US bases in Oz!
Evertonian
Thread Starter
US bases in Oz!
Australia may host US bases
Australia has reportedly been asked to provide bases for US forces as part of a plan to combat terrorism in South-East Asia.
The Australian newspaper reported the US approach was believed to be related to concerns in Washington over threats to Indonesia's stability from fundamentalist Islamist groups and separatist movements.
Defence Minister Robert Hill's office confirmed the US was interested in bolstering its military presence in Australia.
Among ideas canvassed were the deployment of US F-16 fighters for extended periods at the RAAF Tindal base in the Northern Territory and a brigade of up to 5,000 US Marines at an Australian army base.
Australia and the US already jointly operate the intelligence facility at Pine Gap in central Australia and conduct a number of military exchange and training programs.
©AAP 2003
Australia has reportedly been asked to provide bases for US forces as part of a plan to combat terrorism in South-East Asia.
The Australian newspaper reported the US approach was believed to be related to concerns in Washington over threats to Indonesia's stability from fundamentalist Islamist groups and separatist movements.
Defence Minister Robert Hill's office confirmed the US was interested in bolstering its military presence in Australia.
Among ideas canvassed were the deployment of US F-16 fighters for extended periods at the RAAF Tindal base in the Northern Territory and a brigade of up to 5,000 US Marines at an Australian army base.
Australia and the US already jointly operate the intelligence facility at Pine Gap in central Australia and conduct a number of military exchange and training programs.
©AAP 2003
It's a bit of a personal thing I know, but geez I'd like to see a smiley face on one of those white domes just over the hill. Now wouldn't that be something of a tourist attraction..... 
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The thing that makes me laugh is how Australia's participation in Iraq made Simon Crean and Senator Bob Brown tout that we are now a "Prime" target for terrorism.
Now Mr Crean wants to be first and foremost in welcoming the Oz troops home whilst Bob Brown wants the Australian Government to stand up and sensure the Indonesians for attrocities in Aceh!!
Now in the latest threat from Al-Quaieda Norway was mentioned as a target (what the hell did they do?) and in Morroco (primarily a muslim country) the local populous were attacked by suicide bombers - including a suicide attack on an empty Jewish Temple!
Now if the men get 72 virgins in the afterlife after they die by martyring themselves in a suicide attack, what do the female suicide bombers get ???
Now Mr Crean wants to be first and foremost in welcoming the Oz troops home whilst Bob Brown wants the Australian Government to stand up and sensure the Indonesians for attrocities in Aceh!!
Now in the latest threat from Al-Quaieda Norway was mentioned as a target (what the hell did they do?) and in Morroco (primarily a muslim country) the local populous were attacked by suicide bombers - including a suicide attack on an empty Jewish Temple!
Now if the men get 72 virgins in the afterlife after they die by martyring themselves in a suicide attack, what do the female suicide bombers get ???
Props are for boats!
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Timmee,
Totaly agree, how can Simon Crean be so Hypocrirical. His bantering of the Howard Government over the War and Australias commitmant made me sick in the guts. He is the loowest of lows, when it comes to politicians and now hes being targeted by another Low Gutter Former Poli, in Graham Richardson. Crean is a goner, and should have never been put up for the job. Beazely I think will come back now even stronger.
Regards to U.S. Bases , should be a good boost for which ever community they are stationed near. When West Cape was closed in W.A. and the closure of Clarke AFB in the Phillipines. The U.S. had really left themselves thin on the ground in S.E.Asia. Good to see their Apparent turn in direction on this REGION.
Regards
Sheep
Totaly agree, how can Simon Crean be so Hypocrirical. His bantering of the Howard Government over the War and Australias commitmant made me sick in the guts. He is the loowest of lows, when it comes to politicians and now hes being targeted by another Low Gutter Former Poli, in Graham Richardson. Crean is a goner, and should have never been put up for the job. Beazely I think will come back now even stronger.
Regards to U.S. Bases , should be a good boost for which ever community they are stationed near. When West Cape was closed in W.A. and the closure of Clarke AFB in the Phillipines. The U.S. had really left themselves thin on the ground in S.E.Asia. Good to see their Apparent turn in direction on this REGION.
Regards
Sheep
Man Bilong Balus long PNG
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One of the problems that having US Bases in Australia will raise is how we will be able to hear ourselves speak over the screams of outrage from the Greens, Democrats and other assorted anti- American groups that seem to grab the attention of the media.
