Pearlcasts
As we review 2025, the temptation is to look for neat summaries and settled conclusions.
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31 March 2026
The fuel crisis won’t save the Coalition. It might finish them
Cost-of-living pressure will not automatically shift votes to the Coalition, as culturally aligned voters begin drifting toward alternatives that project conviction and stability.
31 March 2026
Catholics lag behind as the first woman appointed to lead the Anglican church
The installation of a female Archbishop of Canterbury highlights the Catholic Church’s continued hesitation on women’s leadership and the need to listen more closely to women’s voices.
31 March 2026
The three phases of Trump’s quagmire in Iran
Trump’s defenders argue that his contradictory actions are strategic. It’s more likely that panic has him flailing. His gut instinct led him to make a colossal mistake, and he has no idea what to do next.
31 March 2026
We dug up medics in Gaza. A year later, international law remains buried
Israeli attacks on healthcare workers and infrastructure in Gaza reflect a broader erosion of legal and moral constraints, with consequences extending beyond the conflict.
31 March 2026
The legal logic behind Israel and Iran’s nuclear divide
The difference between Israel and Iran on nuclear weapons is not a legal contradiction – but a result of how international law is structured around state consent.
31 March 2026
Climate misinformation inquiry stops short on reform
Australia’s first inquiry into climate misinformation finds a systemic problem distorting public debate – but its strongest solutions sit outside the main report.
31 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.
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31 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.
31 March 2026
Fuel crisis exposes decades of policy failure
Australia’s fuel crisis may have been triggered by global conflict – but it reflects decades of political failure to reduce oil dependence and plan for transition.
31 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.
31 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.
31 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.
31 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.
30 March 2026
Iran’s target list: taking the war to multinationals
Major corporations are increasingly entangled in modern warfare, blurring the line between civilian infrastructure and military targets.
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.
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Latest on Palestine and Israel
31 March 2026
We dug up medics in Gaza. A year later, international law remains buried
Israeli attacks on healthcare workers and infrastructure in Gaza reflect a broader erosion of legal and moral constraints, with consequences extending beyond the conflict.
31 March 2026
The legal logic behind Israel and Iran’s nuclear divide
The difference between Israel and Iran on nuclear weapons is not a legal contradiction – but a result of how international law is structured around state consent.
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.
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.
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Decent honourable Australians
Les Macdonald — Balmain NSW 2041
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Les Macdonald — Balmain NSW 2041
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