Deal near on more US military access in Australia

[The Northerner]

Source: Associated Press

(09-15) 10:32 PDT SAN FRANCISCO, (AP) -- American and Australian leaders are nearing an agreement to allow the U.S. to expand its military presence in Australia.

U.S. defense officials say the deal would let the United States position equipment there and increase U.S. access to Australian military bases.

The two nations would conduct more joint exercises as the U.S. and its allies maneuver to counter an increasingly assertive China.

The arrangement is expected to be a centerpiece of President Barack Obama's visit to Australia later this year.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/09/15/national/a103212D55.DTL

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Yep, that'll certainly boost the US's popularity in Australia.

It certainly worked wonders in other countries. :sarcasm: :puke:

[TwilightGardener]

1. Wonder if they'll make it

an accompanied tour? That would be cool, to be stationed there.

[hack89]

12. It says no US bases.

they just want to store equipment there and to use Australian training facilities.

[DJ13]

2. Why?

Is Australia being threatened by armed penguins from Antarctica?

[Mz Pip]

3. How much is this going to add

to the already bloated defense budget?

[hack89]

9. Very little

now we don't need the ships and planes to get stuff to the western pacific - its already there.

[SoapBox]

4. Deficit! Deficit! Can't spend any money!!

...so where is THAT dog whistle right now from the GOPBaggers?

[Badsam]

5. Doesn't Australia have England to protect it?

I thought everybody loved Australians and kangaroos, who is being mean to them? You cant attack an island when they can see you coming months in advance.

GTFO of there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[hack89]

13. Indonesia and China are the biggest concerns. nt

[Violet_Crumble]

15. The biggest concerns in what regard?

I hope yr not trying to make out that either China or Indonesia pose a military threat to Australia, because that would be a totally incorrect assumption to make...

[hack89]

18. Why wouldn't China represent a military threat?

considering they are rapidly expanding their naval presence in the Indian Ocean? Indonesia just because it is right next to them and has a history of military rule and political instability.

[Violet_Crumble]

19. That we've got a good relationship with China could be the answer yr looking for...

Or doesn't our relationship with other countries count when it comes to what Americans say we need when it comes to 'protection'?

Here's some information on relations between Australia and China.

'Sino-Australian relations refers to the relations between the Australian Commonwealth and the People's Republic of China. China and Australia actively take part in a close and politically robust partnership.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 21 December 1972.<1>
Today, China is Australia's largest trading partner.'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_-_People's_Republic_of_China_relations

[hack89]

21. We are not forcing ourselves on the Australians

they can say no.

Relationships between countries are good until they are not. Australia had good relations with Japan in the 1930's.

[Blue_Tires]

6. At least the soldiers won't be bored with all those cute girls and sexy accents

:9

[saras]

7. It's not about military protection, it's about establishing a right-wing presence in Australia.

[hack89]

11. Actually it is

Australia is a huge land with a tiny population next to several neighbors with huge populations. The Australians can't afford a military big enough to protect their country.

[Violet_Crumble]

16. Actually it isn't...

I'm not sure what you think we need protection from....

[hack89]

17. China is their big concern followed by Indonesia. nt

[Violet_Crumble]

20. 'Their' being Australia? Our main concern with China is that they keep on buying our resources...

The mining boom is the main reason the GFC barely touched our economy. Australia and China, as well as Australia and Indonesia have good relationships and neither country is considered a military threat to us, and for good reason...

on edit: If yr interested in finding out what the main concerns and priorities are when it comes to the Australian military, this white paper sets it all out in a fair bit of detail

http://www.defence.gov.au/whitepaper/docs/defence_white_paper_2009.pdf

[Arctic Dave]

8. Military spending = Good

Anything else = Bad

Jesus H. Christ, Obama, just go ahead and change the letter behind your name already.

[sarcasmo]

10. The military gets to spend like it is a drunken sailor. Social programs ,who cares

Our government has no morals it only knows GREED!

[classysassy]

14. It's about time the citizens

start asking some hard questions,like why are we sending troops to Australia or any other country out side of our borders.Those insane greedy merchants of death in Washington are out of their fucking minds,enough is enough.We can't feed or care for our citizens but we can defend foreign nations,when w2ill this madness end?

[defendandprotect]

22. We need America to cut the MIC crap and begin shutting down military bases ... !!!