And as a footnote; where are the anti war protesters whilst the Indonesian army is busy shooting up Aceh?
You only live twice. Once when
you're born. Once when
you've looked death in the face.
And as a footnote; where are the anti war protesters whilst the Indonesian army is busy shooting up Aceh?
You only live twice. Once when
you're born. Once when
you've looked death in the face.
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As an American citizen, I'm in favor of stationing U.S. troops in Australia ONLY if Australia bases some of its female troops in the U.S.! TC
P.S.--Please bring REAL Fosters with you, the swill brewed under license by Miller just doesn't cut it!
TCP.S.--Please bring REAL Fosters with you, the swill brewed under license by Miller just doesn't cut it!
Evertonian
Thread Starter
AA717...never mind the Fosters, we only export what doesn't sell here! Wrap your hands around a nice VB or Crownie & you'll never try the swill that is Fosters!
This is very basic, I know, but I've always thought that the best defence against any attack from the north (see how PC I am! Didn't even mention Indonesia!) is a US base up top. "Sure, you can have a crack at us, but you'll have to get past our mates first!"
Wrap your hands around a nice VB or Crownie & you'll never try the swill that is Fosters! This is very basic, I know, but I've always thought that the best defence against any attack from the north (see how PC I am! Didn't even mention Indonesia!) is a US base up top. "Sure, you can have a crack at us, but you'll have to get past our mates first!"
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Which sovreign state is going to attack Australia.
What would US bases do for Australia other than make us a prime target for terroists.
What sort of deals were done betwen our grubby little twit in Canberra and the even grubbier little shrub in Crawford - "help us get the oil and we will put some fighters in your country."
Australians have been duped by their leaders before (Menzies requesting an invitation to assist in SEA) and Howard is doing the same right now.
What would US bases do for Australia other than make us a prime target for terroists.
What sort of deals were done betwen our grubby little twit in Canberra and the even grubbier little shrub in Crawford - "help us get the oil and we will put some fighters in your country."
Australians have been duped by their leaders before (Menzies requesting an invitation to assist in SEA) and Howard is doing the same right now.
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Chad what are you talking about? Call Howard what you like mate but he has bigger balls and far more intelligence than any Labor leader since federation. Crean and the other irrelevants (Dumbocrats and Jeans) have not had an intelligent point of view nor a viable alternative since those psyco's started this mess on Sept 11. If the psuedo intellectuals were as half as good as they proclaim we would at least have a credible debate going on. Alas I am dreaming!
Bring in the yanks and let them set up base. Despite the protestations of a very vocal MINORITY, the rest of us would welcome them with open arms. Allies stick together and sort problems out, not turn a blind eye and hope it goes away. We need pro-active thinkers mate, not spineless politically correct do- gooders with agendas not remotely in touch with reality. Welcome to the 21st century!!
Bring in the yanks and let them set up base. Despite the protestations of a very vocal MINORITY, the rest of us would welcome them with open arms. Allies stick together and sort problems out, not turn a blind eye and hope it goes away. We need pro-active thinkers mate, not spineless politically correct do- gooders with agendas not remotely in touch with reality. Welcome to the 21st century!!
Sperm Bank
Thank you for an invitation to debate.
As glamorous as F16s based in the NT or Marines in Townsville is, it will not be of any use in threats facing this country. If it was as easily solved by conventional means it would have been done by now.
What we need is intelligence and skilled diplomacy.
I would suggest the American combat troops better off based in Singapore. The rose between Islamic thorns?
This way our foreign policy has a chance without the very real burden that American bases bring. We are already viewed as Bush's Deputy Sherif, bases will bring stinging rhetoric from Asia.
Other problems associated with US bases are:
1) The inevitable social problems they bring-prostitution and a myriad of social tensions. A small town like Katherine plus 2000 Americans, Townsville with 5000 Americans.
2) There is not a single identifiable threat to this country that the American forces would be of use against. The US bases would complicate our difficult Indonesian relationship and provide antagonism from political and religious groups within that country.
The threat to this country has been stated and sadly our first casualties have occued. Where are we softest? Abroad! The target will be a long way from Katherine or Garbutt . Australain business and expats, schools and women and children abroad.
Bases will do nothing. Upgraded intelligence and skilled diplomacy the only counter.
I have left out a skilled military response. Our forces,when needed, are brutally efficient and effective. Why draw attention to strengths?
