About two months ago, millions of Hong Kongers marched peacefully to protest an extradition deal with mainland China. It's a far cry from tear-gas filled streets and 'guerilla-like pop-up protests'. 

This week we're joined by China correspondent Kirsty Needham, and Hong Kong-based lawyer and author Antony Dapiran about the unfolding crisis. 

We also speak with journalist Nick Bonyhady about how the clashes have moved to university campuses in Australia.

You can join Please Explain live at the Sydney Opera House on September 1, where we will cut through the soundbites and spin of the elected Morrison Government’s first 100 days in office. 

The Please Explain team greatly value your feedback - you can email us here. We'd love to hear from you.

And if you value independent, quality journalism, please subscribe to The Age or The Sydney Morning Herald.

Thanks for listening and don't forget to check out more great podcasts from The Age & SMH.

Troops at the border: Hong Kong on edge

The Morning Edition (formerly Please Explain) brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

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After seven months of war in the Middle East, the world again held its breath when news emerged that Israel had struck inside Iran.
This followed an unprecedented attack by Iran on April 14, when it launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israeli military targets.
What appeared on Friday to be a major response from Israel, and a signal of potentially a significant escalation in the region, then gave way to conflicting reports and confusion.
So what actually occurred, and what might happen from here?
Today, digital foreign editor Chris Zappone on the history of tension between Iran and Israel, a proxy war, and what both sides seek to gain from conflict. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Missile strikes, confusion and tension: What’s happening between Israel and Iran?

Last week, Donald Trump became the first current or former US president to face a criminal trial, charged with falsifying business records in an attempt to cover up a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Allegations he has denied.
The first hurdle of the trial was jury selection, but finally, a 12-person panel was sworn in.
But it took laborious vetting by the legal teams to get there. Prospective jurors took themselves out of selection because they professed they couldn’t be impartial, while a rigorous survey of candidates included questions such as: Have you ever read the ‘Art of the Deal’ or attended a Proud Boys rally?
Today, US correspondent Farrah Tomazin on the highlights from week one, and what to expect from the next six to eight weeks. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lust, power and hush money: In court with Donald Trump

The past week has seen two shocking stabbing attacks by lone actors in Sydney - one in the city’s east, and one in its west. 
Both incidents have horrified the community, but the attack against a Bishop at an Assyrian Christian church on Monday evening has prompted a particularly strong political response. 
These two destabilising events represent a test of Australia’s social cohesion, and a test of our political leaders’ capacity to nurture tolerance within the community at a time of great international tensions. 
Joining Jacqueline Maley to discuss is political correspondent Paul Sakkal, national security correspondent Matthew Knott, and chief political correspondent David Crowe.
Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside Politics: Politicians tested in the wake of Sydney stabbing attacks

It was scarcely more than 48 hours after the tragic attack in Bondi Junction when across town in Sydney, another confronting incident was unfolding.
During a service that was livestreamed at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in the suburb of Wakeley, a teenager allegedly attacked Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel.
The attack, which has now been declared an act of terror, sparked chaotic and violent scenes outside the church, where hundreds of people rioted and clashed with a heavy police presence.
Today, investigative reporter Patrick Begley on what we know about the attack and the trauma and fear felt across Sydney. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A shopping centre, a church and a city on edge

When Iran launched a direct missile and drone attack on Israel, over the weekend, it was the realisation of one of Israel’s worst fears. This was a historic first. And has always loomed as an existential threat.

For decades, Israeli leaders have feared a direct attack from its sworn enemy, which has been experimenting with its nuclear capabilities for around 70 years.
And now, much of the world is holding its breath, as it waits to see how Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu - a man not known for his military restraint - will respond. 

Today, political and international editor Peter Hartcher on whether this latest escalation could see the war in Gaza evolve into a much wider sphere of devastation. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Troops at the border: Hong Kong on edge

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