| Read time: 6 minute(s)

How to read the news about Israel and Iran to your children?

On April 14th, Iran made a direct attack on Israel for the first time. Experts worry that any retaliation could drag in other countries. The situation is a dangerous jigsaw of competing interests. What is particularly worrying is that many players have an interest in keeping the conflict going to distract from their domestic troubles. […]
| Read time: 11 minute(s)

Debate of the Week: Could a pop star defeat Trump?The weird Swift theory driving America crazy

Two ‘T’s are on everyone’s lips: Taylor and Trump. Some think a showdown between them might be brewing — and that Joe Biden will come out on top. Millions of fans hang on her every word. Embassies release statements about her.Scholars hold conferences to discuss her work in hushed, reverent tones.An alien visitor might be […]
| Read time: 5 minute(s)

Australia offers climate refuge to Tuvalu citizens

Australia has offered refuge to citizens of Tuvalu because of the catastrophic impacts of climate change, in a landmark new pact. Tuvalu – a series of low-lying atolls in the Pacific – is among the nations most at risk from rising seas. It is home to 11,200 people and has repeatedly called for greater action […]
| Read time: 6 minute(s)

DEBATE OF THE Week: WILL AMERICAN DEMOCRACY SURVIVE?

To slightly misquote Oscar Wilde: one indictment may be regarded as a misfortune; two looks like carelessness. And what about three? Last week, former and would-be future president Donald Trump was indicted for the third time this year, this time on federal charges related to an attempt to subvert the 2020 election. Another indictment? It […]
| Read time: 5 minute(s)

“Historic” deal to restore the Colorado River Delta in United States.

Arizona, California and Nevada have agreed to take less water from the drought-strained Colorado River, a breakthrough agreement that, for now, keeps the river from falling so low that it would jeopardize water supplies for major Western cities like Phoenix and Los Angeles as well as for some of America’s most productive farmland. The agreement, […]
| Read time: 6 minute(s)

DEBATE OF THE WEEK: Could this be the start of World War Three?

Fear: Multiple ceasefires have been announced and then broken in Sudan. THE NEWS: No signs of peace as conflict enters second month. The conflict between two of Sudan’s military leaders has driven thousands from their homes and could draw in many countries including Russia, China and the USA. “I stayed calm,” said eight-year-old Leen. “I […]
| Read time: 8 minute(s)

DEBATE OF THE WEEK: Is the tug-of-love over Taiwan threatening global peace?

IN THE NEWS: As China and the US compete for Taiwan’s attention, many fear that what they are actually flirting with is war. As one proverb popular in both Taiwan and China goes: “Water can make a boat float, but it can also sink it.” These days Taiwan is in particularly rough waters. The country, […]
| Read time: 6 minute(s)

‘Carbon bomb’: What is the Willow project and why has Joe Biden approved it?

The United States has approved a major oil-drilling project on Alaska’s petroleum-rich North Slope – a move that environmentalists have slammed as a “betrayal.” The ConocoPhillips Alaska’s Willow project will produce an estimated 160,000 barrels of oil per day over the next 30 years. Burning this oil will produce 260 million tons of carbon dioxide, […]
| Read time: 2 minute(s)

Chinese spy balloon flies over the United States

A suspected Chinese spy balloon has been flying over the United States for a couple of days, U.S. officials said on Thursday, in what would be a brazen act just days ahead of a planned trip to Beijing by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Fighter jets were mobilised but military leaders advised President Joe […]
| Read time: 6 minute(s)

Debate of the Day: Is inequality destroying planet earth?

THE NEWS: The world’s most powerful people were gathered in Switzerland. Some hoped to persuade them to clamp down on the top 1%. It is thought that Mansa Musa, emperor of Mali, was the richest man in history. In 1324, on a pilgrimage to Mecca, he brought so much gold with him that the value […]