Why We're Really in Afghanistan

"Prime Minister Julia Gillard has spoken with US President Barack Obama to assure him of her full support for the military campaign in Afghanistan... Ms Gillard... went beyond the Afghanistan issue to say that the US alliance was the foundation stone of Australia's security policy, and she hoped to strengthen it as leader." (Gillard reassures Obama on Afghanistan, news.ninemsn.com.au, 25/6/10)

"As casualty numbers go up, and community support goes down, it's worth reminding ourselves again why Australia is losing lives and spending billions in a far-away-land called Afghanistan...

'We pursue that mission because Afghanistan is a safe haven for terrorists'. - PM Gillard
'It is absolutely critical for the safety and security of Australians and Australia to help prevent Afghanistan from again becoming a training ground and operation base for international terrorists'. - DM Faulkner
'We continue to be committed to our mission to stop Afghanistan from again becoming a breeding ground for international terrorism'. - FM Smith

"What none of our political leaders will do is give the true reason for Australia's military presence in Afghanistan's bloody tribal war - which is this: 'Australia is fighting in Afghanistan because we support our alliance with the US. It is Australia's cornerstone security alliance, and when America fights a major war, especially in or near our region, Australia needs to provide moral and military support to send a clear message to the US Government that we value the alliance'. That's the true reason for our presence in Afghanistan. If you doubt that, ask yourself this question: would Australia be fighting in Afghanistan if the US wasn't there? Of course we wouldn't." (Telling the truth on Afghanistan, crikey.com.au, 12/7/10)

Yet, despite the government's synchronised bullshitting, and bipartisan support for our "mission" in Afghanistan, at least one member of the opposition, Shadow Minister for Immigration & Citizenship, Scott Morrison, has a slightly different take on why we're there: "Around the world, sadly, there are places that are falling apart and trying to be put back together again. That's our task..." (Gillard warns of further casualties in Afghanistan, Ari Sharp, Sydney Morning Herald, 12/7/10)

That's right, countries around the world are mysteriously losing their balance and just falling to pieces, Humpty Dumpty style, and we're nobly rushing around with super glue rendering assistance. Perhaps someone should remind Scott that "All the king's horses & all the king's men couldn't put Humpty together again."