Australian PM criticises Barack Obama - International Social/Political

Iraq today is a LIVING HELL, the legacy of the Howard, Bush and Blair illegal military intervention. The Iraqi death toll directly attributed to the invasion now exceeds 670,000 souls! Howard's ill-considered attack on Obama AND the U.S. Democrats has led some in his own party to question his mental competence; Howard’s recent gaffe in Parliament question time, just prior to his attack on Obama, now appears to have been an early indication of mental deterioration expressing itself as a gross failure in judgement.

Nevertheless, Howard is a proven liar and war criminal; the sooner he is arrested and held accountable, the sooner Australia would be able to return to sound domestic and international policies. The ‘aluminium tubing’ Prime Minister must be held accountable for his actions – that is the reality of Howard and Iraq!

Howard’s irrational outburst is indicative of panic and desperation. World opinion now directly opposes his myopic conservative ideology. However, the shift in world opinion also highlights the failure of opposition political parties – few have demanded the immediate arrest of Bush, Blair or Howard for their obvious crimes; this clearly indicates that opposition parties serve similar interests!

Recent international polls reflect cynical attitudes to ALL politicians – it would seem that the long established charade of presenting ‘opposing’ parties is over! Slowly but inevitably the public is becoming aware of the influence of international conservatism in the affairs of domestic politics. People everywhere are becoming aware of the destructive effects that Financial, Corporate and theological interests have had on society and the environment.

Representative government is emerging as the most critical issue in today’s world. The critical problems we face today demand honesty and integrity from governments – be advised! Failure to address this issue would result in social destabilisation on an unprecedented scale.

The experience of ten years conservative rule proves without doubt that traditional forms of non-representative government are unworkable. Critical issues of reconciliation, peace, mutual cooperation and Unity, must be addressed and embraced if the world is to avoid continuing conflict and destruction.

Together we are able to heal the earth and save our lives, divided we are destroyed. Arresting known war criminals is pre-requisite to the healing process – there are no substitutes for facing reality and ARRESTING the CRIMINALS.

We are ONE

Peace.

TONY EASTLEY: The Prime Minister, John Howard, is unpopular with US Democrats after his statements about the Iraq War, and at home new polls indicate Mr Howard is falling out of favour with Australian voters.

More on John Howard's poll figures and the rise and rise of Kevin Rudd in a moment, but first to Washington.

US Democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama, has hit back at Mr Howard, after he condemned the Senator's plans to pull all US troops out of Iraq by March next year.

Mr Howard said any withdrawal would destabilise Iraq and that Senator Obama's announcement would have al-Qaeda praying for a Democrat victory in next year's Presidential election.

Senator Obama says Mr Howard's comments are "empty rhetoric".

Washington Correspondent Michael Rowland reports.

MICHAEL ROWLAND: Barack Obama's audacious bid to become the next President of the United States, has put many people on their toes, including the Australian Prime Minister.

In an unusually robust intervention into the US political scene, Mr Howard has told the Nine Network of his unhappiness with Senator Obama's plan to pull American troops out of Iraq.

JOHN HOWARD: Yes, I think he's wrong. I mean, he's a long way from being President of the United States. I think he's wrong, I think that would just encourage those who wanted completely to destabilise and destroy Iraq and create chaos and a victory for the terrorists to hang on and hope for an Obama victory.

I mean, if I we're running al-Qaeda in Iraq, I would put a circle around March 2008 and pray as many times as possible for a victory not only for Obama but also for the Democrats.

MICHAEL ROWLAND: A seasoned politician, John Howard, probably had a fair idea of the firestorm he'd just set off.

REPORTER: Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, says al-Qaeda in Iraq would benefit if Democratic Senator Barack Obama becomes President and were to follow through on his idea of bringing US troops out of Iraq by March of 2008...

MICHAEL ROWLAND: The Prime Minister's comments have been big news in the US, and they've created a big stink within Democratic ranks.

Barack Obama says it's flattering that one of George Bush's closest allies has attacked him the day after he launched his presidential bid.

BARACK OBAMA: I would also note that we have close to 140,000 troops on the ground now, and my understanding is that Mr Howard has deployed 1,400.

So, if he's (inaudible) if to fight the good fight in Iraq, I would suggest that he calls up another 20,000 Australians and sends them to Iraq.

MICHAEL ROWLAND: Terry McAuliffe, a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and somebody close to the party's 2008 frontrunner, Hillary Clinton, has been just as direct.

TERRY MCAULIFFE: Firstly, the Prime Minister has been a great friend of George Bush's. He has been with him lock-step from day one on this war in Iraq.

He and George Bush, they can go off and talk to each other. We don't care what he says.

MICHAEL ROWLAND: Then there's this from Democrat Senator, Ron Wyden.

RON WYDEN: The most charitable thing you can say about Mr Howard's comment is bizarre. You know, we'll make our own judgements in this country with respect to elections and Barack Obama is a terrific public servant.

MICHAEL ROWLAND: The swiftness and tone of the Democratic response suggests the robust US-Australia alliance could be tested if Senator Obama or any other anti-war Democrat wins the election and Mr Howard is still in the Lodge.

Even some Republicans have been offended by the Prime Minister's comments. John Cornyn is a Republican senator representing President Bush's home state of Texas.

JOHN CORNYN: Well, I would prefer that Mr Howard stay out of our domestic politics and we'll stay out of his domestic politics.

MICHAEL ROWLAND: But Republican presidential candidate, Congressman Duncan Hunter, has leapt to John Howard's defence.

DUNCAN HUNTER: I think the Aussies have earned a right to comment on the world stage about their partner in this endeavour, because they've been fighting side-by-side with us in Iraq.

And so I think that John Howard, while it wasn't a very complimentary statement, he is basically stating the truth and that is that what we say on the Senate floor on or the House floor goes to a world audience.

And it has an impact on not only our allies, but also our adversaries.

TONY EASTLEY: Republican Congressman, Duncan Hunter, ending that report from Michael Rowland.

The Prime Minister rejects Opposition claims that his attack on Barack Obama's Iraq policy damages the US-Australian alliance.

A spokesman for Mr Howard says since coming to office, the Prime Minister has worked closely with both Democratic and Republican Presidents.

The spokesman says Mr Howard stands by his comments and says a withdrawal from Iraq is not in the security interests of the US or Australia.

© 2007 Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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