I am not a Labor man but would invite you to verse yourself in Australian history and the performance of our long gone leaders during wartime. I think you will find Menzies cost us dearly in WW2 and his Vietnam policies not too convincing either.
Thank you for an invitation to debate.
As glamorous as F16s based in the NT or Marines in Townsville is, it will not be of any use in threats facing this country. If it was as easily solved by conventional means it would have been done by now.
What we need is intelligence and skilled diplomacy.
I would suggest the American combat troops better off based in Singapore. The rose between Islamic thorns?
This way our foreign policy has a chance without the very real burden that American bases bring. We are already viewed as Bush's Deputy Sherif, bases will bring stinging rhetoric from Asia.
Other problems associated with US bases are:
1) The inevitable social problems they bring-prostitution and a myriad of social tensions. A small town like Katherine plus 2000 Americans, Townsville with 5000 Americans.
2) There is not a single identifiable threat to this country that the American forces would be of use against. The US bases would complicate our difficult Indonesian relationship and provide antagonism from political and religious groups within that country.
The threat to this country has been stated and sadly our first casualties have occued. Where are we softest? Abroad! The target will be a long way from Katherine or Garbutt . Australain business and expats, schools and women and children abroad.
Bases will do nothing. Upgraded intelligence and skilled diplomacy the only counter.
I have left out a skilled military response. Our forces,when needed, are brutally efficient and effective. Why draw attention to strengths?
I am not a Labor man but would invite you to verse yourself in Australian history and the performance of our long gone leaders during wartime. I think you will find Menzies cost us dearly in WW2 and his Vietnam policies not too convincing either.
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I think most would be in favour of it just do to the amount of financial income it would bring. All the Germans are pouting because the US is pulling out or reducing forces accounting for something like a $1b-US loss of income i think i heard... or it's probably a lot more.
I'd think most aussies would support it even if it were solely selfish reasons... excluding the greenie crackpots i went to uni with...but they're just clones of the left-wing crackpot lecturers anyway...no chance they'll ever think pragmatically.
Besides americans think the world of aussies. The two things americans say after I tell them I'm from oz is "I've always wanted to go there...and "why did you ever leave". Lets reciprocate some international goodwill.
I'd think most aussies would support it even if it were solely selfish reasons... excluding the greenie crackpots i went to uni with...but they're just clones of the left-wing crackpot lecturers anyway...no chance they'll ever think pragmatically.
Besides americans think the world of aussies. The two things americans say after I tell them I'm from oz is "I've always wanted to go there...and "why did you ever leave". Lets reciprocate some international goodwill.
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Buster,
Referring to Chamberlain is by definition using the specter of Hitler as justification for the military industrial complex. Perhaps WWII proved this an appropriate response.
But which sovereign state is a threat to "peace in our time", in our region?
Sperm Bank,
What exactly is the "mess" you refer to that happened on S11 that would necessitate American fighters being based in the outback.
Referring to Chamberlain is by definition using the specter of Hitler as justification for the military industrial complex. Perhaps WWII proved this an appropriate response.
But which sovereign state is a threat to "peace in our time", in our region?
Sperm Bank,
What exactly is the "mess" you refer to that happened on S11 that would necessitate American fighters being based in the outback.
Evertonian
Thread Starter
It's the sovereign state that has a tenuous grip on control, a state where fundamentalists can whip the mob up into a frenzy & with a word to the masses, direct all their anger our way. We have an uneasy relationship with SEA & whether we participate in US led action, or allow US bases, or sit on our hands & pretend all is fine & rosey in the world, their agenda has us as targets already because they believe we don't belong here.
Look at Timor. Indonesia invaded Timor & what did/could we do? The Timorese thought we would help them, but there was no way that Whitlam would commit to their defence, partly because we were unprepared, partly for other reasons. Diplomacy only gets you so far in some cases. So, we oversee the transition back to democracy in E.Timor, & are branded as invaders ourselves by Bin Hidin' etc. Hitler used the apathy of a war weary EU to keep pushing against all he promised. Would Poland have been invaded if there was a sizeable force stationed there? Probably, but not necessarily when it was, by which time, who knows what differences it would've made to WW2.
