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Iraq-Jordan
Australia to send extra 450 troops to Iraq
2005-02-22
SYDNEY - Australia will send an additional 450 troops to Iraq to provide security for Japanese engineers helping rebuild the country's south, Prime Minister John Howard said on Tuesday.

Howard, one of US President George W. Bush's closest allies, said Iraq was at a "tilting point" following recent elections and the coalition had to support the fledgling democracy. "The government believes that Iraq is very much at a tilting point and it's very important that the opportunity of democracy, not only in Iraq, but also in other parts of the Middle East be seized and consolidated," he told reporters.

Howard said it would be "devastating" if the Iraqi democracy failed.

The prime minister said the initial commitment was for a year, with two troop deployments, each spending six months in Iraq. He refused to say whether it could be expanded after that. Howard did not canvass the possibility of expanding Australia's military presence in Iraq when succesfully campaigning for re-election last October and said changing circumstances on the ground since the poll warranted the additional deployment

Howard said it was a difficult decision to send extra troops and pointed out any military deployment involved the risk of casualties. "I know it will be unpopular with many people," he said.
Thanks, mate!
Posted by:Steve White

#11  Will they be building a footy oval or a rugby pitch?
Posted by: Eric Jablow   2005-02-22 8:55:04 PM  

#10  I think the ADF can handle any threats from that direction but, if not, they know who to call.

Islamozoidbusters!! (backing courtesy of the U.S. Armed Forces)
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama   2005-02-22 4:02:25 PM  

#9  Iraq is indeed at a tilting (tipping?) point. Everyone agrees with that assessment.

I would say, rather, that there are several good indications that Iraq is at a tipping point. Ive been burnt too many times to say it IS a tipping point. On Iraqi tipping points its not a 48 hr rule thats needed, but at least a one month rule. I want a full month with a lull in US combat deaths, and Iraqi deaths from insurgent incidents. Maybe two months. I continue to hope.
Posted by: Liberalhawk   2005-02-22 2:57:53 PM  

#8  According to Boortz it only takes 450 Aussies to replace 1500 Belgians. I think thats about right.
Posted by: BrerRabbit   2005-02-22 12:56:00 PM  

#7  

Australia is just 500 miles from the world's most populous Muslim country. I think the ADF can handle any threats from that direction but, if not, they know who to call.
Posted by: Atomic Conspiracy   2005-02-22 11:21:26 AM  

#6  Howard, one of US President George W. Bush’s closest allies, said Iraq was at a “tilting point” following recent elections and the coalition had to support the fledgling democracy. “The government believes that Iraq is very much at a tilting point and it’s very important that the opportunity of democracy, not only in Iraq, but also in other parts of the Middle East be seized and consolidated,” he told reporters.

Iraq is indeed at a tilting (tipping?) point. Everyone agrees with that assessment. Some wish us to pull out because of that, hoping that we'd be foolish enough to take the bait, resulting in the balance tipping against us in the long run.

Howard shows he has gumption and initiative, seeing an opportunity to jump in and tilt the balance in the West's favor at a critical time.

Bush, Blair, Howard, Aznar: God has indeed smiled upon our undertaking by giving us such leaders.
Posted by: Ptah   2005-02-22 10:29:00 AM  

#5  phil_b: am I talking about Victoria? I know that I was shocked, a few years back, to encounter a nearly 100% Australian staff at a California x-country ski area. They explained that they had two winters, one in the Sierras and one back home.
In any case, I hope to get to Oz before too long, whether winter or summer. I once worked for a guy from Perth, BTW.
Posted by: Verlaine in Iraq   2005-02-22 8:49:20 AM  

#4  Outstanding...will require the addition of a few more bottles of fine Aussie Semillon to the collection. Good on ya Bruce!
Posted by: Rex Mundi   2005-02-22 1:59:21 AM  

#3  they even have x-country skiing in their winter Not around here. The record was in 1923 when snow covered the top of Bluff Knoll the highest mountain in the south of Western Australia for a whole 4 days. If anyone is fascinated by the subject of snow in WA here is a site.
Posted by: phil_b   2005-02-22 1:24:44 AM  

#2  Good on ya, mates! (even though your guys seem to have the pick of the limited good-looking babes around the Palace ....)

Australia -- first "ally" visit on my itinerary when I get the chance. (OK, not exactly a place without a lot of attractions anyway -- they even have x-country skiing in their winter!)
Posted by: Verlaine in Iraq   2005-02-22 12:42:00 AM  

#1  The Left is in disarray in Australia at the moment. Opposition will be minimal.
Posted by: phil_b   2005-02-22 12:18:25 AM  

00:00