US changes tune on Australian alliance

[rooboy]

The Bush Administration has completed a backflip from its threats against the future of the Australian alliance, describing the relationship as "sacred" and welcoming criticism of its judgement and performance in Iraq.

Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage has told a meeting of American and Australian politicians and academics in Washington that "we welcome debate, argument, that ultimately makes our partnership stronger and better".

The comments followed a week of American criticism of Opposition Leader Mark Latham's plan to withdraw Australian troops from Iraq by Christmas if Labor wins government.

The debate over participation in Iraq was not frivolous or superficial and "we don't have to agree with one another in all instances", Mr Armitage said. He had stated late last week that Australia could not "pick and choose" what it wanted from the US alliance, could lose intelligence privileges and needed to imagine life without it.

In Canberra, Prime Minister John Howard conceded that Mr Latham would be welcome in the White House if elected prime minister, while arguing that a withdrawal of Australian troops from Iraq would be an unfriendly act towards the US. Mr Howard told the National Press Club an Iraq withdrawal would encourage the regional terrorist network Jemaah Islamiah.

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/06/15/1087244916268.html

[Kagemusha]

1. (short pause) Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha...!!!

Wow watch them change their tune. They were being such absolute complete thugs about this just a few days ago. Incredible!

[Spazito]

2. I bet a poll was done and bush and admin didn't come out too well...

and knew that it would be Howard that would pay the price, that's why they are pretending to be nicey nicey for now. Can one count this as another FLIP FLOP?

[Kagemusha]

3. Sadr is polling at 92% now...

So I think there's a lot to support your argument.

I mean, look at Armitage, he's practically kissing the ground! As opposed to telling Australia, 'What are you without us? What? NOTHING!!'

[Andrushka]

6. You could,

Although, in Aus, it would be called a "flop flip". ;)

A-floopity fllliiip!!

[struggle4progress]

4. A big Bronx cheer for Armitage, Bush, and Powell!

[schultzee]

5. What Bush is losing his arrogant ignorant cowboy stance? lol