The quest to ban "hate speech" is a fantasy, both for locals and for visitors. But that doesn't mean we should invite foreign bigots here on state visits.
Category: Middle East
A rematch in Uganda
Uganda's octogenarian president is seeking another term in office, and looks to be using his control of the process to make sure he gets it.
Antisemitism and the Trumpists
The American hard right is splitting between its pro-Israel and its antisemitic wings, although the two things have sat together fairly amicably in the past.
Trump, Putin & Netanyahu
For a variety of reasons, Donald Trump has found Benjamin Netanyahu a softer target than Vladimir Putin for his peace prize aspirations. But the basic similarity between them should not be ignored.
Free speech and antisemitism
The former defenders of free speech have gone quiet when it comes to suppressing pro-Palestinian opinion.
Madman on the loose?
In a mad world, perhaps a mad president is only appropriate.
EOFY loose ends
Ending the financial year with a roundup of recent developments in some long-running stories around the world.
Iraq and Iran: compare and contrast
Another unwarranted American attack in the Middle East, and there are both similarities and differences with the invasion of Iraq 22 years earlier.
Nukes and madness
The nuclear genie is already out of the bottle, and many of its custodians are less than ideal. Adding Iran to the list would not materially alter that position.
Manifest destiny, part 3: Gaza
The idea of an American protectorate-cum-real-estate-development in Gaza may or may not be seriously meant, but Trump's support for Israel's far-right agenda is very serious indeed.
The World is Not Enough 