Jonathan Pearlman

The Donbas region becomes the focus of Russian fighting in Ukraine. Lack of tourism hits Sri Lanka’s economy. Lockdown eased for Shanghai businesses.

Indonesians protest against plan to delay 2024 election. Shehbaz Sharif becomes Pakistan’s leader. Emmanuel Macron holds slim lead heading into presidential runoff election.

As Russian forces have withdrawn from around Kyiv, Ukrainians have found shocking scenes of civilians executed and evidence of alleged war crimes. But Russia isn’t leaving these towns to give up on its war in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is accused of genocide in Ukraine. The United Nations and International Criminal Court begin investigating alleged war crimes. 

Australia and New Zealand concerned at China’s deal with Solomon Islands. The Taliban renege on education for women. Shanghai introduces split lockdown over rising Covid-19 cases.

Samoa extends lockdown over Covid-19 outbreak. Killing of Rohingya by Myanmar army was genocide, declares United States. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe free after six years in Iranian prison.

The US warns China against supporting Russia. UN estimates more than three million residents have left Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky says his country will never join NATO.

Stalled Russian convoy becomes a symbol of campaign flaws in Ukraine. Putin silences independent media and blocks access to social media. The US bans imports of Russian oil and gas.

The United Nations confirms 677,000 Ukraine residents have fled to neighbouring countries. ‘No one is going to break us,’ says President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Jonathan Pearlman on why Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin is risking it all on Ukraine, and whether economic sanctions will be enough.

Jacinda Ardern urges anti-vaxxers to quit parliament protest. France to withdraw troops from Mali due to military junta’s continuing control. Ethiopia’s great dam project pushes ahead despite Sudan and Egypt concerns.

US to reopen embassy in Solomon Islands over China influence. Libya left with two prime ministers in political standoff. Global study of pharmaceutical pollution of rivers finds risk to wildlife and humans.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Asia-Pacific region to strengthen ties. A state of emergency is declared in Ottawa over ‘Freedom Convoy’. Iceland ends commercial whaling.

Pregnant New Zealand journalist allowed emergency quarantine. Myanmar stages ‘silent strike’ to mark coup anniversary. Gray report on Downing Street parties identifies leadership and judgement failures.

Today, world editor at The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman on the escalating tension in Europe, and the likelihood of war.

Australian aid to Tonga hampered by Covid-19 on navy ship. The military stages Burkina Faso’s eighth coup. Children of foreign nationals being used as human shields in Syrian prison, warns Save the Children.

Fiji leader Frank Bainimarama is revealed to have had heart surgery in Melbourne. The United Nations expresses concern at rising nationalism in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Jailed Yang Hengjun says China tortured him.

Damage from tropical cyclone Cody in Fiji leads to a government warning on diseases. Drone strikes targeting Tigray hit a camp for displaced Ethiopians. Ugandan students are back at school after two-year closure.

Five nuclear powers in pledge to prevent their use. Indonesia bans coal exports for January. Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes is convicted of fraud.

Just 3.5 per cent vote for independence from France in New Caledonia poll. Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai jailed after Tiananmen Square vigil. Boris Johnson’s popularity plummets over Downing Street Christmas parties under lockdown.

Kanak leaders call for the latest independence vote to be postponed in New Caledonia. Aung San Suu Kyi is sentenced to detention again. Ukraine appears in Vladimir Putin’s sights.

China pledges to supply an extra one billion vaccine doses to Africa as Omicron takes hold. India repeals farming laws that led to year-long protests. Barbados removes Queen as head of state and becomes a republic.

Human rights groups want proof of Chinese tennis player’s wellbeing. Venezuela’s opposition performs dismally in polls for governors and mayors. Austria locks down as Covid-19 cases grow again in Europe.

Kiribati wants commercial fishing to return in World Heritage-listed marine reserve. Gangs are stopping fuel supplies in Haiti to pressure caretaker PM to resign. Portugal enacts laws to support staff working from home.

New Zealand eases its Covid-19 restrictions and changes strategy. European Union accuses Belarus’s Alexander Lucashenko of using asylum seekers for political purposes. Police raid cybercrime group REvil to shut down ransomware attacks.

