Australian Defence Minister States that Deployment in Iraq includes Energy Security

[Papewaio]

Government admits oil behind Iraq stay

THE government has admitted the need to secure oil supplies is a factor in Australia's continued military involvement in Iraq.

Defence Minister Brendan Nelson said today oil was a factor in Australia's contribution to the unpopular war, as "energy security'' and stability in the Middle East would be crucial to the nation's future.

Speaking ahead of a key foreign policy speech today by Prime Minister John Howard, Dr Nelson said defence was about protecting the economy as well as physical security, and it was important to support the "prestige'' of the US and UK.

Well I know who I want to play against in poker now. Hey Doc nice bluff, can I have all your oil money now as this is Texas hold'em...

[CountArach]

*Bets not one dollar of it will reach the Australian consumer*

[Yun Dog]

Yeh Howards already trying to throw sand on it

"yes the region has important energy reserves for us and our allies

but we are there to help the poor Iraqis and put a stop to terror AND SAVE THE CHILDREN

DONT FORGET THE POOR ABUSED CHILDREN"

says Howard

Im so bored with this government and its obvious lies

lets change government so we can have a new set of obvious lies

[Hosakawa Tito]

Better and more effective to change/lessen/eliminate our dependence on foreign oil. However, since that isn't happening over night and we use oil in countless ways besides just energy production...I guess the truth (that hides behind the lies) hurts sometimes, but it's still true. I don't think Howard's revelations are an epiphany for most that post here. So what's the choices? Everybody back to the horse & buggy days? Our continued interactive (military & diplomatic) presence with the Tar Baby we know as the Middle East? Development of alternative energy resources to replace oil (if that is even possible)? Pick your poison.

If and or when the technology that will replace oil comes to be; what becomes of the Middle East then? Will it's people be better off or (hard to imagine/contemplate) worse?

[sapi]

Nelson's the guy I hate least out of the Howard government - I mean, come on, at least he's (partially) honest

[Geoffrey S]

Everyone knew it, he came out and said it. What does that change? Attempting to control the crucial oil sources is the only logical reason for meddling in the Middle East anyway.