Feature or Propaganda?

This article I found in my hometown paper. It is not labelled as an opinion piece and is penned by a leading sports writer and commentator.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/howards-innings-turns-to-ashes/story-e6frg6z6-1225886879441

It is a feature on the recent rejection of former Australian Prime Minister, John Howard's bid to become Vice President of the International Cricket Council.

The only hard fact presented is that the bid failed to be approved by 7 national cricket bodies.

The article becomes a diatribe, attacking not only the cricket teams but the Governments of India, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. At the same time heralding Howard as a hero of "Anglo Saxon" nations including New Zealand and England and a fighter against Zimbabwe's leader Magabe.

Sure, it's an entertaining read but even as an editorial it lacks factual backing and borders on hysteria.