Between the Lines

How has ISIS affected the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan? And Philip Ruddock on the 20th anniversary of the Tampa crisis

How does the Taliban victory in Afghanistan affect America's reputation?

As the Taliban storms into Kabul, Paul Wolfowitz reflects on the 'never-ending war' and Biden's withdrawal of troops

Could the 2020s be a good economic decade for developing nations? And the very interesting Labor people you’ve never heard about

Indonesia is now the epicentre of COVID. How did the outbreak spiral out of control? And the 'Wuhan lab' theory gains more attention

It’s been 18 months since the COVID outbreak in Australia, yet half the country is in lockdown. Is a zero cases strategy still justified?

Is Canberra’s response to China in our national interest or is it driven by hysteria and xenophobia?

Is Australia’s climate stance an outlier in the court of global opinion or is the whole world still heavily addicted to fossil fuels?; and can nuclear energy help us reach net emission goals faster than other approaches?

The Taliban is set to increase its control over Afghanistan. How much responsibility for this impending disaster lies with the withdrawal of troops?

50 years ago Gough Whitlam led an opposition Labor Party delegation to China. At the same time, President Nixon announced his own invitation to the Communist country.

Does the change in Israeli leadership open the way for a renewal of the "peace process" between Israelis and Palestinians?; and the global powerlessness to stop the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar

Was Stalin's Russia the real force behind Hitler's defeat?

How did the English and American Revolutions produce the American Constitution?; and how the US helped save the iconic Australian koala.

What can past pandemics, earthquakes, famines or wars teach us about how to prepare for the next one?

Foreign-policy experts dominate our China debate but it's the next generation who will bear the consequences. What do they think should happen next?

Who were the Russian migrants who made it to Australia during the Cold War?

Is China's pledge to cut its carbon footprint, genuine? Or a ploy to keep its trading partners happy?; and an unexpected win for Britain's Tory Party

India is now the epicentre of the pandemic and on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe. Has Modi let his people down in their hour of need?; and why Australia is supercharging its digital engagement with south-east Asia.

President Joe Biden outlined his economic, climate and diplomatic plans in his first speech to joint sessions of Congress. Can he really promote democracy in a world growing more dangerous?; and when the US-led attack on the Bay of Pigs failed, Castro’s prestige was greatly enhanced while the Americans were met with embarrassment and scorn.

After the recent passing of Andrew Peacock, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg describes his legacy; and former treasurer, Chris Bowen, says the fakes, the fraudsters and the snake-oil merchants are winning the political contests.

Nicolle Flint MP talks about the sexist abuse she’s faced throughout her career, not from within her own party, but from political opponents and activists outside of Canberra; and does 'cancel culture' threaten what remains of our liberal public discourse, or is uncensored free speech a dangerous proposition?

Should philanthropy have to fill the funding gap between state and federal government? Surely it is our leaders' responsibility to provide the mental health needs of all Australians; and while there is work to be done, Australia has done everything possible to economically recover from the pandemic.

British Robert Walpole served for 21 years as the very first prime minister. Robert Menzies held office in Australia for 18 years. What distinguishes a good prime minister from a bad one? Has the job become impossible?

Bangladesh was labelled a 'basket case' when independence was established. Now it is a booming nation. How did they do it? Also; Trump led America down the slippery slope of division, then left office. Can the wide-spread tension be resolved?

A decade after the civil war, is Syria the new Lebanon?; The Labor party won the WA election in a landslide, but will Premier Mark McGowan go the distance?; and Putin's revival of the 'iron curtain'.