Pearls and Irritations
Recent articles by Pearls and Irritations
24 March 2025
A five-minute scroll
ABC's Jane Norman is called out for repeating Coalition talking points with Jim Chalmers. Overnight reports claim Israel has killed senior Hamas official Salah al-Bardawil and his family. Former First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, calls on the international community to realise Israel is out of control, while the Arab League calls on nations to end economic and military ties with Israel.
20 March 2025
A five-minute scroll
How long will the Australian Government ignore the murders in Palestine? Michele O'Neil asks who can think this is an act of defence. Francesca Albanese wants the conversation to be about international law, not what indicted leaders say. A US journalist asks the Deputy Secretary of DHS, referring to Mohammad Khalil, whether protesting is a deportable offence.
19 March 2025
A five-minute scroll
The world awakens to the news that Israel has broken the ceasefire and now continues its bombardment in the Gaza Strip. Francesca Albanese states we cannot bear witness to global leaders doing nothing. Al Jazeera comments that the ceasefire did not collapse, it was part of Israel's plan. In Gaza, Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda gives a first-hand account of what's happening and a former BBC journalist speaks to Owen Jones about the obfuscation of language in journalism on the Israel Palestine situation.
18 March 2025
A five-minute scroll
As media campaigning ramps up for the forthcoming election, Peter Dutton avoids the question of his polling while Media Watch reveals the Liberal Party connections of Freya Leach and Juice Media produces a satirical clip on majority government. On global tensions, Professor Keyu Jin from the London School of Economics speaks about China and the US.
17 March 2025
A five-minute scroll
It is 22 years since Rachel Corrie was killed by the Israeli military as she defended a Palestinian home against a bulldozer. Adam Bandt on ABC's Insiders says the priority should be to end AUKUS. Bombing continues in Yemen where Ansar Allah is maintaining a blockade in the Red Sea. The Australia Institute calls out rising house prices.
14 March 2025
A five-minute scroll
Chris Minns stands by the NSW hate speech laws. Kevin Rudd warns negotiations with Trump 2.0 administration will continue to be rough. Trump advocates for Tesla and Elon Musk. Zoe Daniels calls out some uncomfortable truths.
13 March 2025
A five-minute scroll
Geoffrey Watson tells it like it is about Brendan Nelson having an undisclosed paid role with French arms dealer Thales while serving as a director of the Australian War Memorial. Netanyahu joins IDF forces in the takeover of Palestinian homes and posts about it. In our Parliament, just 11 voted No against criminalising hate speech to oppress Australians criticising Israel, while the rest were swept up in the hysteria.
12 March 2025
A five-minute scroll
Volodymyr Zelenskyy reports on the peace talks in Saudi Arabia, saying if President Trump can get Russia to agree, a ceasefire will take effect immediately. After weeks of reported antisemitic attacks, police reveal the events were an organised crime hoax. Malcolm Turnbull defends his free speech on 7:30 report while Israel, cutting off electricity is another act in support of genocide, leaves Palestinians without fresh water.
10 March 2025
A five-minute scroll
ABC's Antony Green applauded for his analysis of Western Australia's election that saw Roger Cook returned as premier. Cyclone Alfred impacts on the South-East Queensland and Northern NSW coastline. Conflict in Syria must challenge Australia's government while a policeman in the UK advises protesters it is ok to protest for Israel, but not Palestine.
7 March 2025
A five-minute scroll
The Chinese Embassy in the US underlines the country's differences with the US. Marco Rubio and Boris Johnson refer to the war in Ukraine as a proxy war, while Rubio also reaffirms Trump's warning to Hamas. Ohad Kozminsky of the Jewish Council of Australia shares his views on Western colonialism and Gaza.
6 March 2025
A five-minute scroll
Justin Trudeau eloquently calls Trump's tariffs a trade war. Miko Peled questions why the allies aren't liberating the concentration camp that is Gaza, Jeffrey Sachs asks how many wars China has been in in the last 40 years. Peter Cronau lists our eclectic list of defence priorities.
