A disturbing lack of bipartisanship on the Middle East conflict points to an ugly new direction for Australian politics

News Snapshot:

Australian politics was once again swept up in world affairs this week. Many Australians may well remain consumed by their increasing struggles with the cost of living, and apprehensive about the growing prospect of yet another interest rate rise in just over a week's time. The dust has not yet settled on the aftermath of the referendum. But it is international developments that are now dominating our daily domestic politics — from our relationships with the US and China to the Middle East. Some reflect better on our political leaders than others. There would have been a time not very...