Australia looking to leave Afghanistan early
The mire in Afghanistan is causing unacceptable levels of casualties, both in terms of combat troops and levels of national fortitude; it looks as though some are losing the commitment for continued engagement there. A long-term and always dependable partner of the US is Australia. However, Australia is evaluating its continued troop commitment and is developing a strategy to complete its strategy and exit its troops.
Such a potential drawdown of Australia’s 1,500 troops would be yet another thorn in General McChrystal ‘s desire to increase the number of boots on the ground for the mission. If the partners start to fissure one is forced to conclude that this is a campaign that the American electorate would not have the stomach to complete unilaterally. There is little doubt that that the US Defense Department will be bringing as much pressure to bear on the Australian government to fight the long war in Afghanistan
John Faulkner, the defence minister, said he was studying how to complete Australia’s mission in Afghanistan in the “shortest time-frame”. He said he had been in discussions about possible exit strategies since taking over the defence portfolio earlier this year.
Australia has about 1,500 troops in Afghanistan with no date set for their withdrawal.
“I’ve certainly asked the Australian Defence Force for any recommendations they have about ensuring we do complete that important role and responsibility both effectively, but in the shortest time-frame possible,” he told an Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio programme.
Mr Faulkner admitted Australia’s move would affect the push by General Stanley McChrystal, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, for an Iraq-style troop “surge” against the increasingly powerful Taliban militia.
“I’ve been discussing these issues with the chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, and obviously it’s a critically important matter for me,” he said.
