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 < Back Deputy Howard's Complacency Places Aussie Troops At Risk May 10th 2004 - NSW Democrat MLC, Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, has criticised the Howard government's lack of action in responding to recent evidence of human rights abuses conducted by U.S. troops on Iraqi prisoners. "How can the U.S. administration justify itself as liberators of Iraq from a brutal dictatorship after U.S. troops now appear to be committing the same type of brutalities as the Baath party once did? Once again, John Howard is showing just how out of step he is with the international community." "These disgraceful acts committed by U.S. troops will unfortunately reflect badly on Australia as well. Without the consent of Federal Parliament, John Howard made Australia an active participant in the coalition invasion war in Iraq. The pictures of these human rights violations will only serve to stoke the fires of Anti-Western sentiment in the Middle East." "Australia is perceived to be part of the problem in the eyes of the Arab world and the 800 Australian troops still based in Iraq may be the subject of any popular backlash that may occur." "John Howard's complete and un-questioning support of the Bush Administration has placed all Australians, especially ex-pats, at greater risk of terrorist attack." "The Australian Democrats opposed this war and if John Howard wants to play Deputy Sheriff to the Bush administration, the P.M. will have to take the share of responsibility for what happens in Iraq. After all, aren't these meant to be "core" values of the Liberal party?" Dr Chesterfield-Evans concluded. |
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updated:
May 11, 2004
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