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Finally some honesty about the Iraq War

Cosmo

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We have heard so much B/S about why we in the West (US, UK and AUST) had to go to War against Iraq.The reasons ranged from WMD to Saddam to links to terrrorists and training camps for terrorist groups.  Of course, when critics against the War suggested it had more to do with Oil, there was always vehement denials from these leaders (Bush, Blair and Howard).Well, after 4 years, the Prime Minister of Australia John Howard has let the cat out of the bag. I wonder what the world will think of us now.Will we be accused of hypocrisy?Will we be accused of doing what Saddam tried to do with Kuwait when he sent his arm forces into Kuwait city back in August 1990?Any way, below is the article. Brendan NicholsonThe AgeJuly 5, 2007PRIME Minister John Howard will today for the first time link the war in Iraq to the need to safeguard the world's oil supplies.In a major speech on national defence policy and its future direction, Mr Howard will explain the "convergence" of several reasons Australia must remain committed in Iraq for years to come.The update prepared by Mr Howard and his key defence advisers will say a key reason for Australia's long-term commitment to the wars in the Middle East is the involvement there of its main ally, the United States.The update will also discuss the need to deal with terrorism and extremism, and growing concerns about Iran and its development of weapons of mass destruction.But in a major departure from previous statements, another key reason Mr Howard will cite is that Australia and its major trading partners and allies, including Japan and China, have a "major stake of energy dependency".Previously, the leaders of nations in the US-led coalition have carefully avoided suggesting that fuel is a reason to fight the war in Iraq.By mentioning energy, Mr Howard could bring back into focus the claims of some opponents of the Iraq war that the initial invasion was motivated more by a desire to secure oil supplies than anything else.The update will say that the three factors all come together to demonstrate why the Middle East will be crucial to Australia for a long time. Mr Howard will warn that while all Australians are sickened by the violence in Iraq, "the stakes are too high to contemplate Western failure and defeat".Australia currently relies on the Middle East for about 20 per cent of its crude oil, with the rest coming from domestic sources and Asia.
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Cosmo
We have heard so much B/S about why we in the West (US, UK and AUST) had to go to War against Iraq.The reasons ranged from WMD to Saddam to links to terrrorists and training camps for terrorist groups.  Of course, when critics against the War suggested it had more to do with Oil, there was always vehement denials from these leaders (Bush, Blair and Howard).Well, after 4 years, the Prime Minister of Australia John Howard has let the cat out of the bag. I wonder what the world will think of us now.Will we be accused of hypocrisy?Will we be accused of doing what Saddam tried to do with Kuwait when he sent his arm forces into Kuwait city back in August 1990?Any way, below is the article. Brendan NicholsonThe AgeJuly 5, 2007PRIME Minister John Howard will today for the first time link the war in Iraq to the need to safeguard the world's oil supplies.In a major speech on national defence policy and its future direction, Mr Howard will explain the "convergence" of several reasons Australia must remain committed in Iraq for years to come.The update prepared by Mr Howard and his key defence advisers will say a key reason for Australia's long-term commitment to the wars in the Middle East is the involvement there of its main ally, the United States.The update will also discuss the need to deal with terrorism and extremism, and growing concerns about Iran and its development of weapons of mass destruction.But in a major departure from previous statements, another key reason Mr Howard will cite is that Australia and its major trading partners and allies, including Japan and China, have a "major stake of energy dependency".Previously, the leaders of nations in the US-led coalition have carefully avoided suggesting that fuel is a reason to fight the war in Iraq.By mentioning energy, Mr Howard could bring back into focus the claims of some opponents of the Iraq war that the initial invasion was motivated more by a desire to secure oil supplies than anything else.The update will say that the three factors all come together to demonstrate why the Middle East will be crucial to Australia for a long time. Mr Howard will warn that while all Australians are sickened by the violence in Iraq, "the stakes are too high to contemplate Western failure and defeat".Australia currently relies on the Middle East for about 20 per cent of its crude oil, with the rest coming from domestic sources and Asia.
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Kerry2004

Basically, U.S. gov't influenced by interest group - big oil companies feel the need to secure oil supplies to push their stock prices and keep their economy running. So, now they are trying to build the case with every oil-rich country - Iraq, Iran, Venezuela, etc. Unfortunately, enormous wealth generated from oil doesn't go to people in much need in those countries but corporate shareholders who are already filthy rich. And people like Hugo Chavez who tries to nationalize oil industry for social programs - like health and education- is called radical by the US gov't. And small people like us keep getting B/S from Fox News.

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friendlyCat

On behalf of the citizens of the USA to all the citizens of Australia, let me apologize for our not truly elected president **** Cheney and his foreign policy. I have no financial investment in oil or the US war machine.

My Aussie friend, here in the USA, says that Australia sticks with supporting US policy because we are both countries created by outcasts, Aussies tend to like Americans, and most importantly, Australia has a small population, limited military force, and and is surrounded by crazy and unstable countries. All those crazy neighbors understand full well that to attack Australia, would be tantamount to attacking the USA, and bring the total support of America's resources to aid Australia.

I don't know if this is truly the sentiment in Australia, or just that of my friend.

Generally, I find that Americans, compared to much of the world, are friendly and generous people. They also tend to be very ignorant of their government's foreign policy.

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