5 March 2025
A five-minute scroll
Sarah Schwarz speaks to the silencing tactics against those speaking up for Palestine. Francesca Albanese outlines the many elements that make up genocide. Peter Cronau suggests Australia appears to have breached the International Court of Justice ruling by exporting coal from Newcastle to Israel, while Cameron Leckie suggests a peacekeeping force for Ukraine is disingenuous after Australia's role in the proxy war.
4 March 2025
A five-minute scroll
No Other Land winning an Oscar shows a shift in perception of Western opinion on Gaza. Seyed Mohammad Marandi reports that Iran will not negotiate with the US because Trump violates agreements. Why is the ABC gaslighting Anthony Albanese's election chances? Jonathan Pie gives his spin on Trump's response to Ukraine.
3 March 2025
A five-minute scroll
The Australian media continues its hysteria over the China warships. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledges all support for Ukraine, while Israel's Netanyahu thanks Donald Trump for his support. Meanwhile, our US alliance has been in crisis for longer than we think.
28 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
Trump give his first views on China policy. Sarah Henderson criticises ABC for including Jewish Council of Australia in their programs.The LNP has confirmed that Australians will pay to see their GP under Dutton. Penny Wong welcomes 25 Somare-Whitlam scholars to Australia and a call for truth to be a key factor in political advertising.
26 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
While questioning Penny Wong, Michaelia Cash advises the LNP under Peter Dutton will reject international law and the arrest of Netanyahu should he come to Australia. Penny Wong reminds her of the previous government's hate speech. In the UN, Noa Argamani describes the moment when the building she was in collapsed under Israeli bombardment, while former peace negotiator and president of the US/Middle East project, Daniel Levy, speaks to all people being equal and says a minute of silence for the Bibas children would extend to 300 hours should it include the 18,000 children killed in Gaza. Meanwhile, Australia's universities...
25 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
Jewish Australians publish their names in support of Gaza, while Sydney Writers’ Festival boss Kathy Shand has quit. Germany invites Netanyahu to visit, while he faces a backlash at a military event for showing photos of Shiri Bibas and her family.
25 February 2025
Wendy Turner wins Al Quds Peace Prize
Don't send that little red Pommie Commie up here again!
24 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
The BBC has bowed to pressure and removed the documentary Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone. An Israeli soldier shows affection to a Hamas fighter on release. The Jewish Council of Australia shares an excerpt from the interview between Dr Gabor Maté and Emeritus Professor Andrea Durbach about Zionism, trauma and the Palestinian experience. Owen Jones exposes leaflets dropped on Gaza.
21 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
In the UK questions arise over the commentary of the documentary Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone. In Australia, ECAJ Co-CEO Alex Ryvchin is demanding the Federal Government to declare a national emergency on antisemitism. In the US 100 Doctors stage a protest in Congress over the situation in Gaza. Jeffrey Sachs provides Piers Morgan with an overview of the events that lead to the Ukraine-Russia war.
20 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
Dr Hussam Abu Safiya seen in an interview with an Israeli journalist from an Israeli jail draws a statement from his family of psychological terrorism. Owen James speaks of Palestinian children tried in military court while settlers are tried in civil court. Zelenskyy pushes back on Trump with facts. Dan Duggan was one of many pilots from across the world, none of whom are facing any charges.
19 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
Francesca Albanese addresses a group in Berlin amidst challenges from the police. The City of Sydney passes a motion for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanction (BDS), while Patricia Karvelas calls out the facts on Angus Taylor.
18 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
Concerns over police actions in Germany, proof the British Government knows that Israel is committing genocide and Trump's suggestion for Gaza is a genocidal act. In Australia we wait for politicians to be equally outraged about attacks on Muslims. Jeffrey Sachs on the US wars of choice.
