Challenger in tight Australian race vows to exit Iraq by Christmas

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/iraq/cst-nws-aussie10.html

SYDNEY, Australia -- Australians voted in parliamentary elections Saturday with Prime Minister John Howard and his Labor Party challenger in a virtual dead heat, following a campaign that focused more on the economy and social programs than on Howard's decision to send troops to Iraq.

Howard is a strong U.S. ally who sent 2,000 troops to Iraq last year despite protests that portrayed him as a lackey of President Bush. Australia now has 900 military personnel in and around Iraq, though none in combat roles. No Australian soldiers have been killed.

The prime minister has vowed to keep Australian troops in Iraq until their work is completed.

Howard took a morning walk Saturday around Sydney Harbor, trailed by about 20 journalists. As he walked, he urged voters not to punish his conservative coalition for unpopular policies such as the Iraq troop deployment.

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[Brundle_Fly]

1. I'll be

home for christmas.....:nopity:

[Carla in Ca]

2. Is anyone wondering what our soldiers must be thinking

as they see other countries pulling out and going home? It has got to be devestating.

[Briar]

3. Exit polls

are indicating a swing towards Howard...

[crossroads]

4. Grim!

:eyes:

[ladybugg33]

5. I thought that Howard had won this thing by a country mile?

What happened. Can we believe the media anywhere in the world?