The folly of Australian policy towards Fiji is at the centre of a damning new landmark report that suggests the United States has lost confidence in Canberra's ability to influence events in the Pacific and counter rising Chinese influence in the region. It calls for the immediate and unconditional lifting of regional sanctions against Fiji and for … [Read more...] about #49 AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL FOLLY
#48 TRIUMPHANT IRON LADY
Meryl Streep's portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady is being greeted with superlatives, so much so that the movie is now the most anticipated offering of the New Year and critics are describing Streep as a shoo-in for best female actor at the 2012 Academy Awards. The performance has been variously described as "astonishing" and "uncanny" … [Read more...] about #48 TRIUMPHANT IRON LADY
# 47 AVARICE AND BLIND STUPIDITY
The decision by the Nine Entertainment Company to enter into a six figure deal with the parents of a 14-year old boy arrested in Bali for drug possession is breathtaking even by the lamentable standards of the Australian commercial media. Never mind the egregious act of rewarding criminal behaviour, which may be in breach of Australian laws … [Read more...] about # 47 AVARICE AND BLIND STUPIDITY
#46 SHOOTING THE MESSENGER
Sophocles referred to the phenomenon in Antigone, Shakespeare in Henry IV and Anthony and Cleopatra - the age-old tendency to inflict retribution on the bearer of bad tidings. And, boy, is the messenger copping it right now over the opinion poll that shows two thirds of Fijians solidly behind the supposedly hated dictator, Frank … [Read more...] about #46 SHOOTING THE MESSENGER
#45 ALL AT SEA (AGAIN)
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has got a flaming cheek blaming Opposition leader Tony Abbott for the shemozzle that has become Australia's official policy on asylum seekers. Sure, Abbott's refusal to countenance the government's grubby deal to send new boat arrivals to Malaysia has a political dimension. But it is also principled - the notion that … [Read more...] about #45 ALL AT SEA (AGAIN)
#44 FIJI’S POPULAR DICTATOR
Regional policy makers are reeling at the implications of a remarkable opinion poll that shows overwhelming public support in Fiji for Frank Bainimarama - widely regarded as a Pacific pariah for his 2006 coup and continuing refusal to bow to demands for an early election. The poll - commissioned by the independent Australian think … [Read more...] about #44 FIJI’S POPULAR DICTATOR