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2011

The bombing puzzle in the Middle East

When asked about Saudi Arabia bombing Yemen John Key said that “we understand why they are doing what they are doing” and said he wouldn’t “condemn” it.

Labour’s mistake on US bombing in Iraq

If Andrew Little studied the history of US bombing missions in the Middle East he would have to admit that Dunne and Norman are right.

NZ to assist Cuban medical programme in the Pacific

Passing beneath the radar this month was the signing of a formal agreement whereby New Zealand will...

My Select Committee submission against the “terrorist fighters” bill

There simply is no need to pass this legislation, let alone to rush it. What is the risk? Experts like Richard Jackson of Otago University say the evidence shows that that it is extremely rare for returning jihadis to commit terrorist acts in their home country. It is wrong to create law, which offends our human rights, just to cover some very unlikely or exceptional future event.

Countering Terrorist Fighters Bill challenges citizen rights to a...

On 27 November I gave this "oral submission" to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee opposing the Countering Terrorist Fighters Bill, which was being rushed through Parliament with...

Police misuse tasers to induce compliance

The Independent Police Conduct Authority’s criticism of Police for tasering a non-aggressive man in his own home reinforce the fears we had when tasers were introduced.

Technological advances increase Waihopai’s threat to our privacy

Technological advances may mean the Waihopai spy station is becoming an ever greater threat to people’s privacy.

The tragedy of Libya

The American storyline is that Libya is now a free country. But the truth is that the armed groups supported by the US in 2011 do not today adhere to the rule of law – but only the rule of the gun. Libya today is like a Wild West.

Pressure on NZ politicians after UK Commons rejects air...

Respected British journalist Robert Fisk went out on a limb yesterday calling such a strike “the stupidest Western war in the history of the modern world”.

How much does the NSA subsidise the GCSB?

Is the NSA subsidizing the GCSB either in money or provision of sophisticated equipment? If it is, this might explain the refusal of Prime Ministers Clark and Key to give out any information as to the cost to the taxpayer of the Waihopai spy station.