Look at Timor. Indonesia invaded Timor & what did/could we do? The Timorese thought we would help them, but there was no way that Whitlam would commit to their defence, partly because we were unprepared, partly for other reasons. Diplomacy only gets you so far in some cases. So, we oversee the transition back to democracy in E.Timor, & are branded as invaders ourselves by Bin Hidin' etc. Hitler used the apathy of a war weary EU to keep pushing against all he promised. Would Poland have been invaded if there was a sizeable force stationed there? Probably, but not necessarily when it was, by which time, who knows what differences it would've made to WW2.
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Buster,
No one is proposing sittings on ones hands and no one is suggesting that all is rosy.
The frenzy you refer to is clearly directed at the US for reasons that vary but mostly because of their support for Israel and their stationing of troops on holy land.
Australia was not even in the radarscope until our "leader" sent the hornets and troops in.
Fundamentalists can whip up all the frenzy under the sun but the actions of the most active terrorist groups in the world - Abu Nidal, Abu Sayyaf and the Armed Islamic Group are not representative of any state and have no official state backing.
Australia was very involved in the massacres in East Timor, providing training and support for Kopassus.
Who is "they" that thinks "we" don’t belong "where" and what evidence do you have to backup this claim.
No one is proposing sittings on ones hands and no one is suggesting that all is rosy.
The frenzy you refer to is clearly directed at the US for reasons that vary but mostly because of their support for Israel and their stationing of troops on holy land.
Australia was not even in the radarscope until our "leader" sent the hornets and troops in.
Fundamentalists can whip up all the frenzy under the sun but the actions of the most active terrorist groups in the world - Abu Nidal, Abu Sayyaf and the Armed Islamic Group are not representative of any state and have no official state backing.
Australia was very involved in the massacres in East Timor, providing training and support for Kopassus.
Who is "they" that thinks "we" don’t belong "where" and what evidence do you have to backup this claim.
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Chad,
you say that "australia wasn't even on the radar screen BEFORE our "leader" sent the hornets and the troops in". Remember the not so little incident in Bali?
That happened BEFORE our "leader" sent the hornets and the troops in and would indicate that we were well and truly on the "Radar Screen" prior to our limited role in Iraq!
Food for thought maybe.
you say that "australia wasn't even on the radar screen BEFORE our "leader" sent the hornets and the troops in". Remember the not so little incident in Bali?
That happened BEFORE our "leader" sent the hornets and the troops in and would indicate that we were well and truly on the "Radar Screen" prior to our limited role in Iraq!
Food for thought maybe.
Man Bilong Balus long PNG
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I seem to remember a report somewhere, possibly in either The Bulletin or The Australian that at the time of East Timor's independence referendum/elections that a few Indonesian Generals where so infuriated at Austalia's involvement that they wanted to attempt an invasion!
Obviously cooler heads prevailed but if it had gone ahead I think the ensuing mayhem would have been somewhat one-sided.
Anyone else read or hear about this?
You only live twice. Once when
you're born. Once when
you've looked death in the face.
Obviously cooler heads prevailed but if it had gone ahead I think the ensuing mayhem would have been somewhat one-sided.
Anyone else read or hear about this?
You only live twice. Once when
you're born. Once when
you've looked death in the face.
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chockchucker
It (Bali bombing) was before Iraq but AFTER Afghanistan. I think that's what The Chad is referring to, maybe?
______________________________________________
what is the sound of one ball slapping?
It (Bali bombing) was before Iraq but AFTER Afghanistan. I think that's what The Chad is referring to, maybe?
______________________________________________
what is the sound of one ball slapping?
The Reverend
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Castle of Grace;
Sir Robert Gordon Menzies, Australia's longest serving prime minister for 17 years. As a bit of Australian history, I would say he did a bloody good job all around and sincerely wish he was still with us.
I am not a Labor man but would invite you to verse yourself in Australian history and the performance of our long gone leaders during wartime. I think you will find Menzies cost us dearly in WW2 and his Vietnam policies not too convincing either.
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Indeed Australia's support for the Texan shrub was evident in the days before the illegal attack on Afghanistan (gas this time).
But there is no evidence that the Bali bombing was aimed at Australia. People from many nations died and the perp recently charged referred to the victims in a very general way - westerners.
Chockchucker,
Are you implying that the Bali bombing provided justification for sending hornets to Iraq?
But there is no evidence that the Bali bombing was aimed at Australia. People from many nations died and the perp recently charged referred to the victims in a very general way - westerners.
Chockchucker,
Are you implying that the Bali bombing provided justification for sending hornets to Iraq?