Reg, it is not just Ruddian self-indulgence. There is a fundamental flaw in the Australian world view, which regards (at the official level) world events through an Anglo-american prism. The mass of the people are largely ignorant of the developments you refer to, not, I hasten to add, necessarily through any fault of their own, but from the fact that the mainstream media in all its forms shares the blinkered ignorance of the government and fails to properly inform its readership/listenership of what is happening in our region and elsewhere.

Because of this fundamental flaw I fear that the likely new Foreign Minister (Bishop) will not represent an improvement, and indeed in several important respects may be even worse (hard as that is to imagine) than the present government. One has only to look at the crisis currently being played out in Syria to appreciate how appalling our foreign policy stances are.

I fear that the likely new Foreign Minister (Bishop) will not represent an improvement,
James O'Neill,
Well, then why fear at all, when it will not be any different to what the situation is now. The only consolation is that there is scope for improvement whereas the ALP Government has obviously no more scope for improvement even with another term. Why else haven't they reacted & improved long before this election ?

@Individual. Typically, you take half of a quote out of context and then distort it for your own argument. My concern was that Bishop would be even worse. There is a more important point that Mr Little was making and that is the point that need to be addressed. You might like to read his article again before foisting your ignorance on the rest of us.

My concern was that Bishop would be even worse.
James O'Neill,
My point was that this is extremely unlikely if not impossible. Julie Bishop is not ALP in case you haven't noticed.

Oh dear, here we have yet another trained interpreter, come academic, who thinks how many languages you speak is important. Typical arrogance of the academic. Smart people hire academics & interpreters when needed, & they certainly don't believe their opinions.

We currently have another interpreter losing his cool as Oz prepares to show him the door.

Please James O'Neill, after Rudd & Carr, the drovers dog has got to be an improvement as foreign affairs minister.

I sometimes wonder why our stuffed shirts can't take a step back & see themselves as everyone else sees them. Nah, not a good idea, their egos would not survive.