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Bob Bowker

Bob Bowker

The Sydney Morning Herald

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Australia may feel the shift in US-Israel politics

Israel’s influence over US foreign policy is weakening as the political costs of unconditional support rise, and that shift may also reshape the...

22.06.2026 20

Pearls and Irritations

Bob Bowker

The genie is out of the bottle. Where to from here for Iran's Arab neighbours?

The Iran war has damaged US leverage in the Persian Gulf, strengthened Iran’s regional bargaining position and forced Gulf Arab states to reassess...

03.06.2026 40

Pearls and Irritations

Bob Bowker

Iran is holding the line – and the US strategy is unlikely to break it

Sixty days into the conflict, Iran has held its ground in the Strait of Hormuz, while US pressure has failed to force concessions – raising the risk...

01.05.2026 20

Pearls and Irritations

Bob Bowker

Iran is holding the line – and the US strategy is unlikely to break it

Sixty days into the conflict, Iran has held its ground in the Strait of Hormuz, while US pressure has failed to force concessions – raising the risk...

30.04.2026 20

Pearls and Irritations

Bob Bowker

Trump’s war leaves the US diminished and Iran emboldened

The war has strengthened Iran’s strategic position while weakening US alliances, credibility, and influence across the Middle East. There is no...

09.04.2026 10

Pearls and Irritations

Bob Bowker

Time and geography are on Iran’s side

A ground war in Iran would carry high costs with little strategic return. With oil flows vulnerable and escalation risks growing, the US faces limited...

07.04.2026 20

Pearls and Irritations

Bob Bowker

After the Iran war, Gulf nations face tough decisions on the US

Iran’s attacks across the Gulf have exposed the limits of the US security umbrella and forced regional leaders to rethink how they balance relations...

14.03.2026 60

Pearls and Irritations

Bob Bowker

After the Iran war, Persian Gulf nations face tough decisions on the US – a former diplomat explains

The US will no doubt remain a strategic partner, but Gulf nations have greater agency – and may not be afraid to use it.

12.03.2026 30

The Conversation

Bob Bowker

Best of 2025 - Trump’s mongrel punt

09.01.2026 30

Pearls and Irritations

Bob Bowker

Why the Gaza peace plan is Trump’s 'mongrel punt'

03.10.2025 30

The New Daily

Bob Bowker

Trump’s mongrel punt

02.10.2025 30

Pearls and Irritations

Bob Bowker

Recognition of Palestine: What follows?

29.09.2025 30

Pearls and Irritations

Bob Bowker

We may not be the US, but Australia has real leverage in the Middle East

Though many would like more action, Australia’s formal recognition of a Palestinian statehood marks a starting point. But two key issues still need...

28.09.2025 30

WA Today

Bob Bowker

We may not be the US, but Australia has real leverage in the Middle East

Though many would like more action, Australia’s formal recognition of a Palestinian statehood marks a starting point. But two key issues still need...

28.09.2025 40

The Sydney Morning Herald

Bob Bowker

We may not be the US, but Australia has real leverage in the Middle East

Though many would like more action, Australia’s formal recognition of a Palestinian statehood marks a starting point. But two key issues still need...

28.09.2025 40

The Age

Bob Bowker

We may not be the US, but Australia has real leverage in the Middle East

Though many would like more action, Australia’s formal recognition of a Palestinian statehood marks a starting point. But two key issues still need...

28.09.2025 30

Brisbane Times

Bob Bowker

Australian society and the conflict for Palestine

15.06.2025 20

Pearls and Irritations

Bob Bowker

Aid to Gaza: Moral and political dilemmas for Australia

08.05.2025 20

Pearls and Irritations

Bob Bowker