World politics
Giorgia Meloni named ‘Man of the Year’ by right-wing Italian newspaper
The Libero article was criticised by women’s rights activists who have accused the Italian prime minister of promulgating regressive views.
- by Josephine McKenna
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The world seems to be spinning in reverse. Have we reached the end of progress?
It’s been another regressive year for the planet. Pessimism abounds – yet there are occasional shards of light.
- by Nick Bryant
Wars, Trump’s courtroom dramas and our new King: The world in 2023
From the Israel-Hamas conflict, China’s growing influence in the world, to the COP28 climate summit and beyond - our correspondents look back at the events that have shaped the world in the past year.
- by Eryk Bagshaw, Chris Barrett, Lucy Cormack, Rob Harris, Farrah Tomazin, Lia Timson and James Lemon
This president had a 30,000-strong Christmas card list. The writing began in May
A volunteer spent seven months addressing envelopes to everyone from the president’s favourite waiter to Queen Elizabeth.
- by Alex Schiffer
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Behind the Headlines
A war raged outside and IS militants lurked in the darkness. Then our fellow Aussies turned on us
Heavy artillery was firing when two nervous American soldiers came to the tent with bad news. It’s a war zone story I’ve always itched to tell, and still infuriates me six years on.
- by Michael Bachelard
No Christmas lights or tree in Bethlehem as festivities are cancelled
The biblical birthplace of Jesus resembled a ghost town on Christmas Eve after celebrations in Bethlehem were called off due to the Israel-Hamas war.
- by Melanie Lidman
Analysis
Russia-Ukraine war
Zelensky was the hero fighting ‘evil’. Now there is talk of ceasefire and capitulation
The Ukrainian leader’s aura is diminishing as he faces poor polling at home and speculation that allies want him at the negotiating table with Russia.
- by Rob Harris
UN resolution calls for Gaza aid but shies away from backing ceasefire
The United Nations Security Council has approved a toned-down bid to boost humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
- by Michelle Nichols
Macron to address nation after contentious bill passes French parliament
French MPs gave their final approval to the bill that toughens rules for immigrants, giving Macron a policy victory – but one which could cause him a political crisis.
- by Elizabeth Pineau and Michel Rose
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Four Japanese ministers quit ahead of PM’s ‘ball of fire’
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is racing to contain the fallout of a multi-million yen political kickback scheme.
- by Eryk Bagshaw
An exercise bike and a prison cell: The trial of Imran Khan
As Pakistan’s cricket team readies for a Test series in Australia, the World Cup-winning captain and former prime minister faces the contest of his life.
- by Chris Barrett