Battle of the minds

Much of politics is psychological warfare, and Rudd and Abbott are trying their utmost to mess with each other's heads.

Frustrated US struggles to open dialogue with China

It is sometimes said Democrats know nothing about Asia and prefer to swan around with Europeans. Yet less than six months after his trip to North-East Asia (and just as the White House announces that he will miss a forthcoming European summit) Barack Obama is returning to our neighbourhood. His visit tells us his rhetoric about being a "Pacific president" was no throwaway line.

Diggers may face charges

A RAID in which five Afghan children were killed could result in combat-related charges against Australian soldiers for the first time since the Vietnam War.

Soldiers may be first to face charges for combat since Vietnam

A NIGHT-TIME raid in which five Afghan children were killed has cast a cloud over Australia's elite forces and could result in combat-related charges against Australian soldiers for the first time since the Vietnam War.

US envoy's meeting with Suu Kyi a 'first step'

BURMESE human rights groups have warned that yesterday's meeting between jailed democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and high-level US officials was no indication the country's military regime was willing to weaken its grip on power.

BRIEFS

Take it as red

Obama to outline US role in world

NEW YORK: Last year 200,000 Germans turned out in Berlin to hear Democratic candidate Barack Obama pledge the US would enter a new era of re-engagement with the rest of the world if he became president.

US needs your help, Obama tells UN

LAST year 200,000 Germans turned out in Berlin to hear the Democratic candidate, Barack Obama, pledge that the US would enter a new era of re-engagement with the rest of the world if he became president.

Telstra gets telco watchdog tick on post-Trujillo service

THE telecommunications industry ombudsman has praised Telstra for what she says is its starkly different attitude to customer service since former chief executive Sol Trujillo left the company.

Engagement just helps Burma's military regime

Thomas Bell effectively, if unwittingly, lays bare the contradictions at the heart of the intellectually bankrupt anti-sanctions, pro-engagement case in relation to Burma ("Sanctions stopping change in Burma", August 13).

Obama Presses Forward On Iran, Backward On Iraq

THE US president-elect, Barack Obama, has confirmed that he will pursue a clear policy of engagement with Iran and press immediately for peace in the Middle East.

Out And About

ABOVE: Taren Goldrick and Mark Bunt celebrate their engagement at Albion Park Bowling Club on Saturday night.

Rudd Builds Bridge To Obama

PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd has met members of the Obama team in his first Washington engagement, pledging his Government will work closely with the new administration on the global financial crisis.

Wedding Bells And Bingle's Big Bling

Glamour couple Michael Clarke and Lara Bingle are preparing to announce their engagement.