John Menadue in conversation with David Marr
John Menadue,  David Marr

John Menadue in conversation with David Marr

In a wide-ranging discussion, P&I editor-in-chief John Menadue discusses a life full of achievement driven by conviction, and nominates seeing off the White Australia policy and establishing P&I as highlights. He is speaking with David Marr on ABC Radio National's Late Night Live.

Australia and Taiwan caught between Trump and Xi’s great-man fantasies
James Curran

Australia and Taiwan caught between Trump and Xi’s great-man fantasies

If there was any doubt in Canberra that the traditional political alignment with the US is in turmoil, the past week or so confirms it irrefutably.

Peace in Gaza needs a full accounting by both sides
Jack Waterford

Peace in Gaza needs a full accounting by both sides

Suppose that one day the states of Europe wearied of the prolonged slaughter, genocide and war crimes in Gaza and resolved to intervene to end the fighting and to bring about a settlement.

Donate

Support our  independent media

Pearls and Irritations is funded by our readers through flexible payment options. Choose to make a monthly or one off payment to support our informed commentary

Donate
Palestine Action reaches beyond the capital cities
Tony Smith

Palestine Action reaches beyond the capital cities

It was a common assumption during the darkest days of the US’ war on Vietnam that support for the war would dwindle once the body bags began coming home along the low road to small rural communities.

Lowering tobacco tax to make illegal tobacco sales 'disappear overnight': At last we have a proposed figure and it’s an absolute doozie
Simon Chapman

Lowering tobacco tax to make illegal tobacco sales 'disappear overnight': At last we have a proposed figure and it’s an absolute doozie

Last week Ross Fitzgerald wrote a piece here titled Time to get real on taxing cigarettes and restricting vapes.

'Stop the genocide': Thousands of Israelis rally against war and famine in Gaza
Brett Wilkins

'Stop the genocide': Thousands of Israelis rally against war and famine in Gaza

We stood proud and tall together because there is nothing that will stop the just civilian resistance to the genocide and occupation, said one protester.

The great dying
Julian Cribb

The great dying

The heedless march of man has now laid waste to 60% of the planet’s land surface area, putting humanity’s own future at risk, the latest science reports.

Cutting through the spin – Ten logging 'myths' in the new ABARES report
David Lindenmayer

Cutting through the spin – Ten logging 'myths' in the new ABARES report

Australia’s native‑forest debate has long been characterised by falsehoods generated by industry and arms of industry such as parts of government.

'Betrayal of humanity': Nearly half of 383 aid workers killed last year were in Gaza
Julia Conley

'Betrayal of humanity': Nearly half of 383 aid workers killed last year were in Gaza

No state should be above the law, said Younis Alkhatib of the Palestine Red Crescent Society. The international community is obliged to protect humanitarians and to stop impunity.

How should Services Australia be constructed?
Andrew Podger

How should Services Australia be constructed?

The Robodebt Royal Commission recommended that the government undertake an immediate and full review to examine whether the existing structure of the Social Services portfolio and the status of Services Australia (SA) as an entity are optimal (Rec. 23.1).

Australia must defend International Criminal Court
Greg Barns

Australia must defend International Criminal Court

If it were China or Russia, the imposition of sanctions and threats of harm to prosecutors and judges of the International Criminal Court would be front page news in Australia.

Latest on Palestine and Israel

Peace in Gaza needs a full accounting by both sides
Jack Waterford

Peace in Gaza needs a full accounting by both sides

Suppose that one day the states of Europe wearied of the prolonged slaughter, genocide and war crimes in Gaza and resolved to intervene to end the fighting and to bring about a settlement.

Palestine Action reaches beyond the capital cities
Tony Smith

Palestine Action reaches beyond the capital cities

It was a common assumption during the darkest days of the US’ war on Vietnam that support for the war would dwindle once the body bags began coming home along the low road to small rural communities.

'Stop the genocide': Thousands of Israelis rally against war and famine in Gaza
Brett Wilkins

'Stop the genocide': Thousands of Israelis rally against war and famine in Gaza

We stood proud and tall together because there is nothing that will stop the just civilian resistance to the genocide and occupation, said one protester.