Tonga goes into lockdown after repatriation flight brings first case of Covid-19. Egypt lifts state of emergency but new laws give more powers to the president and military. Japan’s new leader Fumio Kishida secures election win.

Papua New Guinea in dire situation due to vaccine hesitancy. General says he staged a coup to avoid civil war in Sudan. A Facebook experiment shows how the platform spreads hate speech.

China denies testing a hypersonic missile at low orbit. International tourists are set to return to Fiji. Sebastian Kurz out again as Austria’s leader over embezzlement allegations.

Prime Minister James Marape’s mixed messages on Papua New Guinea and Covid-19. Bangladesh is moving 100,000 Rohingya refugees to a remote Bay of Bengal island. The trial begins over 1987 assassination of Burkina Faso leader Thomas Sankara.

Jacinda Ardern abandons Covid-zero strategy. Singapore’s foreign interference law labelled Kafkaesque. Pandora Papers reveal Czech PM’s chateau and the property portfolios of wealthy world leaders.

Social Democratic Party leader Olaf Scholz appears most likely to be next chancellor. Vanuatu pushes for urgent action on climate change. US–China hostage diplomacy sends two Michaels and Meng Wanzhou home.

Court orders Joko Widodo to improve quality of Indonesia’s air. A hero of Rwandan genocide is convicted of terrorism. Chinese property development company Evergrande collapses.

Covid-19 outbreak in French Polynesia. France grants citizenship to migrant frontline workers. Surging consumer demand causes global shipping bottlenecks.

The Taliban begin second Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Papua New Guinea struggles with vaccine rollout due to misinformation. El Salvador adopts bitcoin as legal tender.

Alleged mastermind of Bali bombings on trial in Cuba. China limits online gaming for under 18s. United Nations marks success of global ban on leaded petrol as Algeria runs out.

Mayor pledges to continue to fight for Afghan women from exile. An isolated Fijian island records two cases of Covid-19. China says it has suppressed latest Delta outbreak.

Jacinda Ardern opts to go hard and early in New Zealand against the Delta variant. Malaysia’s prime minister resigns as country struggles with Covid-19. Woman tells of her imprisonment by Chinese officials in Dubai.

Fiji seeks to vaccinate 12 to to 17 year olds to quell Covid-19 outbreak. The Taliban capture more regions of Afghanistan as US troops leave. Lebanon’s economic collapse leads to fuel shortages, power cuts and soaring food costs.

Japanese defence white paper links the country’s security to Taiwan for the first time. Jacinda Ardern apologises for dawn raids on Pacific migrants in the 1970s. France to press ahead with vaccination passes despite protests.

Fiame Naomi Mata’afa finally takes office in Samoa. Tunisia’s prime minister ousted after mass protests. Cardinal charged over London property deals.

China gets blamed for global email hacking. Indonesia struggles to cope as Covid-19 numbers worsen.

Fiji’s health system is overwhelmed by latest Covid-19 outbreak. The arrest of former president Jacob Zuma leads to growing violence in South Africa. The mystery of Haitian leader Jovenel Moïse’s assassination.

The Taliban are on the rise as Bagram base is left under Afghan control. Indonesia imports oxygen in battle against Delta variant. Canada appoints its first Indigenous governor-general.

New Zealand is trying to hold on to its SunGold kiwifruit market. The Chinese Communist Party celebrates its centenary. Britain is looking to adapt Australia’s offshore processing of asylum seekers to Rwanda site.

Covid-19 surge pushes Indonesia into more restrictions. Hong Kong’s Apple Daily forced to close under Chinese pressure. Famine and growing ethnic violence in Ethiopia.

Jacinda Ardern joins critics of the proposed film about Christchurch’s massacre. The International Criminal Court condemns Philippine state policy of attacking civilians in anti-drugs war. Naftali Bennett takes over as Israeli PM.

The Anom encrypted messaging app allowed police to monitor gangs around the world. PNG’s casino plan faces opposition from welfare groups. Nigeria bans Twitter after the president’s account is temporarily suspended. 

