New Islamic anti-terrorism link: will it work?

Amin Saikal   Saudi Arabia's announcement of a new military alliance of 34 Muslim countries to fight terrorism is unprecedented.

Paris deal could herald new era for diplomacy

Phil Ireland   This time six years ago I found myself with other campaigners and politicians (including Kevin Rudd) from around the world in the depths of despair after the Copenhagen climate negotiations.

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Turnbull will resist poll temptation

Mark Kenny   An early election would carry the risk of being perceived by voters as opportunistic and a breach of faith.

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The young white male has lost his advantage

Paul Sheehan   Their once dominant position is being eroded incrementally, in measurable ways, with each passing year.

The silent fury women feel

Jill Stark   How are women meant to know the difference between the nice guy and the monster?

Jihadists' religious faith is real if misguided

Jonathan Cole   Most Muslims disagree with the extremist interpretation of Islam.

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Ignorance fuels anti-vaccination parents

Julie Szego   The movement reflects an underlying disease that makes us susceptible to the notion that truth is an ever-negotiable, relative concept.

The Australian fair go is dead

Elizabeth Farrelly   Why are we OK with this? How did the fair go slip so seamlessly into tooth and claw? Or was it always thus?

Perils of competitive grandparenting

Cari Rosen   Christmas can be one of the most stressful times of the year. And if you're a grandparent or an in-law, deciding who spends dinner where can easily spiral into a war of the (Cadbury's) Roses.

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Domestic violence: Don't forget children

Kim Oates   Our awareness of the extent of domestic violence has been slow in coming. But we must remember children are victims too.

Supersized consumer appetites must change

Christopher Flavelle   Our love of big homes, big cars and long-distance travel may need to be curtailed if we're to meet the Paris targets.

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The heart-rending morning I can never forget

Christoph Hensch   Aid workers put their life on the line for others, but then often suffer residual trauma.

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Charlie Brown speaks: Let kids be kids!

Alan Stokes   Charlie Brown's new film transports us back to a time when children were free to confront life for what it brings.

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Assisted dying: Sorting the facts 

Ross Fitzgerald   These days it is increasingly difficult to have a reasoned and thorough public debate about government policy. 

Hillary: is she unbeatable?

Lesley Russell   Donald Trump's bid to secure the Republican presidential nomination has taken attention away from the other half of the political equation – the Democrats' candidates. 

Stuff the VCE, I just wanted babies

Jean Flynn   They made me dux of year 12, but I wanted to go to uni to find a husband, not a career.

Marriage: no longer an economic institution

Ross Gittins   Economists declare marriage has evolved from just a reproductive or financial deal – these days we are tying the knot for love.

Do we need IVF for minke whales?

Denise Russell   Japanese and Sea Shepherd boats are steaming towards the Antarctic. Will there be violent conflict? It's possible.

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A toothless treaty can't stop climate change

Leonid Bershidsky   Our success in dealing with climate change depends on scientists and markets, not political leaders and diplomats.

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More hot air won't save us from oblivion

Peter Hartcher   The rhetoric from the Paris climate deal is reassuring, but the atmosphere can't read press releases.

George Pell's no-show is farcical

Judy Courtin   The Catholic Church continues to harm sex abuse victims by its failure to acknowledge the extent to which it covered-up sex crimes against children.