US steps up Latham attack (Australia)

[CShine]

The Bush administration has intensified its attack on Mark Latham, widening the criticism beyond the pullout strategy on Iraq to question Labor's broader approach to the US alliance. US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage told The Australian yesterday that he had been taken aback by Mr Latham's comments on the alliance and insisted that Australia could not pick and choose in its relationship with the US.

"Mr Latham said he looked to the day that a Labor government could work with the US to further strengthen intelligence, strategic and cultural relations," he said. "Apparently economic and political relations were not so important. Now, you either have a full-up relationship or you don't."

Echoing George W.Bush, he also criticised Mr Latham's plan to withdraw troops from Iraq by Christmas, saying it would be "debilitating to pull away at the 10th or 11th hour."

Mr Armitage's critique increases the tensions between the Republican White House and the Labor leader, whose Iraq policy was slammed by the US President as a "disastrous decision" that would "embolden the enemy". After the Bush attack, Mr Latham outlined several policy areas linked to the US that were failing the nation, including that Australia had been dragged into an unnecessary war that had diverted resources away from the fight against terror and had contributed to greater instability in the Middle East and, consequently, higher petrol prices.

http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,9787998%255E401,00.html

[shraby]

1. Sounds like they want

Latham to win.

[Canuckistanian]

4. You're right, this will backfire. Big Time.

Australians aren't THAT in love with Shrub. And Australians (like most countries, only more) don't like to be bullied.

[Josh]

12. "aren't THAT in love with Shrub" - we HATE the guy

I'm telling you. Howard's closeness to Bush is NOT seen as a good thing.

[saigon68]

2. Armitage = smelly skunk

He wants everyne to be a clueless sock puppet--just like his alleged boss the CHIMPANZEE.

[LittleApple81]

13. He used to be the CEO of CACI. To me, this says it all: torturer,

killer, thief of our TAX money.

From the CACI web page:
“We’re proud to see Richard Armitage delivering America’s message of peace and freedom around the world. He is a skilled negotiator with broad expertise in international and military relations, who brought a wealth of knowledge to CACI’s Board. All of us at CACI offer our best wishes as he continues his valuable work.”

— CACI Chairman and CEO
Dr. J. P. (Jack) London

http://www.caci.com/homeland_security/armitage.shtml

[anakie]

3. When Latham wins the next election

the US govt (whoever is the pres) will have to work with him if they want to keep bases such as Pine Gap.

[struggle4progress]

5. kick

:kick:

[calimary]

6. JEEZ, LOUISE! Who the hell do they think they are?

We're slamming somebody else's candidate for high office now? BASTARDS! I hope this guy Latham wins.

[rooboy]

7. Armitage... didn't he play Elaine's father in Seinfeld?

"You're not afraid of a little spice are 'ya?"

[goforit]

8. LOL!!!!....Aussies will see right through their smoke!!!

Yes this is another backfire!!!

Bush and the US Rightwing neo-cons are the most hated
and despised group of despots known in the world.

Goooo Armitage...........we need people like you to backfire
every one of your desires.

[struggle4progress]

9. Howard, Latham polarise on Iraq

Australia's political leaders sharpened their differences over the war in Iraq as Prime Minister John Howard continued his northern hemisphere tour with a heavy focus on the conflict.
<snip>

After visiting United States President George W Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair in the past few days, Mr Howard reiterated his belief in the correctness of the Iraq campaign in Iraq was strong.

"I have never looked at the polls when it comes to Iraq," Mr Howard said.
<snip>

In Australia, Mr Latham maintained his pledge to pull Australian troops out of Iraq by Christmas.

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/06/06/1086460167085.html?oneclick=true

[the Kelly Gang]

11. "never looked at the polls" ??..what a crock

[the Kelly Gang]

10. Aussie's value the US alliance too much to allow it to be abused

by George Bush for political reasons.

This has to be an outrageous attempt to affect local politics and will surely back-fire. These guys have no understanding of diplomacy.

Australia's friendship is with America, not just the GOP ( or just the DEMs for that matter).

It is actually Bush & gang who are taking a risk here..Pine Gap is the US's most strategic communications base. It simply cannot afford to risk loosing it at any price.

[Matilda]

14. I've long wanted to see an Australian leader who would say

that Pine Gap is negotiable.

Alliance is one thing; subservience is another.