Australia offers support for US strike in Syria

[The Straight Story]

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Australia is offering moral support for a U.S. military strike in Syria while New Zealand said Monday it needs more information after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry personally called each country's foreign minister.

Kerry has been trying to secure at least some international support for a potential U.S. strike after accusing the Syrian government of launching a chemical weapons attack.

Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr's spokesman Patrick Low said Monday that Kerry called last week and that Australia supports the U.S. taking action. He said Kerry didn't ask for military assistance and Australia didn't offer it.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said Kerry called Foreign Minister Murray McCully over the weekend and that New Zealand wants to assess all steps taken ahead of a strike before stating its position.

http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2013/09/02/2667149/australia-offers-support-for-us.html

[PoliticAverse]

1. "He said Kerry didn't ask for military assistance and Australia didn't offer it." - yeah whatever

Mr. Secretary, bye.

[dkf]

2. Moral support. Lol.

[dipsydoodle]

4. Amused me too.

Kerry doubtless responded " thank you for your support which I promise to wear "

[avaistheone1]

6. Maybe the Aussies will throw a shrimp on the barbie for Obama and Kerry.

[Violet_Crumble]

3. I guess that's a big step for a country that traditionally fights US wars as if they're our own...

I think New Zealand's got the right approach...

btw, not sure if anyone's aware, but Australia's taking up a seat on the Security Council so I expect it would back the US 110% during its term. Not that the US appears keen on bothering with getting approval from the UNSC for anything it does...

[avaistheone1]

5. I wouldn't be surprised if the Australian people themselves are distraught over their leadership's

decision. The Australian leaders are likely ignoring the wishes of their people just as Barack Obama is doing so here.