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In this article, the author discusses the issue of asylum seekers in Australia. He presents a brief history of the emergence of asylum seekers in the country. He believes that the asylum seeker issue has significantly influenced the Australian political life, blighting the political career of Australian Labor Party leaders Kim Beazly and Kevin Rudd who supported the country's political refugees.

The author reflects on trends in politics in Australia and in the U.S. The author asserts that realists are in better position compared with neoconservatives in the U.S. on account of the Iraq War and the country's foreign policy. He also asserts that Kim Beazley is a good leader to the Labor Party in Australia and consider it illogical to replace him.

Reports on the political situation in Australia. General election called for October 3, 1998 by Prime Minister John Howard; Polls indicating an edge for the Labor Party of Kim Beazley over Howard's Liberal-National parties; Howard staking his re-election on tax reform; Waning popularity of Pauline Hanson and her One Nation party.

The article reports that Kim Beazley, who led Labor from 1996 to 2001, was left as the only candidate for the job after two rival contenders, Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, announced their withdrawal. Both conceded they had been unable to muster sufficient support among their parliamentary colleagues to challenge Beazley. Barring any unforeseen problems, the path was cleared for Beazley to resume the Labor leadership at one of the lowest points in the party's 114-year history. Labor is still reeling from the shock of its fourth successive defeat last October by the conservative coalition government led by John Howard. On January 18th, a second shock followed when Mark Latham, who had led Labor for only 13 months, resigned as leader and from parliament. A tough year lies ahead. In July, the government will take control for the first time of the Senate, giving it what Beazley called "a position of absolutely unprecedented power".

Focuses on Mark Latham, leader of Australia's opposition Labor Party, who resigned abruptly on January 18th. View that Labor seems as far from regaining power as at any time since losing to the conservative coalition, led by John Howard, almost nine years ago; Latham's silence following the Indian Ocean tsunami and his announcement he was quitting the leadership and his parliamentary seat of Werriwa in Sydney; Observations on Latham's leadership; Possibility that the Labor Party may turn once again to Kim Beazley, a deputy prime minister in the last Labor government.

Focuses on Australian Labor leader Kim Beazley, who lost the election for prime minister to John Howard in fall 2001. Mood which followed the closing of local polling booths; Comments of Beazley supporters; Response of supporters to his resignation as leader; How Beazley was viewed by his party; Speculation on the future of the Labor party.

Discusses the October 1998 federal elections in Australia and their impact on businesses in Australia. Comparison of telecommunications company Telstra and Qantas Airways and what the re-election of the coalition government means to them; Government needing to decide if it wants a locally owned airline with real clout; Opposition leader Kim Beazley of the Australian Labor Party and his vision flawed by a lack of desire for tax reform.

The article presents commentaries on several issues related to Australian politics and international trade relations. Bets on political issues involving leader of the opposition Kim Beazley, federal Treasurer Peter Costello and asylum seekers are explored. The author also offers a satirical dialogue relating to credit cards. He further comments on the Doha trade talks.

Presents information on voter's preferences in Australia and the rise of the One Nation party for July of 1998. Graph of percentage of the primary vote going to One Nation; Question of where One Nation voting preferences will go; Graph of voter's preferences for either John Howard and Kim Beazley as Prime Minister.