Showing 1 - 10 of 952
Hormuz crisis reveals energy resilience gap
News, Laura Carvalho, Published on 18/04/2026
» The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered what the International Monetary Fund calls a "global yet asymmetric" rupture, disrupting the flow of roughly one-quarter of oil, one-fifth of liquefied natural gas, and one-third of fertiliser supplies. Energy and fertiliser prices have risen, supply chains have rerouted, and financial conditions have tightened unevenly around the world.
It's all self-inflicted
Postbag, Published on 18/04/2026
» Re: "Trump 'not a big fan' of Leo" (World, April 14).
Climate fixation fails world's poor
Oped, Bjorn Lomborg, Published on 17/04/2026
» This week in Washington, more than 10,000 delegates, finance ministers, and central bankers are gathering for the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings. Their stated goal: accelerate global development, drive economic growth, and lift billions out of poverty.
Hail the blasphemer
Oped, Postbag, Published on 17/04/2026
» Re: "Trump 'not a big fan' of Leo", (World, April 14). Between the leader of the spiritual world and that man portraying himself as world leader, Pope Leo commands the global Catholic population of 1.4 billion, representing 17% of the world's population, which is by far higher than the population of that man's country of 350 million people.
Pope no pushover
Oped, Postbag, Published on 16/04/2026
» Re: "Trump 'not a big fan' of Leo", (World, April 14)
Trump goes off-script, US gone rogue
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 27/03/2026
» It was not supposed to work like this. "America First" and "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) were supposed to be about an inward turn to repair, replenish and rebuild an externally overstretched and internally weakened country, weighed down by unnecessary global entanglements, unsustainable national debt, and unimpeded mass migration. It seemed for a time that the MAGA movement to prioritise America above and beyond the international system and its constituent parts had found its final prophet in President Donald J Trump. But now, somehow, President Trump has betrayed the movement that has carried him to office by waging a disastrous war on Iran in cooperation with Israel.
Visa blowback
Oped, Postbag, Published on 26/03/2026
» Re: "MFA proposes slashing visa-free tourist period in half", (BP, March 25) & "Explainer: Thailand's new visas", (Podcast, Aug 5, 2024).
Long stay doubts
Oped, Postbag, Published on 24/03/2026
» Re: "30-day visa-free stay 'sufficient', says minister", (BP, March 21) & "Thailand reviewing visa-free stays as local complaints pile up" & "Phuket up in arms on long‑stay visa", (BP, March 18).
Trump shows China how to handle Taiwan
News, Brahma Chellaney, Published on 17/03/2026
» Since returning to office last year, US President Donald Trump has ordered military strikes from the Caribbean and eastern Pacific to Africa and the Middle East, targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats and suspected terrorist groups. He has attacked Venezuela and kidnapped its leader. And he has joined Israel in a large-scale assault on Iran. Meanwhile, he is tightening a noose around Cuba, in the hope that the resulting humanitarian crisis will open the way for a "friendly takeover" of the island by the United States.
Global travel erases places we love
News, Richard Florida and Carlo Ratti, Published on 17/03/2026
» Venice is drowning -- not just in rising waters but also in tourists. The city is charging a day-tripper fee and has banned large tour groups and loudspeakers in an effort to curb the crush. Barcelona residents march with squirt guns and "Tourists go home" signs to protest rising rents and crowds. Amsterdam is moving to cap and eventually ban ocean-going cruise ships to reduce pollution and visitor pressure.