Thomas Friedman, fraud supremeThomas Friedman, fraud supreme
WHAT does one call a writer who pretends that the life experiences of others are his own, and passes them off as such? A fraud? A poser? A plagiarist? I[...]
Category: Politics
Blurring the messageBlurring the message
GONE are the days when politicians would speak directly to the people in order to communicate their message. These days, politicians use the media as a shield to try and[...]
The China waveThe China wave
PROFESSOR Zhang Weiwei is not particularly well-known around the world. An author and former translator for the Chinese supreme leader Deng Xiaoping, Zhang is, however, a very important figure in[...]
Burma: the gold rush has begunBurma: the gold rush has begun
THE push for democracy in Burma by the West has been going on for just one reason: resources. Burma has gold, copper, tungsten, timber and oil in abundant quantities. All[...]
Pakistan feels the blowback from the USPakistan feels the blowback from the US
WHEN Britain engineered the split of the Indian subcontinent back in 1947, there was little indication that the colonial masters would face a big blowback. The old policy of divide[...]
Australia gets ready to bend over for the US – againAustralia gets ready to bend over for the US – again
After being in force for seven years, the free trade agreement Australia has with the US has yielded the former little benefit. The US has been the net beneficiary –[...]
Refugee deal hits the skidsRefugee deal hits the skids
THE Australian government, looking to cater to the wishes of the redneck element of the population, drafted a refugee swap deal some months ago, whereby it would send 800 asylum-seekers[...]
Afghanistan withdrawal timed for US electionsAfghanistan withdrawal timed for US elections
NEXT year, Barack Obama will face the task of trying to get re-elected. In normal times, the elimination of Osama bin Laden would have sufficed to see him through. But[...]
Evidence of war crimes in Sri LankaEvidence of war crimes in Sri Lanka
BRITAIN’S Channel 4 television screened a remarkable programme on Tuesday, the 14th of June, one that nobody would expect to see in a Western country. Graphic evidence of war crimes[...]
Obama angers Israel – and conveniently forgets that Saudi Arabia existsObama angers Israel – and conveniently forgets that Saudi Arabia exists
SOON after he came to office in 2009, US President Barack Obama made a trip to Cairo and gave a stirring speech at Cairo University. Obama is probably the best[...]