Australia says it will appoint a special investigator to consider prosecutions over alleged war crimes by it’s soldiers in Afghanistan. In recent years, reports have emerged alleging unlawful killings of civilians and prisoners by Australian soldiers. A report into findings from a four-year military inquiry will be published next week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned it would bring “difficult and hard news for Australians”. “There is a significant number of incidents or issues to be investigated further and that investigation will be inherently complex,” he said on Thursday, Mr Morrison said the office of the special investigator would have powers … Continue reading Australia may prosecute soldiers over Afghanistan war crimes

A New Zealand author’s book has been pulled from an online store after she criticized the foreign affairs minister’s traditional Maori tattoo, Olivia Pierson had tweeted that facial tattoos on a female diplomat was “ugly and uncivilized”. Nanaia Mahuta is the first female MP in New Zealand to have a Maori facial tattoo. She was appointed as minister in a recent cabinet reshuffle. Ms Pierson’s tweet sparked anger and calls for her book to be pulled, in response, prominent online retailer Mighty Ape said it had withdrawn her book and “would not be making it available again”. Some New Zealanders … Continue reading Book pulled in New Zealand after author criticizes Maori tattoo

For years Aminat Waheeda drove her taxi along the narrow lanes and congested roads of the Maldives capital looking for passengers. The most lucrative fares airport arrivals were out of reach. The airport serving Male is on a different island and a speedboat was needed to get between the two. In 2018, that all changed, as did Ms Waheeda’s life. And the single mother of two teenagers has China to thank. A 2.1km (1.3-mile), four-lane bridge built with $200m (£148m) from Beijing means Male’s taxi drivers can now pick up passengers right from the airport entrance. After the bridge was … Continue reading China debt dogs Maldives march to prosperity

Update:Chrystia Freeland named Canada’s first female finance minister Canada’s deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland has been named finance minister following a Cabinet shuffle. Her appointment comes after Bill Morneau suddenly quit the job amid pressure from opposition parties. One of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s most trusted ministers, Ms Freeland, 52, will become the first woman to hold the position in Canada. In addition to the shuffle, Mr Trudeau is suspending Parliament until 23 September. It will then reconvene for a Speech from the Throne, where Mr Trudeau’s government will formally unveil its legislative agenda for the coming parliamentary session. The … Continue reading Cabinet Reshuffle