Fiji responds to worsening Covid-19 outbreak with faster vaccine rollout. China introduces three-child policy to boost falling population. Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett make deal to share Israel PM role.

The United States and European Union condemn plane ‘hijack’ and arrest of dissident Belarusian journalist. The Israel–Hamas ceasefire is holding as opposition leader Yair Lapid tries to form a coalition to lead Israel.

A Supreme Court ruling paves the way for Samoa’s first female prime minister. About 6000 asylum seekers cross by sea from Morocco into Spanish territory. A spike in Covid-19 cases across Asia.

For the past week the Palestininian territory of the Gaza Strip has been under an intense aerial bombardment. Today, world editor for The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman on why the violence in Israel and Palestine is at its worst point in years.

The worst fighting recorded in Israel and Gaza since 2014 is proving an early test for Joe Biden's presidency. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council has held emergency meetings this week to broker a de-escalation.

Jacinda Ardern pledges to continue to denounce Chinese human rights abuses. German philosopher declines UAE book award. Why China’s population is shrinking.

Australian bureaucrat uses Anzac Day to warn of ‘drums of war’.  Rescue mission for bodies of Indonesian submariners. ASEAN summit falls short on Myanmar military crackdown.

For much of the 20th century Northern Ireland was marred by violence, as Irish republicans and forces aligned to the United Kingdom fought over the future of the region. That conflict, known as the Troubles, officially came to an end with a peace agreement in 1998. But now the violence is flaring up again, and there are concerns the fragile peace deal is on the verge of being shattered.

Former police officer found guilty over death of George Floyd. Joe Biden takes lead on global action on climate. Melbourne nurse tells story of Uygur husband jailed in China.

Sinn Féin funeral procession under lockdown angers unionists. Irish Sea trade barrier undermines assurances from Boris Johnson.

US tries to salvage the ailing Iran nuclear deal. Jordan’s King Abdullah moves against rival half-brother. New Zealand agrees to travel bubble with Australia from April 19.

PNG begins vaccine rollout starting with Prime Minister James Marape. Woman’s death in Mexico mirrors George Floyd incident.

Bans placed on China over treatment of Uygurs. Turkey withdraws from international treaty protecting women.

Australia will urgently deliver 8000 doses of vaccine. PNG to enter a four-week national isolation from Monday. Flights from Port Moresby to Cairns have been suspended.

National People’s Congress passes change to electoral laws. Joe Biden to hold first key leaders’ meeting as US president.

China malware theory on Mumbai blackout. Myanmar security forces continue violent crackdown. More charges for Aung San Suu Kyi as she appears in court via video link.

Covid-19 cases are rising in PNG with quarantine staff stretched. Daily rallies continue in Myanmar despite crackdown. Israel criticised for its failure to vaccinate Palestinians.

New Zealand travel bubble with Australia suspended after outbreak of UK variant. Indian activists arrested over farmers’ protest. WHO plan to vaccinate poorer nations.

Ballot ignored regions’ agreement to rotate role. Chinese dam proposal in Tibet adds to India tension. Detained Australian journalist Cheng Lei alleged to have supplied state secrets overseas.

Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest. The army leader acts after claiming widespread voter fraud. Joe Biden threatens to reinstate sanctions.

Xi Jinping warns on meddling in internal affairs. PNG governor backing local Chinese fishery plant. Thousands flee rebel violence in Central African Republic.

Alexei Navalny urges Russians to protest this weekend. New US president ready to work with allies on China. Indonesia opts for youth appeal on Covid-19 vaccinations.

President Joe Biden’s big policy agenda starts with Covid-19. In first 100 days US to rejoin World Health Organization and Paris Agreement. Donald Trump’s legacy is a Supreme Court with a conservative majority.

Jacinda Ardern pledges to tighten gun licensing laws after Christchurch deaths. Polish women protest over plans to limit abortions. US investigating diplomats’ accounts of Havana syndrome.

Canberra strengthens defence ties with Japan. Australia tops list of countries affected by China’s coercive measures. Divided views on how to find a diplomatic fix.

Kylie Moore-Gilbert freed from Iranian prison. Key White House appointments announced by Joe Biden. Solomon Islands leader looks to ban Facebook. Benjamin Netanyahu flies to Saudi Arabia for meeting on normalisation.

