Having an argument with Jim Molan is enlightening and rewarding. The ex-Major General delivers a triple treat. With Jim, you always know: Where he’s coming from Where he’s aiming And where he’s crunched you With …
Articles by: "Graeme Dobell"
The case for Australia joining ASEAN will have to be embraced by both sides. Here’s the ‘Yes’ case from ASEAN’s perspective. The first three columns in this series were Canberra-centric, establishing why Australia should seek …
My previous column looked at the first half of the cabinet submission that never was—what the Howard government could know and ask in 2002 and early 2003 before committing to the blunder that was the …
Consider what the Howard government could know and ask in 2002 and early 2003 before committing to the blunder that is the Iraq war. No 20/20 hindsight. No fatuous effort to blame Australia for the …
In design and execution, the Paris terrorist attacks pose a fundamental question of identity and belief. This is random butchery for a reason, indiscriminate horror for a purpose. Only one positive thought can be offered …
Summit season blossoms. Behold the annual display of the shift of Australian international policy—in symbolism and substance—to the personal care of the Prime Minister. The structure and style of the way Australia does foreign policy …
Australia played its part in the blunders of the Iraq war by committing early and without questioning the US. The Howard government claimed to be considering all options, but in reality it closed down consideration. …
John Howard’s decision to go to war in Iraq was constructed on a fib. The fib was used repeatedly throughout 2002 and almost to the very start of the invasion in 2003. The fib was …
John Howard didn’t have too much support from Australian intelligence in deciding to go to war against Iraq. The Prime Minister got just enough cover from the Office of National Assessments to meet political needs. …
Australia helped bring disaster to Iraq. As an eager ally, we were present at the creation of a regional catastrophe that just keeps on growing. Today’s horror means that Australia’s past role in Iraq is …
Part of the Canberra fun is to ponder the public mysteries. Something big happens in full view, centre stage, with all the lights up and every key moment revealed. After the crescendo, as the scenery …
Groucho Marx got the conundrum into one great line: ‘I don’t want to belong to any club that would accept me as one of its members.’ My argument that Australia should join the Association of …