Latest from International Politics

PM: Action in Syria may be unavoidable

Prime Minister John Key says he is horrified by footage of an alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria, and intervention by the US may be inevitable.

US: Syria chemical weapon use 'obscene'

The US says chemical weapons had been used in an 'obscene' attack in Syria, and it has additional information about the attack it will make public.

Abbott makes bid for grey power support

With Labor nudging itself off the floor, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has turned to one of his most significant power bases: restive baby boomers.

Assange dons mullet wig for Farnham pitch

Abbott fires up and targets voters with trusty old weapon

Tale of adultery, deception, death

Bo Xilai, formerly one of the most powerful and charismatic men in Chinese politics, has admitted that his wife left him because he cheated on her.

Rudd needs miracle to stop Coalition victory

Two weeks out from the September 7 election, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd needs a miracle.

Abbott's Labor pains on parental leave

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's "signature" parental leave policy has turned around to bite him as he feels the first real heat of the campaign for the Sept 7 election.

Rudd, Abbott seek to freeze Greens out

A new bid to shut the Greens out of Parliament will ensure that Australia will not be led by a minority Government in coalition with the minor party.

Abbott: Sex gaffe a 'daggy dad moment'

First it was 'exuberance', now Australia's Opposition leader says his "sex appeal" gaffe was due to a "daggy dad moment."

Gwynne Dyer: Spying mess will change internet

The standard internet routing protocol sends messages not by the shortest route, but by the fastest and least congested, writes Gwynne Dyer.

Environment could be the sleeper

While Australia's election debate continues to whirl around the economy, there is a sleeper in the campaign.

Leaders' debate fails to inspire

As Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Opposition leader Tony Abbott campaigned in Sydney and Melbourne yesterday.

Israeli families furious over plans to release Palestinian prisoners

Relatives of Israelis killed in the conflict with the Palestinians accused their Government yesterday of betrayal over a planned mass prisoner release.

NZ academics losing race for cash

New Zealand's leading universities and academics are behind international competitors when it comes to attracting cash from business, a new comparison shows.

Miliband told to get tougher

Nearly three years after becoming the youngest leader in the history of Britain's Labour Party, Ed Miliband is learning the hard way about the pendulum swing of politics.