17 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
Bisan Owda shares how Israel is violating the ceasefire from Gaza. Hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in London, marching for Palestine. Gideon Levy writes in response to Palestinian prisoners on their knees wearing Israeli T-shirts stating we will not forget nor forgive. UK Palestine Mental Health Network says there is no PTSD in Gaza, it is ongoing trauma.
14 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
Concerns across social media for Palestinian medical doctor Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, held captive by Israel. Australian media’s role in legitimising the Palestinian genocide and the war of words regarding safety/unsafety of students. Peter Dutton's claims of the growth of the Canberra-based public servants not backed by data.
13 February 2025
Jewish group opposes adoption of IHRA definition of antisemitism
The Jewish Council of Australia has said it opposes many of the recommendations made by a Parliamentary panel into antisemitism released on Wednesday.
13 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
The US renounces NATO membership for Ukraine. The implications of Trump's plans for Gaza. Palestinians moved from one refugee camp to another in the West Bank. The late Robert Fisk's experience with Western media.
12 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
Seventy-nine countries sign a letter supporting the International Criminal Court, but not Australia. Biden has laid the plan for what Trump will do next in Gaza. Paul Keating reminds us that life in Australia is comparably better than in the US. The Albanese Government is on track to meet 2030 goals for the renewable energy Dutton plans to cut.
11 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
Ilan Pappe witnessed his face on a target symbol on TV screens at the airport as he returned to Israel. Australia continues to tug on the forlock of a fading hegemon. The ABC calls citing international law antisemitic while Amnesty International calls on German authorities to stop the crackdown on freedom of speech.
10 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
A Palestinian man describes the horror of his Israeli captivity while the BBC questions the president of Israel about the torture and abuse in their prisons. Jeffrey Sachs explains why the US went to war with Iraq in 2003. ABC Insiders uncovers Trump's plan for Gaza while the King of Jordan says they will never accept the forced displacement of Palestinians.
7 February 2025
Arab organisations slam ABC over refusal to acknowledge Lebanese race
Two organisations representing Arab migrants in Australia have slammed ABC managing director David Anderson over his refusal to acknowledge the existence of a Lebanese race during the ongoing Federal Court trial between broadcaster Antoinette Lattouf and the national broadcaster.
7 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
It's not the first time the Trump administration has imposed sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC). Independent journalist Richard Medhurst has been detained by Austrian police and intelligence services. The late John Pilger reminds us what Julian Assange uncovered about media, while Juice Media pulls the rug from under Dutton's nuclear plans. Another week in our world.
6 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
The world reacts to President Trump's proposal to take over Palestine. A crime of forced displacement that will create more conflict and bloodshed. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese and global journalists respond.
5 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
Senator Barbara Pocock gives a picture of the future under Dutton. At the UN Palestine calls for the people of Palestine to be respected in their return to rebuild their homeland, while the Belgian Parliament recognises genocide. In Australian sport Sri Lankan opener Usman Khawaja supports sacked sports journalist Peter Lalor.
4 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
The Israeli onslaught continues with attacks on Jenin in the occupied West Bank overnight while government officials suggest the death toll is 61,000. In Melbourne yesterday, protesters endure searing heat for the 69th weekly protest in support of Palestine. Justin Trudeau speaks out for Canada. The ABC Afternoon Briefing mentions Peter Dutton 46 times in 56 minutes, but not the Prime Minister.
3 February 2025
A five-minute scroll
Trump and Netanyahu are reported to be set to announce progress on Saudi-Israeli normalisation. Israel releases Gazan hostage Mohammed al-Halabi held since 2016. Tucker Carlson takes on Piers Morgan on the killing of civilians while Husam Zomlot takes on the BBC for their terminology for Palestinian hostages.
31 January 2025
A five-minute scroll
Devastation across Gaza as Palestinians return to rebuild makeshift homes. Craig Murray witnesses devastation in Lebanon that shows Israel plans to make more land inhabitable. Owen Jones points out that the world is turned on its head. At home, Peter Cronau calls for interrupters to scrutinise the platforms of Peter Dutton.