Donald Trump pushes on with troop withdrawals. PNG parliament adjourned until April. Covid-19 vaccine diplomacy fears over global availability.

Joe Biden prepares to take lead on coronavirus. Fiji invites president-elect to Pacific Islands Forum. Ethiopia on brink of civil war.

New cabinet reflects New Zealand’s diversity. Daesh linked to Kabul University attack. England goes back into lockdown as Covid-19 toll rises.

Turkey calls for boycott of French goods over Emmanuel Macron’s pledge on secularism. Jobs bill prompts mass protests in Indonesia. Amy Coney Barrett sworn in as US Supreme Court justice.

Chinese officials in altercation over Taiwan celebration in Fiji. Protesters killed in anti-police protests in Lagos. Memorial held in Paris for murdered teacher.

Donald Trump returns to the campaign trail after Covid-19. A weeping Kim Jong-un apologises to North Korea. Anwar Ibrahim asks Malaysian king to appoint him prime minister.

President appears maskless on Truman balcony. Conspiracy theories rife over circumstances of his illness. Trump demands face-to-face second debate.

First Trump–Biden debate labelled worst ever. Almost 100 dead in fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh. Bougainvilleans seek compensation over environmental damage from Panguna mine. Amnesty International suspends activity in India after accounts frozen.

United Nations secretary-general warns of world’s dangerous direction. Climate change effects on maritime boundaries concerning Pacific nations. Republicans plan to quickly fill US Supreme Court vacancy.

Joe Biden ramps up climate policies as fires ravage US west coast. Australia offers another loan to PNG over Covid-19. Hotel manager depicted in Hotel Rwanda facing terrorism charge. Abraham Accords signed by Israel, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates.

Australian correspondents asked about detained reporter Cheng Lei. Provincial leader seeking independence over Solomon Islands’ move towards China. Sentences reduced for eight convicted over killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Fight begins to replace Shinzō Abe as Japanese PM after he steps down. A US official visit highlights partnership with Palau. Donald Trump focuses re-election campaign on law and order.

Alexei Navalny is in a serious condition in a Berlin hospital. The Trump family dominates Republican convention week. Christchurch terrorist sentenced to life without parole.

Alexander Lukashenko defies protesters’ calls to resign. Anti-monarchy sentiment grows in Thailand. New Zealand’s election delayed to October 17.

Beirut’s port blast adds to economic problems and chronic corruption. Parliamentary and presidential elections begin in Bougainville. Senator Kamala Harris chosen as VP candidate by Joe Biden.

Presidential candidates adjust convention plans due to Covid-19. US death toll passes 158,000. Democrat Joe Biden has lead in latest polls.

US post in Chengdu shut in retaliation for Houston closure. Port Moresby enters 14-day lockdown over Covid-19 cases. Former Malaysian PM Najib Razak found guilty of corruption. Far right infiltrating security forces in Germany.

European summit agrees on €1.8 trillion package to provide post-pandemic relief. Indonesia lifting Covid-19 restrictions amid health fears. Britain suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong. UAE’s Mars probe.

Judith Collins named New Zealand opposition leader. China imposes bans on two US senators in retaliation for Washington sanctions. Malaysia investigating journalists over Al Jazeera report on migrant workers. Hagia Sophia turned back into a mosque.

Trump congratulates US on ‘good job’ on pandemic. New Zealand limits numbers of returning Kiwis. Law professor and China critic Xu Zhangrun arrested in Beijing. Ethnic tensions rise in Ethiopia after singer’s murder.

Beijing imposes security law on Hong Kong. Donald Trump queried on Russian bounty plot against US troops. Fiji wants billionaires to visit  ‘Bula bubble ’. Advertisers boycott Facebook over hate speech and content inciting violence.

Some supporters of Melbourne academic Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence in Iran, are concerned about the Australian government’s diplomatic tactics to secure her release.

Young pro-democracy activist to run for seat in September poll. Himalayan border tensions on hold between China and India. Kiribati president re-elected. Former national security adviser John Bolton spills on Donald Trump in new book.

