THE FOOD OF KABUL

I've always wanted to write restaurant reviews, but it's a bit hard as a foreign correspondent.

This is an attempt at it, anyway . . .

R2P A FINE IDEA, DIFFICULT IN PRACTICE

The true test of an ideal is when it hits the reality of how it will work in the practical world.

That's is the problem with 'R2P' - a great sound-bite, but not something people will die for. And exactly when does it apply.

This column examines the issue . . .

DEFENCE IN A FURY

Over the past week the mood in Defence has quickly se-sawed.

The sparks are still flying over the comments by Stephen Smith about the culture of ingrained sexism in Defence.

This column - very different to my last - was written after a number of conversations with senior officers in the services/ It waz published on Saturday . . .

WORKING AS A JOURNALIST 2 - LISTENING TO PEOPLE

This was published in T2 today. It follows on from the last piece. As a journalist it's always vital to listen to what your contacts are saying . . . sometimes that's the way to get a far better story.

WORKING AS A JOURNALIST 1 - FINDING INFORMATION

This column, originally published in the T2 Section of the Canberra Times on Thursday 14 April, describes some of the difficulties faced by a Foreign Correspondent in attempting to find out what's really going on.

WHY HAVE AN ADFA

The recent scandals in the Australian Defence Force have overlooked the real problems with the institution.

These are structural. Until these are fixed the problems will continue.

MONEY - THE CAUSE OF ALL EVIL

The economy in Afghanistan is severely unballanced. It will remain almost impossible to re-establish the country while this is the case . . .