Australia Blames Philippines, Spain for Terrorist Threats

VOA ^ | July 25, 2004 | VOA

[ejdrapes]

Australia Blames Philippines, Spain for Terrorist Threats

Australia's foreign minister is blaming Spain and the Philippines for encouraging an Islamic militant group to threaten Australia with terrorist attacks, if it does not withdraw from Iraq. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer admonished the countries for caving in to terrorist demands by withdrawing troops from Iraq.

Mr. Downer criticized a Philippine decision to withdraw its contingent early last week to secure the release of a truck driver held hostage by Iraqi militants. He blamed Manila's decision to negotiate with terrorists for the recent taking of six other hostages.

The Associate Press reports that the Philippines' national security advisor has criticized Mr. Downer for being what he called "narrow-minded" in blaming the Philippines for the new kidnappings. Norberto Gonzalez said coalition countries must re-examine why the insurgency in Iraq has persisted and intensified in recent months.

[traumer]

[NormsRevenge]

The EUroAsian Weinie Wing of the Appeasement Coalition (EUWWAC)

What do both countries share besides a long intertwined history?

Majority of populations are Roman Catholic, if I'm not mistaken.

[Fenris6]

"Australia's foreign minister is blaming Spain and the Philippines for encouraging an Islamic militant group"

Can't argue with that. You appease the schoolyard bully, you empower him to bully others.

Blood is on the hands of Spain and Phillipines.

[SandRat]

Let's see wonder what the heads of state would think if every Australian sent the heads of state for the Philippines and Spain a Social Calling Card and a White Feather and the Australian PM send a copy of the book "The Four Feathers" with his card and feather submission? Think they'd get the message?

[Luis Gonzalez]

"Norberto Gonzalez said coalition countries must re-examine why the insurgency in Iraq has persisted and intensified in recent months."

Well Mr. Gonzalez, it has intensified because two countries gave in to terrorists, and proved to them that their tactics can work.

Duh!

[VOA]

You appease the schoolyard bully, you empower him to bully others.
Blood is on the hands of Spain and Phillipines.

...just had to repeat and emphasize your eloquent summary...

[demkicker]

Yep, nothing like Foreign Minister Alexander Downer calling a spade a spade!

[FreeReign]

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer admonished the countries for caving in to terrorist demands by withdrawing troops from Iraq.

Common Sense.

The Associate Press reports that the Philippines' national security advisor has criticized Mr. Downer for being what he called "narrow-minded" in blaming the Philippines for the new kidnappings. Norberto Gonzalez said coalition countries must re-examine why the insurgency in Iraq has persisted and intensified in recent months.

Stupidity.

[Vince Ferrer]

Majority of populations are Roman Catholic, if I'm not mistaken.

So are the Poles, and the US.