APSNet 18 March 2010

1. Trends in US defence spending: implications for Australia
2. Netanyahu extends an olive branch
3. Diggers hit by Afghan bomb
4. [Indonesia] House okays nuke plants
5. E Timor seeks Japan’s help in training troops
6. Indonesia: radicalisation and dialogue in Papua

1. Trends in US defence spending: implications for Australia, Mark Thomson, ASPI, 2010-03-16

Since the start of the Pacific war in 1942, Australia has relied on the military capacity of the United States to underwrite its security. Our alliance with the US is our key strategic partnership and the central pillar of our national security policy. It makes sense, therefore, to keep an eye on developments in US defence policy.

• Our arms budget has no legs, Ben Eltham, newmatilda, 2010-03-16
• Stoush over $1 billion clawback, John Kerin, AFR*, 2010-03-16
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2. Netanyahu extends an olive branch, John Kerin, AFR*, 2010-03-18

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the strengthening of ties with Australia despite the pall cast over relations by the misuse of Australian passports in the assassination of a Hamas leader.
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• Israeli friendship under duress, John Kerin and Tony Walker, AFR*, 2010-03-17
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3. Diggers hit by Afghan bomb, AAP, Australian, 2010-03-18

Five Australian soldiers have been wounded, three of them seriously, after their vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. The Department of Defence said all five were conscious and had been in contact with their families.

• 1st Mentoring Task Force soldiers wounded in Chora IED strike, Media Release, Department of Defence, 2010-03-17
• Casualties – ADF, Australia in Afghanistan, Nautilus Institute

4. House okays nuke plants, Antara, 2010-03-16

The House of Representatives (DPR) has given the green light to the government`s intention to go ahead with its plan to build nuclear power plants (PLTNs). Indonesia could no longer rely on unrenewable energy sources such as gas and coal to generate electricity, chairman of the House Commission overseeing energy, technology and the environment Teuku Riefky Harsya said.

• Indonesian nuclear power proposals, Nautilus Institute

5. E Timor seeks Japan’s help in training troops, Japan Today, 2010-03-16

East Timorese President Jose Ramos-Horta called for Japan’s support in training its military as well as countering illegal entry into his country from the sea, a government official said.

6. Indonesia: radicalisation and dialogue in Papua, International Crisis Group, 2010-03-17

This report charts the radicalisation of activists from the central highlands, and argues that a substantive dialogue between the Indonesian government and Papuan leaders could help stem political radicalisation in the country’s easternmost province.