We're in Iraq for the oil: Oz Defence Minister

[Helium Three]

Australia's Defence Minister is in trouble. A political firestorm is raging after he spoke his mind on why Aussie troops are in Iraq. His boss Mr Howard has reached for the fire extinguisher.

"The Middle East itself not only Iraq is an important supplier of energy, oil in particular, to the rest of the world, and Australians ... need to think what would happen if there were a premature withdrawal from Iraq," Defence Minister Dr Brendan Nelson said.

"We need to ensure, notwithstanding the significant natural resources that our country has been blessed with, that we are able to access the energy requirements in our region and throughout the world," he said.

As the Daily Telegraph delicately puts it, Defence minister Brendan Nelson’s remarks will fuel worldwide suspicion among critics of the invasion that it was a grab for oil, rather than an attempt to destroy alleged weapons of mass destruction or an exercise in building democracy.

[johnfás]

At least they're being honest.

[Ireland2007]

ahh well I've a bit of respect for him saying as he doesn't hide behing the "spreading hope and democracy" bullshíte like Bush and Blair.

[the hatchetman]

An irish government who takes part in this murderous ordeal who is backed by many in this forum. Shame on yous.
The green are now lending their hand to this

[strauss]

Australians ... need to think what would happen if there were a premature withdrawal from Iraq

Ah yes the ... notation. How about you post the entire piece so we can read it.

[Pidge]

I wonder will the upcoming (?) energy crisis spark a return to the days when wars were openly justified in terms of a state's strategic interest.

[Citizen]

Plain speaking Australian. Pity about the Prime Minister.

[blindjustice]

An irish government who takes part in this murderous ordeal who is backed by many in this forum. Shame on yous.
The green are now lending their hand to this

ahh well I've a bit of respect for him saying as he doesn't hide behing the "spreading hope and democracy" bullshíte like Bush and Blair.

While I agree that it was bull crap talk from the above mentioned cowboys but in reality spreading "hope and democracy" in Iraq would help secure oil resources for the west. Now that the invasion is done it cant go back and for the Iraqi peoples sake I hope the UN start to play a bigger part in spreading "hope and democracy"

I wouldnt really be pro the cut our losses and leave them approach.

[Catalpa]

Surely Not?

[Eddie Collins]

If the US/UK/Australia wanted Iraq's oil, they could have colluded with Saddam Hussein and ignored UN sanctions like France did.