The chance of success for Kofi Annan's plans in Syria is slender. Should his initiatives fail, the crisis could become catastrophic, writes Anthony Billingsley.
The National Security Monitor gets a provisional 'A" in his first year in a role that aims to review the operation, effectiveness and necessity of Australia's anti-terrorism laws, write Jessie Blackbourn and Nicola McGarrity.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith needs to provide strategic direction to his department in order to regain the respect of the defence force, argues Professor Alan Dupont.
Jury trial is about involving the community in the process of determining guilt or innocence. So why did a UK court prohibit a woman in a veil from fulfilling her civic duty, asks Dr Fergal Davis.
Professor Rob Brooks considers the profound effect of the "opium of the masses" - rock and roll - and questions whether the art form has seen its final days.
Continuing bomb attacks in Iraq show sectarian tensions have not been resolved in the wake of the US military withdrawal and could be a portent of more upheaval to come, warns Dr Anthony Billingsley.
Australian advocates of a Bill of Rights might want to consider a recent court judgment from the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, law academic Fergal Davis warns.
