(2015) Labor and the Palestine Resolution
The Middle East, more particularly the Israel-Palestinian conflict, is a subject where few believers listen to arguments from the other side.
(2015) Israel-Palestinian Conflict Will Be A Powder Keg for Labor
The Middle East, more particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is a subject about which few believers listen to arguments from the other side. With so vexed an issue, polemics, rhetoric, straw-man arguments and raw emotion cloud debate and reason.
(2015) The Middle East Book Every Leftie Should Read
Written by two left-of centre social democrats opposed to the Greater Israel propaganda of the Israeli Right, Mendes and Dyrenfurth have written a well-argued, punchy critique of the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel.
(2015) The ALP Conference Resolution on the Middle East
The ultimate outcome at today’s Conference clinched an important victory – no unilateral recognition of Palestine, as Bob Carr has been campaigning for. Additionally, the resolution called for “a negotiated settlement” – direct negotiations, an important reference point.
(2015) Book Review: The Case for Palestine
Paul Heywood-Smith, Queens Counsel and political autodidact, has written a weak case for Palestine. A much stronger book was there to be written, but the author’s cranky perspective mars his ability to present it.
(2015) Why I Could Not Support Bob Carr’s Middle East Resolution
At the [recent] NSW Labor Conference I spoke in opposition to a motion moved by Bob Carr concerning the Israel-Palestinian Peace Process. The motion lacked balance, was loosely and inappropriately worded, and seemed to equate Israel with Hamas.
(2015) A Local Twist to Palestinian Recognition
A true friend of Israel is a friend of Palestine. Everyone participating at the national ALP Conference this weekend believes that. So why not recognise Palestine now?
(2015) Austin Diary
Visiting accountant turned property investor Kate Braybrook and building tradie husband Mark, who have relocated from Melbourne. Looked at 20 growing US cities before picking Austin, capital of Texas.
(2015) A Man of Integrity, Not for Turning. Former Federal Attorney General Kep Enderby Remembered
Kep Enderby, QC, barrister, civil libertarian, politician and judge, is best known for his role as federal Attorney-General in 1975, advising the prime minister Gough Whitlam at the time of the Dismissal.
(2015) More Free Votes
Tanya Plibersek’s push to compel all Labor MPs to a binding vote in support of same sex marriage is a sincere stance emanating from personal conviction. Her passionate conviction, nonetheless, does not trump the conscience of others. That is why her unreasonable position must be rejected by the ALP, regardless of where individuals stand on the marriage issue.