'Betrayal of humanity': Nearly half of 383 aid workers killed last year were in Gaza
Julia Conley

'Betrayal of humanity': Nearly half of 383 aid workers killed last year were in Gaza

No state should be above the law, said Younis Alkhatib of the Palestine Red Crescent Society. The international community is obliged to protect humanitarians and to stop impunity.

Australia must defend International Criminal Court
Greg Barns

Australia must defend International Criminal Court

If it were China or Russia, the imposition of sanctions and threats of harm to prosecutors and judges of the International Criminal Court would be front page news in Australia.

Israeli data shows 83% of Gaza war dead are civilians: Report
Al Jazeera and news agencies

Israeli data shows 83% of Gaza war dead are civilians: Report

Leaked Israeli intelligence confirms one of the highest civilian tolls in modern conflicts.

Australia's first Jewish governor-general would have stood with Gaza
Gregory Andrews

Australia's first Jewish governor-general would have stood with Gaza

Our first Australian-born governor-general, Sir Isaac Isaacs, was a Jew and rejected Zionism as “undemocratic, unjust, dangerous”.

Australia's first Jewish governor-general would have stood with Gaza
Gregory Andrews

Australia's first Jewish governor-general would have stood with Gaza

Our first Australian-born governor-general, Sir Isaac Isaacs, was a Jew and rejected Zionism as “undemocratic, unjust, dangerous”.

John Menadue's book on Israel's war against Gaza

Israel's war against Gaza

Media coverage of the war in Gaza since October 2023 has spread a series of lies propagated by Israel and the United States. This publication presents information, analysis, clarification, views and perspectives largely unavailable in mainstream media in Australia and elsewhere.

Download the PDF

Latest on China

Australia and Taiwan caught between Trump and Xi’s great-man fantasies
James Curran

Australia and Taiwan caught between Trump and Xi’s great-man fantasies

If there was any doubt in Canberra that the traditional political alignment with the US is in turmoil, the past week or so confirms it irrefutably.

Shared vision, greener together: China and Australia unlock opportunities in eco initiatives
Zijian Qi

Shared vision, greener together: China and Australia unlock opportunities in eco initiatives

On 9 April, Swatten, a subsidiary of Sieyuan Electric which is headquartered in Shanghai, China, made an appearance at Booth 58 of the Smart Energy 2025 expo in Sydney.

Why China commemorates its WWII victory
Liu Kun

Why China commemorates its WWII victory

On 3 September, China will hold a major parade at Tiananmen Square in the heart of Beijing to commemorate the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Global leaders will attend the event and the Chinese military will showcase its latest weapons and regiment arrangements.

John Menadue

Support our independent media with your donation

Pearls and Irritations leads the way in raising and analysing vital issues often neglected in mainstream media. Your contribution supports our independence and quality commentary on matters importance to Australia and our region.

Donate

More from Pearls and Irritations

Message from the editor
Catriona Jackson

Message from the editor

Israeli data shows 83% of Gaza war dead are civilians: Report
Al Jazeera and news agencies

Israeli data shows 83% of Gaza war dead are civilians: Report

China’s critical minerals chokehold sparks Quad action
Manish Vaid

China’s critical minerals chokehold sparks Quad action

Australia's first Jewish governor-general would have stood with Gaza
Gregory Andrews

Australia's first Jewish governor-general would have stood with Gaza

Australia's first Jewish governor-general would have stood with Gaza
Gregory Andrews

Australia's first Jewish governor-general would have stood with Gaza

Forgotten but not gone: The Rohingya crisis in Cox’s Bazar
Graham Thom,  Noor Azizah

Forgotten but not gone: The Rohingya crisis in Cox’s Bazar

The smart home energy burden: How AI is driving up power bills globally
R. Ostner

The smart home energy burden: How AI is driving up power bills globally

Yet another example of cultural vandalism by Thai military forces
Helen Jarvis

Yet another example of cultural vandalism by Thai military forces

Shared vision, greener together: China and Australia unlock opportunities in eco initiatives
Zijian Qi

Shared vision, greener together: China and Australia unlock opportunities in eco initiatives

Palestinian statehood without liberation
Inès Abdel Razek,  Diana Buttu,  Yara Hawari

Palestinian statehood without liberation

Ben-Gvir spoke to Palestinian leader Barghouti as a master speaks to his slave
Gideon Levy

Ben-Gvir spoke to Palestinian leader Barghouti as a master speaks to his slave

'Who will look after the elderly?' Bush Summit is back, and so is Gina Rinehart’s dystopian net zero vision
Giles Parkinson

'Who will look after the elderly?' Bush Summit is back, and so is Gina Rinehart’s dystopian net zero vision

Latest letters to the editor

Really? Will Australia act against Netanyahu?

