Iraq – DiploLab

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

By Colin Smith | March 17, 2026 by Colin Smith

East Asia & the Pacific Australia: Australian trade in jeopardy as Middle East ‘war risk’ costs surge ABC News (Australia) Australian exporters are struggling to get products into the Gulf and further into Europe as the war in the Middle East continues. They are facing increased costs due to emergency freight surcharges. Economists say surging shipping costs will be passed onto consumers, pushing inflation further and raising the risk of higher interest rates. Cambodia: Cambodia protests Thailand’s ‘illegal’ constructions…

Monday, February 9, 2026

By Colin Smith | February 9, 2026 by Colin Smith

East Asia & the Pacific Australia: Bushfire warning downgraded for blaze in Darlington, Helena Valley in Perth’s eastern suburbs ABC (Australia) Authorities have downgraded a bushfire in Perth’s hills from emergency level to watch and act, with firefighters saying the blaze was stationary. Multiple aerial water bombers were sent to battle the bushfire on Friday afternoon after it had put lives and homes under threat. Cambodia: Police arrest more than 400 in major human trafficking…

2026 SHU World Review

Monday, January 26, 2026

By Colin Smith | January 26, 2026 by Colin Smith

East Asia & the Pacific Australia: Coalition splits for second time since election after Nationals quit shadow cabinet ABC (Australia) Nationals Leader David Littleproud says his party’s alliance with the Liberal Party has ended, with no Nationals willing to serve in a shadow cabinet under Sussan Ley. The relationship unraveled this week after the Nationals agreed to vote against hate laws supported by the Liberal Party. Brunei: Stronger ties formed to combat cross-border cybercrime Borneo…