATO foreign ministers expected to approve Turkey's request for deployment of Patriot missiles; Vietnam boosts patrols in South China Sea; official campaigning for Japanese election kicks off; Iran claims it captured US drone; Rwandans react to UK aid freeze; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday November 14
Greece avoids default by selling sort-term treasury bills; Dalai Lama asks Japanese lawmakers to investigate spate of self-immolations; Hillary Clinton in Australia for defense talks; UK wary of giving aid to Rwanda; Angela Merkel visits Portugal, reception cold; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday May 30
Pressure builds on Syria to answer reports of civilian massacre; Philippine senate convicts chief justice for failing to declare foreign currency deposits; China ousts former rail minister on charges of bribery and vice; al-Qaeda second-in-command killed in NATO strike; UN report links Rwanda to Congolese rebellion; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday October 31
Fighting escalates in Democratic Republic of Congo, tens of thousands flee homes; Japan announces major stimulus package; markets rally in Asia and Europe; bombings in India kill almost 50; and more
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