I agree with you. I respect Howard, but I don't see how his attack on Obama and Democrats help Republicans or Conservatives in the US. It simply brings good feeling to some conservatives, but nothing much beyond that.
With respect, while Mr Howard would be delighted with a continuing Republican Presidency, his comments aren't intended to help US Republicans or conservatives. They are intended to help Australia and Australians - and that is his job. If the US pulls out of Iraq in the way Obama wants it to, it means Australian soldiers, sailors, and airmen put their lives on the line for nothing.
That is not an acceptable situation to Australia. And the Prime Minister of Australia will make that clear.
It forces Hussein to choose sides in the international War on Terror.
Draw out the beast now rather than later
"...but I don't see how his attack on Obama and Democrats help Republicans or Conservatives in the US."
Since when is speaking the truth an "attack" against anyone? I must be too simple minded. I always though that telling the truth was just telling the truth.
If you beleive a statement of opinion is an attack, you are seriously amiss. Obama called for withdrawl of U.S. troops. Howard said that would be a mistake, a win for the terrorists. What exactly do you see wrong?
I disagree. As an ally he's weighing in on how wrong it is to set an arbitrary troop withdrawl date.