Noticed today that the Australian national elections are coming up in a week or so. It is a tight race. One of the critical issues is, of course, is Iraq. Australians have supported the US in every combat situation in recent times. Much of the support has come from self interest....Large country, small population surrounded by potentially hostile neighbors. They have only 840 troops on the ground at the moment and there appears to be a significant anti-war contingent making an effort to bring that paltry number back home. Opposition party wants to bring them home by Christmas. I supposed that this is in fact what will happen. Australians have a love hate relationship with America. The elder members of the population still remember WW II and are still supportive. However, most feel we are arrogant bullies who need to be taught a lesson ( not a uncommon opinion in other parts of the world these days). I had a conversation with a gentleman, happened to by the owner of the company I worked for at the time, who said about September 11; "Now I don't condone what the terrorist did, but, just maybe, we (US) had pushed them too far". He then proceeded to tell me about some tennis match that was to be played in Australia during the year 2000 but was instead held in the US. This, I suppose, was too demonstrate how the US bullies until it gets its way. Now this fellow is more that a bit mad, but he is not alone. I would suggest that of my Australian acquaintances 75% hold similar, if not quite so bizarre, opinions. Now this opinion predates the Bush administration, but it has become more open and acceptable to voice these opinion over the last few years. We are never going to loved, great powers are always envied, but we are becoming more and more isolated and in the long run our influence will diminish. Governments may begin to support countries (China most likely) that they perceive capable of standing up to the US. This Iraq effort could have many unforeseen consequences.
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