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US President Donald Trump has just over a fortnight left in the White House — but in the dying days of his presidency, there are real concerns about Iran and either the US or Israel being headed for a military showdown.
As Clive Williams, the former director of Security Intelligence at the Department of Defence, writes, much will depend on Iran’s response to what it sees as Israeli and US provocation.
The best outcome would be for no Iranian retaliation, which Williams says would leave the door open for President-elect Joe Biden to possibly resume the Iran nuclear deal — though this, too, will be no easy task.
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Clive Williams, Australian National University
Much will depend on Iran’s response to what it sees as Israeli and US provocation, including the November assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientist.
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Paul Haskell-Dowland, Edith Cowan University; Steven Furnell, University of Nottingham
Many of us will have received new gadgets this festive season. But how can we ensure these are set up safely? And what's the best way to discard of old devices being replaced?
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Refik Anadol: Quantum memories 2020 (render) custom software, quantum computing, generative algorithm with artificial intelligence (AI), real time digital animation on LED screen c4 channel sound 1015.0 x 1020.0 x 250.0 cm. Commissioned by the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. Purchased with funds donated by Loti & Victor Smorgon Fund and Barry Janes and Paul Cross, 2020.
© Refik Anadol Image courtesy of Refik Anadol
Sasha Grishin, Australian National University
With more than 100 artists from more than 30 countries, this exhibition features alternative realms drawn from a Google quantum computer, a Jeff Koons 'selfie magnet' and moments of Zen beauty.
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Melissa Starling, University of Sydney
Different animals have different ways of showing they're happy. Their behaviours aren't as straightforward as you might think.
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John Hawkins, University of Canberra; Ben Freyens, University of Canberra; Michael James Walsh, University of Canberra
Spotify is offering to boost artists’ position on its playlists in return for paying them lower royalties. Can struggling musicians afford to say no?
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A man gestures from a hotel room under quarantine at the Crown Promenade in Melbourne.
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Daniel Laufer, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
The damage to once highly regarded brand names might be severe.
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