PM declares 'solid evidence' of Iraq-link to al-Qaeda (Howard)

smh.com ^ | 3/14/03

[knak]

Australia had solid evidence linking the al-Qaeda terrorist network to Iraq, Prime Minister John Howard said today.

"We have plenty of intelligence suggesting a number of things of the toleration of al-Qaeda people in Baghdad, of links between an al-Qaeda related organisation and Iraqi intelligence," Mr Howard told Melbourne Radio 3AW. "Now that's the solid evidence we have of links.

"I used the illustration of Pearl Harbour to make the point that if you wait until you have criminal jury proof that terrorists have got the weapons and are going to use them, it's too late."

Mr Howard yesterday in his nationally-televised address on Iraq said if Australia had to wait for proof beyond doubt of links, it would result in another Pearl Harbour.

In 1942, the Japanese attacked and caught a US fleet off guard causing mass casualties in Pearl Harbour, in Hawaii, and prompting the US to enter World War II.

Today, as he tried to sell his war pitch in a series of media interviews, Mr Howard again repeated the Pearl Harbour analogy, but said Australia possessed solid evidence of links between terrorists and the Iraqi regime.

Mr Howard said if Iraq and other rogue states weren't disarmed, Australia would be at greater risk of terrorist attacks.

"There is a general risk to the world, particularly to western societies if chemical and biological weapons spread because as they spread, so will increase the likelihood of them falling in terrorists' hands," he said.

"I am concerned the Australian community could suffer if weapons of mass destruction proliferate because if they proliferate they will fall into the hands of terrorists and like any other western nation, Australia is a terrorist target."

[Peach]

I'm so glad you posted this; I saw it and tried to post it but goofed. Wish the PM had given more details but this is good for now.

[relee]

In 1942, the Japanese attacked and caught a US fleet off guard causing mass casualties in Pearl Harbour

The Japanese came back in 1942?

[Robert_Paulson2]

I would love to see a freeper fight over the meaning of "nations of the West".
What makes one a WESTERN nation?
Is it democracy, christianity, equal rights, abortion rights, anti-slavery laws...
it would make an interesting debate.

Australia and Britain are on opposite sides of the globe... but are clearly WESTERN. Does it mean anything not Eastern? Does Japan fit the profile? Malaysia, Turkey? Israel?
fwiw...

[TexasNative2000]

The Japanese came back in 1942?

Well, the Aussies are on the leading edge of the International Date Line. Maybe it was 1942 in Australia. . . . . .

[Peach]

Oh, boy - you asked some good questions but too late at night for intelligence from this Freeper. And in the morning, I need my two cups of tea. By afternoon, ...

[Parley Baer]

With a solid ally like the Australians who are standing shoulder to shoulder with us on Iraq. I can cut him some slack. I like the date line excuse though. The French get no slack from me. Let's Roll. Parley

[Michael Barnes]

The Japanese came back in 1942?

This guy has it all wrong, The germans bombed pearl harbor!!

[bigaln2]

How about this little tidbit from when PM Blair was in Washington a couple of weeks ago:

THE PRIME MINISTER: Adam.

Q One question for you both. Do you believe that there is a link between Saddam Hussein, a direct link, and the men who attacked on September the 11th?

THE PRESIDENT: I can't make that claim.

THE PRIME MINISTER: That answers your question. The one thing I would say, however, is I've absolutely no doubt at all that unless we deal with both of these threats, they will come together in a deadly form. Because, you know, what do we know after September the 11th? We know that these terrorists networks would use any means they can to cause maximum death and destruction. And we know also that they will do whatever they can to acquire the most deadly weaponry they can. And that's why it's important to deal with these issues together.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/01/20030131-23.html

[Peach]

The French not only don't get cut any slack, they get kicked around a lot, and when they're down - let's keep kicking. Bunch of weenies with bad hair and long fingernails.

[Mihalis]

The term "western" is NOT a geographic term. Some of the things you mentioned (democracy, christianity etc.) are elements of a western state. The term used to imply the Cold War era distinction between East and West (communist vs. democratic). Since the collapse of communism, the meaning of the term has changed. Any country with a solid tradition of democratic institutions is a western country.

[mattdono]

The germans bombed pearl harbor!!

"Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!"

8^) Gave me a good chuckle.