The dangerous stories driving war in Iran
From Trump to Putin, the narratives leaders tell themselves shape global conflict – and the war in Iran shows the consequences when belief overrides reality.
Recent articles in Politics
22 March 2026
The wisdom of David Solomon (plus priceless insights, grace and humour)
David Solomon’s 'Footnotes' reveals the stories behind Australian politics and journalism – including the moments that never made it into print.
22 March 2026
Environment: If people like Grace Tame can’t be ‘difficult’, who can? – speaking up as ecosystems reach breaking point
Human demand is pushing ecosystems beyond safe limits – while weak policy, unrealistic emissions targets and the silencing of dissenting voices make the crisis harder to confront.
22 March 2026
As Israel invades again, Lebanon faces more turmoil and possible civil war
Renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah risks spiralling into a broader conflict, with scenarios ranging from limited operations to a prolonged war or full-scale regional escalation.
22 March 2026
Five books to help you understand Iran – recommended by experts
In a time of war, five expert-recommended books offer deeper insight into Iran’s history, politics and people – beyond simplified narratives.
21 March 2026
Anthony Mason’s legacy – and the shadow of the dismissal
Anthony Mason reshaped Australian law as Chief Justice – but his concealed role in the Whitlam dismissal casts a lasting shadow over that legacy.
21 March 2026
Keeping your chin up – Message from the Editor
Around our dinner table we volunteer our ‘best bits’ for the day. My eldest daughter started it with her boys, and it has now become an evening ritual for us all. It forces you to articulate the good bits of the day, and to listen to what have been the good bits for others. So I thought I would start doing that with readers as well. Each week, as I filter through the hundreds of articles, podcasts, and Instagram posts that inform our coverage, I will pick a best bit. If you are reading this on social media I would...
21 March 2026
‘Cracks are beginning to show’: Trump voters want quick end to Iran War
A new poll shows strong backing among Trump voters for ending the Iran war, with rising concern over costs, casualties and escalation.
21 March 2026
I am 25 – wars shaped my consciousness and memory
From childhood to adulthood, Refaat Ibrahim recounts a life marked by repeated war, displacement and loss – a personal testimony of a generation growing up under siege in Gaza.
21 March 2026
The meltdown of the Trump presidency: his oath was a betrayal - part one
A Supreme Court ruling, an unauthorised war and open defiance of legal limits point to a presidency no longer constrained by institutions – but defined by them being ignored.
21 March 2026
The anti-Zionism of Sir Isaac Isaacs
Sir Isaac Isaacs warned in the 1940s that Zionism risked deep and lasting conflict. Decades on, those arguments about justice and prudence remain sharply relevant.
21 March 2026
Australia’s six pathways to the war with Iran: Part 1
Australia is already deeply involved in the US–Israel war on Iran, through intelligence, military deployments and long-standing strategic commitments.
20 March 2026
Another High Court rebuke on immigration laws – and a warning on rushed policymaking
A new High Court ruling has struck down the Albanese government’s restrictions on former immigration detainees – exposing the risks of rushed, politically driven lawmaking.