Margaret Callinan — Hawthorn VIC 3122

Jack Waterford says in connection with ICC warrants out for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he would, for example, be arrested if he came to Australia. Really? Is Waterford that confident? I can't be the only one who isn't at all confident that would be the case. Given Australia's failure to take any concrete action to halt the genocide in Palestine, preferring instead to serve up word salads including, in this context, its belated plan to recognise Palestine, I can see that Australia's strongest action should Netanyahu land here would be to turn him back. Bravery has...
Never underestimate the power of the mining lobby

Bob Pearce — Adelaide SA

Once again, we blame China for our own inadequacies. Sinophobia never gets its fair share of headlines. Just because they were smart enough to see this coming, we get upset China is only doing what is common for the mining companies in particular, and global bussiness in general: manipulating the market to maximise profit to their advantage What market forces you may ask. OPEC etc? In the case of China, they have ensured their own supply needs with a profit thrown in, while sucessive Australian Governments give our wealth away for some election funding and a few...
Isaac Isaacs' legacy

Simon Tatz — Melbourne

Gregory Andrews outlines Sir Isaac Isaac’s opposition to political Zionism, a stance that has divided the Jewish community over many years. Writing shortly after World War II, Isaacs foresaw the ongoing conflict: “any attempt to establish Jewish dominance [in Palestine] would inevitably lead to bloodshed.” Isaacs was a staunch defender to Britain. “[A Jewish state would] threaten not merely the prestige but the integrity of the Empire,” he wrote, also noting that the region experienced a “marvellous transformation” under the British mandate. Historians would likely disagree at just how marvellous the British were after defeating the Ottomans, seizing the...
Start by calling Trump what he is: a dictator

John Mosig — Kew, Victoria

The best way Australia can defend the International Criminal Court is by complying with its decisions. Another way is to face some reality. Calling Donald Trump the worst president America has ever had is akin to calling Adolf Hitler Germany’s worst ever chancellor. True, both were elected by popular and fair vote, but once in power, all semblance of democratic process was demolished and what those in power wanted, those in power got. Moreover, they are not alone. Israel and Iran are nations divided, while poor old Russia, North Korea and China are countries under authoritarian regimes that...

Catch up on other sections

Arts 125 China 1172 Climate 1382 Commendations 19 Defence 2431 Economy 2769 Education 692
Employment 34 Finance 2 Health 1510 History 52 Immigration 953 Indigenous Affairs 380 Israel Palestine 1253
Media 1811 Podcast 43 Policy 188 Politics 17827 Racism 16 Religion 1224 Review 21
The Human Future 53 Our Top Five Each Week 2096 USA 507 World 1311

Latest from Al Jazeera

How did Lula da Silva cut Amazon deforestation in half?
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s promise to protect the Amazon Rainforest may mean a fight against crime.
Libya’s coast guard fired upon rescue vessel searching for boat in distress
Before this attack, the Ocean Viking had rescued 87 people, including from war-torn Sudan, and was en route to Italy.
Hezbollah chief rejects disarmament, demands Israel comply with ceasefire
Naim Qassem says group will not abandon weapons 'that protect us from our enemy', insists on end to Israeli attacks.
Intel says US govt stake could hurt sales, White House hints at more deals
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett says the US could take stakes in other companies in the sector.
Israel’s killing of five Gaza journalists draws global condemnation
Five Palestinian journalists, including Al Jazeera cameraman, killed in Israeli attack on a hospital in Gaza.
Israel army chief says captive ‘deal on table’, Israel must take it: Report
Eyal Zamir says military 'created the conditions' for a captive deal with Hamas as Israel steps up attacks in Gaza.