The Gillard government wants the constitutional power to fund local government directly. Here's why that's a bad idea.
Better news at last for Syria
John Kerry goes to Moscow and emerges with some hopeful news for Syria. There's a long way to go, but at least the essential first step has been taken.
Republicans still fighting the Civil War
A new NRA president is the cue for another look at the Republican Party's debt to the deep south.
A new old president for Polynesia
Veteran anti-independence leader Gaston Flosse is back in charge in French Polynesia, but ongoing corruption charges mean that his tenure is far from assured.
Some Malaysian numbers to ponder
An analysis of Malaysia's electoral results shows how the government won. (Hint: it wasn't by winning more votes.)
A dubious victory for Malaysia’s government
Prime minister Najib Tun Razak has been re-elected in Malaysia, but even with all the advantages of a compliant electoral system it's doubtful whether he won the majority of votes.
Could Ireland get a normal party system?
An unsuccessful vote on same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland demonstrates Sinn Féin's willingness to defy the Catholic church, raising hopes that Ireland may be on the way to a less sectarian party system.
Fruitcake fringe poses problems for Cameron
Local elections in the UK don't tell you a great deal. But whatever their message is this week, it's bad for David Cameron.
Election preview: Malaysia
Tomorrow brings what is probably Malaysia's most competitive ever election. As usual, Australia's support for democracy is at best lukewarm.
Bush v. Gore revisited: what might have been
Sandra Day O'Connor, who indirectly gave us the Iraq war and much else, now seems to regret her role. Better late than never.