Concerns for media freedom after conviction of Philippine journalists. Australian Karm Gilespie sentenced to death in China. Vice-chancellor of Pacific university suspended. US Supreme Court finds gay and transgender workers protected by Civil Rights Act.

George Floyd’s funeral held as protests continue around the world. Video of injured athlete Debbie Kaore highlights PNG family violence. Brazil reinstates cumulative Covid-19 toll. Olof Palme murder finally solved.

Trump’s response to George Floyd’s killing fuels racial tensions. Hong Kong bans vigil for Tiananmen Square massacre. New Zealand lifts coronavirus restrictions. Concerns raised about impact of Covid-19 on girls’ education and child marriages.

United States belts Victoria over Beijing ties. Deal to broadcast Australian television content across the Pacific. China’s national security law reignites Hong Kong protests. Boris Johnson’s chief adviser keeps job despite lockdown trip.

Donald Trump threatens to withdraw WHO funding. Concerns about depiction of Tongan shipwreck story. Cyclone hits Bay of Bengal. Félicien Kabuga to be tried for Rwanda genocide. International borders reopening cautiously.

US and China in tit-for-tat media expulsions. Vanuatu reviewing “cash for passports” scheme. Russians back to work despite growing virus toll. India’s slum dwellers starving in lockdown.

Jacinda Ardern attends Australia’s national cabinet to discuss regional travel. US–China dispute over Covid-19 origin. Trans rights threatened in Hungary. Migrant workers hit hard by coronavirus shutdowns.

Falling approval ratings for Donald Trump. Fiji uses pandemic to argue for crackdown on free speech. Growing calls to impeach Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro. Mysterious absence of Kim Jong-un raises speculation on successor.

Crackdown comes in Hong Kong as Covid-19 lockdown set to ease. Oil price plummets as global economies tank. Vanuatu elects new prime minister. Netanyahu and Gantz agree to power-sharing deal in Israel.

Bernie Sanders backs Joe Biden’s presidential bid. The Pacific cleans up after Cyclone Harold. Repressive regimes downplay Covid-19. Locust infestation in east Africa.

Britain being led by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab as Boris Johnson remains in hospital. Cyclone Harold wreaks havoc on Pacific islands. Authoritarian and anti-democratic regimes try to control Covid-19 information. Coronavirus pandemic and international emissions targets.

Poor Indian workers flee cities in lockdown. Widodo resists calls for large-scale lockdown. Singapore high court upholds anti-gay law. Jair Bolsonaro urges Brazilian businesses to reopen.

US and China fight over coronavirus. Guilty plea over Christchurch mosque killings. Detention and torture of Egyptian children exposed. Women at the forefront of Indian protests.

Covid-19 and the US presidential election. Samoan chief found guilty of human trafficking in NZ. Ceasefire in Idlib, Syria. Chance to form government in Israel.

Joe Biden continues his march towards a likely Democratic presidential nomination. Pacific Islands adopt strict measures to stave off COVID-19. Saudi princes arrested as Mohammed bin Salman slashes oil prices. Historic women’s protest in Mexico.

Joe Biden takes the lead in Democratic race. Indonesia confirms first coronavirus cases. Mahatir Mohamad forced out. Benjamin Netanyahu again falls short in third Israeli elections.

Financial markets have suffered heavy falls and major events have been cancelled in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, while scientists continue the search for a vaccine.

United States and Taliban move towards peace deal. Papua New Guinea inquiry into Horizon Oil payment. Xi Jinping defends his response to COVID-19 outbreak. Assad regime launches an assault on Idlib.

Chinese citizens question government response to COVID-19. Amy Klobuchar emerges as serious contender in US Democratic primaries. Indonesia and Australia sign free trade deal. Sinn Féin’s success in Irish elections.

Coronavirus toll rises as impact spreads across world. James Marape’s hard line on PNG gas deal. Donald Trump acquitted at impeachment trial. App causes chaos in Iowa caucuses.

Palestine rejects Donald Trump’s ‘deal of the century’. Standoff between Indonesia and China over territorial waters. UN rapporteurs call for inquiry into Saudi hacking. New claims from John Bolton undermine Trump’s impeachment defence.

