Was the swine flu a fake pandemic?
It's a year since the World Health Organisation officially declared a global pandemic of swine flu, triggering health emergencies across the planet. But instead of accolades, the WHO and authorities everywhere are facing an avalanche of disturbing questions. Was the swine flu pandemic handled correctly? And was there influence from vested interests?
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide
There is now a very real risk that the GFC and the Global Sovereign Crisis may morph into an Emerging Market Crisis.
Obama's Middle East strategy on the rocks
Israel's policy actions, especially since its massive military onslaught on Gaza in early 2009, have seriously damaged its international standing. More importantly, they have also undermined President Barak Obama's efforts to reach out to the Muslim world for a 'new beginning', and better understanding and relations, which he articulated in two landmark speeches - one in Cairo and another in Istanbul - last year.
Politics is a game, and rotten to the core
In the world of politics, principles are cheap, policy promises are a means to an end, and policy detail and genuine debate can be a severe disadvantage. Problems don't get "solved", real needs are not addressed, and "bad (political) behaviour" is expected, but perhaps ultimately not yet excused. Hasn't all this, and more, all come together in the current political contest over the mining super profits tax?
Youth privacy at risk under the Mad Monk
Tony Abbott is still the Mad Monk. If he comes to power the rights and freedoms of our youth will be under threat.
