As the latest ceasefire has predictably ended, will the world start taking notice of the Palestinians again? There’s been a stark absence of coverage in mainstream media of the ongoing decimation of Gaza and the West Bank. I imagine the average citizen believes it’s all okay now, the onslaught has ended and there’s nothing more Continue reading »
Media
Pearls and Irritations editor-in-chief John Menadue talks to Pascal Lottez of Neutrality Studies about Western misconceptions of China and the narrative that has led to a very poor understanding of the biggest power in Asia. Australian Icon EXPOSES Racist White-Man-Media Narrative. Real Threat Is USA | John Menadue Today I’m talking to John Menadue, one Continue reading »
Can any self-respecting journalist or political commentator inform me and many Australians as to why they continue to bolster the Australia/United States togetherness as though it is the same relationship of years past? The United States is not a friend – it is increasingly becoming a pariah state, joining its very best friend, Israel. Surely Continue reading »
A week into the job and I am deeply impressed by the strength and vigour of the community John has built around Pearls and Irritations. So many of you have sent very generous messages and I feel very welcome, and busy! I will write a short message every week, keeping readers informed on how we Continue reading »
The ABC reveals Chinese social media is again facilitating foreign interference in our elections, Dutton is the true champion of China relations, while Chinese hospitals are overcharging Aussies for lifesaving surgery. Take note of RedNote The ABC reports (20/03/25), “Chinese social media platform RedNote fuels misinformation concerns in Australian election”. It’s tabloid-like stuff, throwing a Continue reading »
In Asian media this week: AI, green appliances to lead shift to consumption economy. Plus: Myanmar resistance rewrites rules of insurgency; Trump closes agencies that cover China, Cambodia abuses; Widowo works on extending his influence; Japanese PM’s popularity plummets; New church for Phnom Penh 50 years after Pol Pot devastation China has issued a 30-point Continue reading »
March hasn’t been one of the better months for Kim Beazley, the former Hawke and Keating Government minister, leader of the federal ALP and governor of Western Australia and now chairman of the Council of the Australian War Memorial. In the ABC’s recent 4 Corners program, he was cornered on the AWM’s acceptance of funding Continue reading »
Democracy has just been overthrown in an EU nation for the first time ever – with the tacit backing of the European Union itself. Buckle up: if the pre-emptive coup in Romania is allowed to stand, this means that the EU has torn up its own rule book and welcomed a dictatorship into the community. Continue reading »
Damien Kingsbury’s recent piece, Timor-Leste appears to abandon sustainability, recycles tired tropes from Australian academics bent on safeguarding Canberra’s interests in the Timor Sea. From bugged cabinet rooms to relentless critiques of Timor-Leste’s oil and gas plans, a pattern emerges: undermine Dili’s ambitions to tilt benefits toward Australia. Kingsbury’s latest “salvo” exposes not just bias Continue reading »
Claims that migration organisations are controlled by 'Zionist-type people' remain online despite growing complaints