Iraq & Afghanistan

The invasions and ongoing occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan have been driven by the United States need to impose its control over the Middle East. They are oil wars. The US wants to construct an oil pipe to ferry oil and natural gas supplies from Central Asia through Afghanistan.

Tens of thousands of Iraqis and Afghans have died. Eleven Australian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan.

The Rudd Government has budgeted the Afghanistan war to cost $1.2 billion in 2009-10. We need those funds for public health, education and social services.

Rudd claims the war is about 'combating terrorism'. But there was no terrorist threat to Australia before the war in Afghanistan or before the war in Iraq in 2003. The wars have made us a target.

The majority of Australians want the troops to leave. An Age/Nielsen poll in March revealed 65% opposed Kevin Rudd's decision to send more troops and 51% opposed the war outright.

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were and are illegal and immoral. There was no justification for the participation of Australian troops. While the Howard Government bears much of the blame, there was not much opposition from the ALP. Both major parties follow White House orders and will do almost anything not to anger this world bully.

Iraq War

Policy Points

  • Immediate withdrawal of all Australian military units from Iraq, including the naval units in the Persian Gulf. Only small bodyguards will remain to protect Australian diplomats.
  • Replacement of troops with civilian aid as reparations for Australia's role in promoting and encouraging the invasion and occupation of Iraq.
  • Set up an inquiry into how Australia became involved in the war.
  • Immediate steps to disengage Australia from the US military and ultimately to end the US-Australian military alliance.

Afghanistan War

Policy Points

  • Immediate withdrawal of Australian troops from Afghanistan.
  • Money spent on the Australian military in Afghanistan to be redirected to landmine and UXO clearance and other civil reconstruction.
  • Prosecution of individuals and companies supplying the Taliban with weapons, explosives and other equipment.

 

Print version of this policy (PDF)

Authorised by T Pearson, 74 Buckingham St, Surry Hills 2010