http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21049172-1702,00.htmlLABOR is demanding the Government assure Australian troops that extra security will be put in place if violence from Baghdad switches to the south because of America's new strategy on Iraq.
US President George W Bush yesterday announced plans to send 21,500 extra troops to Iraq, predominantly to Baghdad where insurgent violence has escalated over the past year.
Labor warns that the decision to crack down on Baghdad could just push the violence into other parts of the country, including the southern Dhi Qar province, where Australian troops are based.
Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd said Britain was acknowledging that the new US policy could have implications for its troops in Basra.
"The British Defence secretary is stating that there may be a connection between a crackdown on Shiite strongholds within Baghdad and whether or not Shiite militia then head to other parts of the country," he said.