180 degrees

Matthew Hall presents a first-hand look at world events from a different angle.

Remembering the 'Iron Lady': a divisive legacy

09 April 2013, 10:10 AM

Tributes, of various flavours, followed the announcement that former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher had died.

Thatcher’s legacy at home remains a divisive issue in the United Kingdom. Read more


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Regulating relationships: the case for same-sex marriage

02 April 2013, 10:04 AM

Affairs of the heart can be oh-so complicated, as the US Supreme Court discovered last week when it took on the issue of same sex marriage.

In brief, so you don’t have to dust off the legal dictionaries, the discussion among the highest legal authorities in the country came down to one point: Who has the power to regulate relationships? Read more


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10 years on: Iraq, the best option for all?

26 March 2013, 9:56 AM

By several accounts, the 10-year anniversary of the start of the Iraq war passed without much fanfare in Australia. This may seem odd considering Australia joined Britain and Poland in being one of few nations materially supporting the US invasion of Iraq.

The Australian military even gave its contribution its own codename – Operation Falconer. Read more


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When a whole town plays a role in a rape

19 March 2013, 9:56 AM

“It’s on YouTube. I’m not stupid. Stop texting me.” These were the chilling words of a rape victim to her attacker in a case that has gained much attention in the US.

The case hit the spotlight not just for, well, rape, but its insight into how social media played a role during and after the attack, the peculiar American culture of high school athlete idolatry, and the media’s coverage of all of the above. Read more


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Bush 3.0: How will Jeb Bush do in 2016?

13 March 2013, 10:26 AM

The saying 'three’s a crowd' may never have greater meaning after one man took time out to appear on ALL the Sunday morning TV news talk shows last weekend. Good morning, Jeb Bush, now a possible Presidential candidate for 2016.


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