Author Archives: andrew

Just do it – keep your word

Andrew L. Urban Violated but not rescinded, the Budapest Memorandum of 1994 was signed by the leaders of the US, UK, Russia and Ukraine. It promises the sort of security guarantees that Ukraine seeks and that are being contemplated now … Continue reading

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Vale Terence Stamp

Andrew L. Urban Terence Stamp, the renowned British actor known for his roles in “Superman” and “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” has died at the age of 87. The news sent me back to my interview with … Continue reading

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Moral leadership trio Trump, Meloni, Milei

Andrew L. Urban Australia’s Anthony Albanese leads his government “decisively away from America, geostrategically, militarily, politically, culturally,” as The Australian’s Paul Kelley writes, but also morally. I would argue that other western nations once relied on to provide the moral … Continue reading

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The evil genius of hostage taking

Andrew L. Urban If it weren’t for the hostages in Gaza, all the Hamas goons would be dead. Instead, huddled and terrified, or digging their own grave, the hostages are life insurance for the terrorists. It was an act of … Continue reading

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Putin’s word is worthless

Andrew L. Urban History is a tough teacher. Learn and win or ignore and fail. Our track record as humans is rather poor. More failures than wins. And here comes the next big test: it’s set for August 15, 2025 … Continue reading

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Hamas worse than Nazis

Andrew L. Urban I would not be surprised if a Nazi sympathiser or member of a neo-Nazi gang were to issue a statement distancing themselves from Hamas. It might read something like this: “While we applaud the intent to eradicate … Continue reading

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Don’t be alarmed, it’s just hot air

Andrew L. Urban Dunno ‘bout you but after more than 30 years of false alarms I’m utterly sick and tired of climate alarmism. There is such a thing as too much of a bad thing. The UN’s climate chief Simon … Continue reading

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It’s malice not cowardice

Andrew L. Urban What could prompt anyone to suggest that Australia’s current government attitude to Israel is “cowardice dressed in the robes of diplomacy”? It’s more like belligerent antisemitism dressed in the robes of belligerent antisemitism. It’s visible in the … Continue reading

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Dan Andrews car & cycle crash: damning expert report

 Andrew L. Urban An expert investigation into the infamous crash involving former Victorian Premier Dan Andrews (and family) in an SUV and 15 year old cyclist Ryan Meuleman on January 7, 2013 found “a lack of police adherence to standard … Continue reading

Posted in Democracy and Justice | 6 Comments

From Magna Carta 1225 to antisemitism 2025

Henry Ergas AO is a columnist for The Australian. From 1978 to 1993, Henry was an economist at the OECD in Paris, yet his weekly columns are rich with historical references. An erudite observer of the world, he challenges us … Continue reading

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