Crickey Gnads, your really reaching aren't you?
It's a good, each way bet though, by your socialist government, to secretly commit your troops to a very active combat role in Afganistan, but quietly come accross as Doves.
*Cough* Socialist? Try Social Democratic. To call New Zealand socialist is like calling Oz or the USA facist. You appear to be quite a paranoid individual. Reds under the bed still bothering you?
And, yes it is a very good strategy. We believe (to a point) in Afghanistan....certain other little follys, we, and much of the world that can't be brought, don't support.
Hopefully, AQ hasn't noticed and any threat to the security of your trade routes, interests etc, that your defence force unable to meet, can be covered by the US.
Your really are on a desperate hunt for threats aren't you. And on our side of the fence, agressive posturing by certain other apparently allied nations is every bit as dangerous as Al Quaida.
You stated that offloading A4's to a foreign power, which you were happy to do as a trade in for F16's when it suited, would risk having that hardware and tactics used against you in the future. To add credence to this preposterous argument,
You really have no knowledge of history do you, even with your apparent interest in wars.
Foreign affairs not your strongpoint as you reference America being the suitable Phillipino ally. The Americans are treading on egg shells there because of obvious historical sensitivites.
No, the US seems to be doing a very good job at getting a military presense in the Phillippines, quite against the Philippine constitution. Treading on eggshells? The VFA is for the benefit of the US only.
I have taken it upon my duty, until Woomera sees fit to moderate, to remind New Zealanders at every opportunity that there bludging is convincing in many areas, none so convincing as defence!
I salute you, sir!
since WW2 when you over committed your resources to Europe, and played only a token effort with the war in the Pacific on your doorstep. Britain was ungrateful at your sacrifice, so you leaned toward ANZUS post war, but being the pesky little guys you are, discovered you felt biggest and most important, when you told bigger friends where to go!
True colours and ignorance shining right through there. Please, don't stop. You have become comical!