New Australian PM signals Iraq pullout

Timesonline Via Drudge Report ^ | Nov 24, 2007 | Paul Ham

[RDTF]

AUSTRALIA’S new prime minister Kevin Rudd will mark his arrival on the international stage by announcing the withdrawal of his country’s combat troops from Iraq and signing the Kyoto treaty on climate change.

Rudd, a republican and former diplomat, swept to power as his Labor party stormed to a landslide victory in yesterday’s elections.

Official figures showed Labor had won more than 53% of the vote, compared with just under 47% for the ruling Liberal coalition of John Howard, who had served four terms as prime minister but lost his seat. Computer projections forecast that Labor would secure 86 seats in the 150-seat lower house of parliament.

Rudd, 50, who has been called a “Tone Clone” for his similarities to Tony Blair on policy, told cheering supporters that the electorate had decided to “write a new page in our nation’s history”.

-snip-

[xp38]

Indeed...Australia holds national elections every 3 years or less so your wish may come true.

[fightinJAG]

Just gross.

[Gondring]

The problem with unrestrained democracy and government give-aways is that eventually the electorate begins to think that governmnet money grows on trees instead of in their wallets and allow themselves to be seduced by socialist phoneys.

Remember that line attributed to de Tocqueville... "The American Republic will endure, until politicians realize they can bribe the people with their own money."

[Cementjungle]

And what about that major Australian export: coal??

The people who buy and use the coal are the ones who will be penalized, not Australia.

[Does so]

>>>sigh<<<

Back to French wines...

[naturalman1975]

The thing is, Rudd isn’t pulling out of Iraq - at least, he isn’t as long as he doesn’t change his policy once elected.

We have about 1500 troops in theatre. He intends to pull about 500 of them out, leaving 1000 or so in.

He has spun this for the anti-war crowd in Australia to win their votes. I think a lot of them are going to be disappointed, when they find out what he’s actually doing.

And he’s probably going to do it fairly gradually - in actual fact, at about the same speed, the Howard government would have done it. As the situation in Iraq improved, they would have brought these troops home too.

The difference with Rudd is that he’d do it regardless of whether conditions had improved or not. And that is a big difference in theory - but if conditions have improved, it’s not much different in practice.

[tanknetter]

The Japanese Greater Economic Co-Prosperity Sphere (did I remember the name right?) envisioned control of all the resources from Japan south to Oz. China has much the same ambition and is building the blue water fleet to implement it. We won't sit still and let that happen. Neither will Australia when their wake-up call comes.

The frustrating thing, as an American, is that twerps like Rudd know this and know that the US won't just surrender its strategic interests in the area by walking away. They get carte blanche to pander to the base-voters in their Leftist coalitions, knowing that Uncle Suger WILL be their to pull their a**es out of the fire if (when?) things get rough.

[alloysteel]

This also probably indicates a new softer attitude about the Muslims and their radical elements that are invading Australia.

Up to now, Australia has been a relatively reliable partner with the US in containing Islamic militant extremism. But now, with no adults in charge any longer, this tendency to surrender to perceived threats shall be greatly enhanced.

Run away from the war. But it will only follow you home.

[PreciousLiberty]

“and allow themselves to be seduced by socialist phoneys.”

Yep, it’s a threat here as well...lately I’ve been hearing an AMA radio ad about medical insurance that ends with “keep this issue in mind in the voting booth” or something similar. Socialized medicine, what a GREAT idea! :-P

I sure hope Americans take the time to really think about this next election. It’ll be as pivotal as any in the history of the country, IMO.

[GoldenPup]

Going to take Australian troops out of Iraq??

Like taking your finger out of a glass of water.

[ZULU]

Guess the politicians have read de Tocqueville.

[mewzilla]

Anyone hear if our 'Rats tried to mess with this election, too?

[cgbg]

The planet is now saved since Australia has signed Kyoto.

Uh--China and India have agreed to abide by all of its provisions as well--right?

:-)

Meaningless gestures are a fundamental indicator of liberalism.

[EverOnward]

Bookmarked

[steelyourfaith]

~~ AGW™ ping~~

[catfish1957]

I agree... Howard has been the greatest world leader of the past 10 years.

[catfish1957]

Muslims invading Australia? I thought they had the toughest immigration and visa policies on earth. Are the muzzies hitting the unguarded shores?

[LachlanMinnesota]

That is, unless we are unable to do so because of the mounting commitments world-wide with large, but limited, resources. Are we to fight all the necessary battles in the world against terrorism without any outside assistance?

If we are tied up in Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Japan, Taiwan, Afghanistan,and all of the other places, can the Aussies really expect unlimited aide from us when they may need it?

The time may arrive when all may be on their own, just as when in 410 AD the Roman emperor Honorius became enmeshed with the Germanic tribes, and could not help the British Isles fend off its invaders. He sent the message “the cantons should take steps to defend themselves.”

If the world community does not join us in the fight against terrorism and the rise of China and Iran, then they will indeed be divided into Cantons that must take steps to defend themselves.

[uksupport1]

It was reported in the (UK) Sunday Times today that Rudd has signalled that he will also withdraw Aussie forces from Afghanistan. Is that accurate? I’d read beforehand that he may reinforce the Afghan Aussie presence with the troops from Iraq?

In any case, I feel that Australian military and nation should be thanked for its contribution in the War on Terror to date.

Slightly off topic. Will Rudd be less stringent with regards to Australia’s immigration policy? Do you think there may be some relaxation? I’m aware of controversies regarding holding centres and nava interception of immigrant vessels?

Cheers,

UK

[Bernard Marx]

The frustrating thing, as an American, is that twerps like Rudd know this and know that the US won't just surrender its strategic interests in the area by walking away.

I agree. What's even more frustrating to me are the American twerps (Reid, Pelosi, Schumer, Clinton, ad nauseum) who know the same thing yet play politics with our ability to defend ourselves and project our national interests. If that continues maybe the day will come when Uncle Sugar won't be able to save anyone, including us.