Pearlcasts
As we review 2025, the temptation is to look for neat summaries and settled conclusions.
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30 March 2026
Trump’s war without purpose is everyone’s problem
The US-led war on Iran lacks clear objectives or strategy, accelerating the erosion of American credibility while exposing failures in political and media judgement.
30 March 2026
Millions rally across US in 'No Kings' protests against Trump
Millions of Americans joined coordinated 'No Kings' protests across the country on Saturday, in a large nationwide demonstration against President Donald Trump.
30 March 2026
Mickey J: an Australian always, quietly, making a big difference
At a time of diminished political leadership, the legacy of Fred Hollows and Michael Johnson shows what practical, principled internationalism can achieve.
30 March 2026
Bernie Sanders: "No kings"
Bernie Sanders warns that the US faces a choice between democracy and concentrated power, urging resistance to authoritarianism, oligarchy and war.
30 March 2026
The Olympics’ transgender athlete ban is a legal and moral minefield
The IOC’s new sex testing policy for women’s sport marks a major shift in eligibility rules and raises significant human rights and legal questions.
30 March 2026
When charity no longer means need
Australia’s charitable framework now rewards compliance over need, allowing well-resourced institutions and contested activities to sit alongside genuine relief of disadvantage.
30 March 2026
Hegseth rebuked for bloodthirsty prayer asking God to bless Iran War
Trump’s Secretary of Defence invoking divine violence against Iran has intensified concerns about the fusion of religion, politics and war in US leadership.
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30 March 2026
Share prices, sports results … CO₂ levels? The case for reporting climate stats every day
Regular reporting of atmospheric carbon levels could make climate change more visible, understandable and actionable in everyday public life.
30 March 2026
Labor’s caution is becoming a barrier to progress
A political culture of caution and bipartisanship is limiting the government’s ability to act on major issues including human rights, climate and social cohesion.
30 March 2026
Half the truth: defending public education requires more honesty, not less
Criticism of public schools is not entirely wrong – but by ignoring unequal conditions, it misdiagnoses the problem and misplaces responsibility.
30 March 2026
The solar revolution is here – but it’s not moving fast enough
Solar and battery technology are rapidly reshaping energy systems, but policy, infrastructure and community incentives will determine how far and how fast the transition goes.
30 March 2026
Plastic is poisoning the planet – and us
Plastic pollution is no longer just an environmental issue – it is entering the human body at scale, with growing evidence of serious health risks.
30 March 2026
Tax reform isn’t enough – Australia needs an economic reset
Tax reform is necessary, but on its own it cannot fix an economy shaped by housing speculation, resource dependence and weak productivity.
29 March 2026
None of the diverse ‘journalists’ writing for this Aussie news site are real
A fully automated news site with no journalists shows how easily AI can mimic credibility – and how exposed Australia is to manipulation.
29 March 2026
Why Israel wants a war with Iran
In a conversation with Chris Hedges, Gideon Levy says Israel’s deep-rooted militarism – reinforced by media silence – is driving an endless cycle of war.
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Latest on Palestine and Israel
29 March 2026
Why Israel wants a war with Iran
In a conversation with Chris Hedges, Gideon Levy says Israel’s deep-rooted militarism – reinforced by media silence – is driving an endless cycle of war.
28 March 2026
Israel faces a grim future of endless wars unless it comes to terms with Palestinians
Israeli influence has shaped US foreign policy for decades – with profound consequences for war and peace in the Middle East.
28 March 2026
Life in Iran illustrates shifting realities amid US-Israel war
From Tehran, the conflict is less about missiles and more about endurance – as daily life adjusts to disruption, uncertainty and economic strain.
28 March 2026
“Terrorism” may be the most powerful word in modern politics
The term “terrorism” simplifies complex conflicts, often obscuring history, perspective and the motivations behind violence.
27 March 2026
UN experts urge Israel to free Gaza doctor amid reports of ‘severe torture’
UN experts say a Palestinian doctor detained by Israel has been denied medical care and subjected to serious human rights abuses.
26 March 2026
Free speech and antisemitism: drawing the line
In this extract from his submission to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion Gareth Evans argues that it is crucial that protest language claimed to be inherently antisemitic be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account context and intent.
25 March 2026
Jewish Australians speak – and contradict the government's antisemitism report
A new grassroots study of Jewish Australians challenges the government-backed antisemitism report, exposing contradictions in its methodology and conclusions.
24 March 2026
Randa Abdel-Fattah wins Jerusalem Peace Prize
Randa Abdel-Fattah has been awarded the 2026 Jerusalem Peace Prize, recognising her advocacy for Palestinian rights amid mounting political and institutional pressure.
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 PDFLatest on China
27 March 2026
Why delaying the Trump-Xi Summit could anchor global stability
The postponement of a US–China summit reflects domestic constraints and shifting global leverage – not just competing priorities – and may open space for recalibration with China.
17 March 2026
Sanctioned Rubio to take part in Trump’s China trip
The US secretary of state, previously sanctioned by Beijing, is expected to accompany Donald Trump on a visit to China as both sides prepare for high-level talks.
14 March 2026
China’s tech ambitions, Nepal’s political upheaval and the BTS comeback – Asian Media Report
Five-year-plan stresses AI, Xi-Trump summit still on track, K-pop sensation’s global comeback, landslide win in Nepal elections, security risks self-radicalise online, and Manila drops Nobel laureate charges.
More from Pearls and Irritations
Latest letters to the editor
Time to accept the mantle of climate leadership
Chris Young — Surrey Hills, Vic
Confusion about antisemitism
keith mitchelson — queensland
Drivers want help to buy electric trucks
Lesley Walker — Northcote
The politics of grievance
Fiona Colin — Melbourne