Donald Trump’s impeachment trial begins. UN rules on Kiribati climate refugee. Vladimir Putin’s plan to ‘rule forever’. China acts to stop spread of coronavirus.

Donald Trump impeached. Boris Johnson looks to Brexit. Bougainville’s independence referendum. India protests over anti-Muslim bill.

Zelensky and Putin meet for the first time. Whakaari/White Island volcano eruption. Aung San Suu Kyi defends Myanmar in International Court of Justice. Widespread concerns about Afghanistan war revealed in Washington Post.

Russia–China gas pipeline opens. New Zealand bans foreign political donations. Britain goes to the polls. United Nations climate conference in Spain.

Hong Kong voters back pro-democracy protesters. Bougainville referendum on independence. Unrest in Iran over steeper fuel prices. Michael Bloomberg enters race to be Democratic presidential candidate.

US change on West Bank. Samoa’s measles epidemic. The New York Times publishes leaked China documents. First debate of British election.

Hindu nationalism in India. Press freedoms under threat in Vanuatu. Evo Morales ousted as Bolivian president. Racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism on the rise in Italy.

US to formally leave Paris climate agreement. Australia joins trade pact but Narendra Modi declines. Daesh attacks continue in Africa. Delhi closes schools and restricts car use over smog.

Daesh leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi killed. Nickel plant in Papua New Guinea reopens despite chemical spill. Protesters in Lebanon demand government’s resignation. People smugglers wanted for arrest after 39 deaths in Essex.

Brexit deadline nears. Joko Widodo chooses new Indonesian cabinet. Chaos erupts in Chile. Justin Trudeau narrowly returned in Canadian election.

US withdrawal from Syria sees Russia and Assad supporting Kurds against Turkey. Peter O’Neill facing arrest in PNG. Setbacks for nationalists in Eastern European elections. China’s power play with NBA.

What’s at the heart of Hong Kong’s discontent, the protesters on the ground and the prospect of a military crackdown.

Australia’s link to Trump inquiry. Protests continue in Indonesia. Beijing celebrations overshadowed by Hong Kong protest shooting. Mohammed bin Salman on Khashoggi murder PR offensive.

Donald Trump impeachment inquiry. Indonesia’s new criminal code. Conditions in Haiti deteriorate. Greta Thunberg at United Nations Climate Action Summit.

Second poll unlikely to save Benjamin Netanyahu. Donald Trump’s mixed approach on Iran. The Solomons switches allegiance to China. New IRA looking to add recruits with bomb plots.

Donald Trump cancels Taliban summit at Camp David. New Zealand TV’s plans to broadcast into Pacific. Boris Johnson’s options ahead of Brexit deadline. India’s attempted lunar landing.

Carrie Lam withdraws Hong Kong extradition bill. Pro-independence protests in West Papua. Boris Johnson loses parliamentary majority. War crimes in Yemen.

Emmanuel Macron plays mediator over Iran at G7. Indonesia’s capital to move from Jakarta. Australian citizen Yang Hengjun charged with espionage. The Amazon in flames.

Australia commits troops to Strait of Hormuz. Pacific leaders angered by Morrison’s climate inaction. Hong Kong protests questioned by city’s billionaires. Bombings in Afghanistan as US plans withdrawal.

Top Russian nuclear scientists killed; Scott Morrison at Pacific Islands Forum summit in Tuvalu; Hong Kong protests continue as Chinese media gets involved; conspiracy theories surround death of well-connected sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Lose-lose tariff game for US and China. Java blackout affects millions. India revokes Kashmir’s status. Two mass shootings in US.

Mashrou’ Leila’s festival ban. UN condemns tragedy in Idlib. Timor-Leste gas treaty finally approved. Deforestation in the Amazon.

Iran tensions increase. Jacinda Ardern tightens gun controls. Hong Kong protests continue. Boris Johnson begins as Britain’s PM.

Boris Johnson aligns with Trump over leaks. Tribal killings in PNG. Staying shtum on China abuses. India aborts moon mission.

