Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Houston Chronicle
November 30, 2007 By Associated Press
SYDNEY, Australia — Australia's new leader on Friday said he would pull his country's combat troops out of Iraq by the middle of next year, making good on election promises.
The withdrawal will likely disappoint the U.S. government, which has counted Australia as among few staunch allies in the unpopular war in Iraq.
Labor Party leader Kevin Rudd swept to power at elections last Saturday that ended more than 11 years of conservative rule under John Howard, who had strong personal ties with President Bush.
"The combat force in Iraq we would have home by around about the middle of next year," Prime Minister-elect Rudd was quoted by Australian Associated Press as telling a radio interviewer in the southern city of Melbourne.
Rudd went to the polls with a policy of withdrawing Australia's 550 combat forces in Iraq, while leaving several hundred other troops there in supporting roles such as guarding diplomats.
November 30, 2007 By Associated Press
SYDNEY, Australia — Australia's new leader on Friday said he would pull his country's combat troops out of Iraq by the middle of next year, making good on election promises.
The withdrawal will likely disappoint the U.S. government, which has counted Australia as among few staunch allies in the unpopular war in Iraq.
Labor Party leader Kevin Rudd swept to power at elections last Saturday that ended more than 11 years of conservative rule under John Howard, who had strong personal ties with President Bush.
"The combat force in Iraq we would have home by around about the middle of next year," Prime Minister-elect Rudd was quoted by Australian Associated Press as telling a radio interviewer in the southern city of Melbourne.
Rudd went to the polls with a policy of withdrawing Australia's 550 combat forces in Iraq, while leaving several hundred other troops there in supporting roles such as guarding diplomats.