APSNet Semi-Weekly Bulletin, December 10, 2007

Recommended Citation

"APSNet Semi-Weekly Bulletin, December 10, 2007", APSNet Semi-Weekly Bulletin, December 10, 2007, https://nautilus.org/apsnet/apsnet-for-20071210/

APSNet for 10 December 2007

Austral Peace and Security Network (APSNet)

Twice weekly report from the Nautilus Institute at RMIT, Australia.

Monday 10 December 2007

  1. Secret Pledge Keeps Us at War
  2. Aussie Iraq Role after Pullout
  3. Australian Diplomats Meet Moro Rebels in Philippines
  4. NATO and Afghan Forces Hem in Taliban Haven
  5. Backbench Stings Nelson Over Hornet
  6. Atmosphere of Mistrust around Asia Pacific: Report
  7. Australian Security: Integrated Policy an Urgent Need

  1. Secret Pledge Keeps Us at War, Tom Hyland, Age, 2007-12-09

    Australian troops will remain in Afghanistan until at least 2010 – doubling the original two-year commitment – in a decision that has not been formally announced or debated. Instead, the news has been revealed by the Dutch Government, which has decided to extend its Afghan deployment until August 2010, in part because it says the Australians will also extend their stay.

  2. Aussie Iraq Role after Pullout, Mark Dodd, Australia, 2007-12-07

    The Australian Defence Force will continue to play an influential role in Iraq with its Orion surveillance aircraft and unmanned spy planes in the event that the Government withdraws the 515-strong combat taskforce. Australia’s Middle East commander, Major General Mark Evans said his US counterparts were prepared for the ADF pullout from southern al-Muthanna and Dhi Qar provinces.

    • Skylark UAV, Australia in Afghanistan, Nautilus Institute
  3. Australian Diplomats Meet Moro Rebels in Philippines, Radio Australia, ABC, 2007-12-08

    Australian diplomats have met for peace talks with key leaders of the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the southern Philippines. They have conveyed Canberra’s interest in playing a direct role in the peace process between the Philippine government and the rebels.

  4. NATO and Afghan Forces Hem in Taliban Haven, Sangar Rahimi and Taimoor Shah, New York Times, 2007-12-09

    The Afghan government called on Taliban fighters in the town of Musa Qala in southern Afghanistan to put down their weapons and give themselves up or face a heavy attack from Afghan and NATO forces hemming in the town on Saturday. Asadullah Wafa, the governor of the surrounding province, Helmand, also urged the Taliban to give up their weapons in a radio announcement.

  5. Backbench Stings Nelson over Hornet, Sid Marris, Australian, 2007-12-10

    Liberal leader Brendan Nelson’s decision to order 24 Super Hornet jet-fighters when he was defence minister has been queried by one of his own backbenchers. Dennis Jensen says the planes do not perform as well as Russian-built planes being deployed by Asian neighbours. The former defence research scientist told ABC’s Radio National that Australia should get out of the $6.6 billion deal.

  6. Atmosphere of Mistrust around Asia Pacific: Report, Abdul Khalik, Jakarta Post, 2007-12-08

    A global atmosphere of mistrust surrounds Asia Pacific countries as they face traditional threats including conflicts in the Taiwan Strait and around North Korea, as well as arguments over maritime borders, a security-focused international NGO said Friday.

  7. Australian Security: Integrated Policy an Urgent Need, Allan Behm, Australian (via Joyo News), 2007-12-08 [free subscription required]

    There has been a fundamental shift in the dynamics of national security, with new problems, new priorities and new ways of doing business — which is precisely why Rudd’s government needs to provide its security agencies (including Defence) with an integrated policy that delivers “whole of nation” results.


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