Australia’s joint war games. Vanuatu deports Chinese citizens. Greek election results. Ebola rages in Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un in Korean Demilitarized Zone. Indonesians filing lawsuit against government over Jakarta smog. Carrie Lim urged to quit as Hong Kong chief. Kamala Harris’s moment.

New US sanctions on Iran. PNG leader wants local company for Manus security. Erdoğan loses Istanbul, again. Boris Johnson’s bid.

Xi Jinping visits North Korea. Man jailed for spreading footage of mosque shootings. Freed activist joins HK protests. Charges over MH17.

Hong Kong protests. Macron messages unheeded. Samoa sinks Rocketman. Military raids Sudan camp.

Trump’s visit to Britain. Pacific stopover for Morrison. Bans on religious head coverings in Europe. The 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre.

Trump’s undiplomatic visit to Japan. New PNG prime minister. Brexit Party gains EU seats. Narendra Modi’s mandate for India.

Joko Widodo re-elected. The Pacific waits for climate change action. US states line up to restrict abortion. Taiwan’s advance on gay rights.

China–US trade war ramping up. Fiji holds forum on climate change. Philippine midterm election results. Trump pressures Iran.

India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, is expected to win a second term in this month’s Indian elections, although Rahul Gandhi’s Congress party may be gaining ground.

China holds second forum on Belt and Road Initiative. Ukraine elects comedian as president. Motivation unknown for Sri Lanka terrorism.

Venezuelans suffering in superpower standoff. Red Cross reveals New Zealand nurse is a Daesh hostage. Joko Widodo looking the winner in Indonesia election.

Libya after Gaddafi. Indonesians choosing not to vote. Nine guilty over Occupy movement. Israeli election results.

Election setback for Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Joko Widodo using holograms to sell his message. Brunei introduces anti-gay laws. Gerrymandering in the US.

Donald Trump oversells Mueller investigation findings. NZ prime minister heads to China. Serious questions about Thailand’s election. Benjamin Netanyahu in surprise TV interview.

Italy moves to join Belt and Road Initiative. Taiwanese leader wooing independence allies. Prayuth Chan-ocha recasting his image for Thai election. The Macron Show tours France to assuage protesters.

Daesh's last Syrian enclave set to fall. Oil spill off Solomon Islands. Russia plans to disconnect local internet from the web. May's Brexit chaos continues.

India’s retaliatory strikes on Pakistan. Australia–Indonesia trade deal. China’s National People’s Congress. The new Arab Spring.

Trump and Kim hold second summit on North Korea’s nuclear program. Marshall Islands seeks to lift atolls as climate change sees oceans rise. The US plans to send further aid and impose additional sanctions on Venezuela. ISIS brides in limbo.

Merkel attacks new ‘home alone’ approach by US, while Pence warns Europe over purchasing Russian arms. China puts limits on Australian coal imports and rebukes New Zealand. UNHCR condemns arrest of Filipino journalist Maria Ressa. Shinzō Abe nominates Donald Trump for Nobel peace prize, at White House's request.

Turkey condemns mass detention of Uygur people in China, as video is released of missing singer. Soccer player Hakeem al-Araibi returns from Thailand. Hungary’s prime minister Viktor Orbán exempts tax for women bearing four or more children. Germany plans end to all coal-power generation.

Trump's State of the Union address shows no sign of compromise. Turnaround for reputation of Fiji’s Frank Bainimarama. Messaging service used for attacks in India. Trump suspends missile treaty with Russia.

Huawei caught in US–China fight. West Papua petition presented in Geneva. Venezuela’s leadership crisis. Taliban deal in Afghanistan.

Joko Widodo’s change of heart on Abu Bakar Bashir. Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro addresses Davos. How Brexit may have rekindled the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

The initial focus of the government’s case against Witness K and Bernard Collaery – resuming hearings this month – is on the fight to keep its potentially embarrassing proceedings confidential.

Despite Australia’s diplomatic efforts, Peter Greste’s release turned on a rapprochement between Egypt and Qatar.

In the booming payday lending sector, dubious new tactics are hooking the poor and the desperate.

With vast oil and gas reserves at stake, did the federal government use its espionage agencies to foil Timor-Leste’s case against it in The Hague?