31 January 2025
Time to hold unprincipled politicians accountable
The deliberate extermination of a large population group or nation, aiming to eradicate their future, is genocide. According to the International Court of Justice, Israel's war amounted to genocide resulting in the deaths of 48,156 Palestinians including 17,841 children. Both major parties have supported Israel’s war and the supply of intelligence and arms. It’s time to hold politicians who have supported genocide to account. At this election, say “no” to genocide by putting Labor second last and Liberals last.
30 January 2025
A five-minute scroll
The West Bank attacks continue since the Gaza ceasefire. In India, poor Muslim's shops are being bulldozed. In the US, Caroline Kennedy speaks of her concerns about Robert F. Kennedy Jr leading the HHS.
29 January 2025
A five-minute scroll
Challenging the narrative: Ali Abunimah of the Electronic Intifada was freed and deported by Switzerland, Abby Martin speaks of youth seeing world issues as they are not as mainstream media portray them. Saffrin Duggan will run the Canberra Marathon to raise funds for her husband and Humzah Yousaf takes on Michael Gove over his suggestion the IDF be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.
28 January 2025
A five-minute scroll
Trump speaks to media about the intent to clear out Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, while Hamas responds. Google Earth updates its visuals to reveal the apocalyptic landscapes in Gaza. Holocaust survivor Gabor Maté speaks of the longest ethnic cleansing operation in our history.
24 January 2025
A five-minute scroll
Joe Biden publicly admits Israel has committed war crimes.Jews Against the Occupation 1948 call for context and balance for acts of racism. In north Gaza tents are being constructed for returning citizens, while scattered clothing found in Jabalia could add to evidence of Israeli actions.
22 January 2025
A five-minute scroll
A new day in the world. Israel rewrites history by criminalising the truth of events of October 7, 2023. In the US, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde delivers a sermon for the ages to the new President, whose thoughts on Gaza were recorded from the Oval Office. Meanwhile Australia's media is called out for its lack of balance.
20 December 2024
A five-minute scroll
In our last five-minute scroll for the year, Peter Slezak speaks up at a Gaza rally, while Canadian politician Pierre Poilievre speaks up for Israel bombing Iran. Human Rights Watch has found that Israel has inflicted conditions of life in Gaza calculated to destroy the Palestinian population in Gaza and we give the last word of the year to Francesca Albanese.
19 December 2024
A five-minute scroll
Witness an interview from 54 years ago regarding Israel and Palestine that are still relevant today, and an interview with our Treasurer that's less so. Margaret Satterthwaite speaks at the UN about threats to the ICC, while Israel has decimated North Gaza, barely a building standing.
17 December 2024
A five-minute scroll
An independent expert talks about witnessing the extreme violence against Palestinians, a Texan congressman calls out Blinken for US complicity while Israel continues to bomb Syria. Greg Barns calls out Dutton as a danger to Australia.
16 December 2024
A five-minute scroll
We start the week with Prime Minister Albanese setting the record on Peter Dutton and nuclear power (and more) from Launceston. At the UN, the double standards for Gaza send a chilling message to the Global South, while in Gaza people follow the planes for the food drop and a young amputee adjusts to his new mobility. A senate hearing from six months ago reminds the ABC of their point of difference and Wesley Clark revealed he plan for Syria 20 years ago.
13 December 2024
A five-minute scroll
The world voted to support the mandate of the UNRWA in Palestine, while Israel continues to ignore international law in Syria. Syrian born British journalists advises that the media has been lying about Syria while Francesca Albanese puts Gaza back on the table as it disappears from the news.
12 December 2024
A five-minute scroll
The UN Security council has voted for an unconditional, immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, 158 countries voted yes. Yoav Gallant visits the White House, no arrest took place there. Senator Payman calls out anti-semitism but also calls for recognition of Islamophobia. An IDF soldier boasts of the ocean views amongst the destruction in Gaza.