20-07-2009, 12:31 AM
Because Rupert Murdoch would have his guts for garters if he ever did. In response to the blasts in Jakarta, Rudd says we must 'stay the fight in Afghanistan to prevent further terrorist attacks'. Nice thinking Kev (you imbecile):
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/sto...02,00.html
Article from: The Australian
KEVIN Rudd has vowed to stay the fight in Afghanistan to prevent further terrorist attacks like the blasts that ripped through two Jakarta hotels, after the 11th Australian soldier was killed in the war-torn country.
Private Benjamin Ranaudo, 22, was killed by an anti-personnel explosive device during an operation on foot against a "compound of interest" on Saturday.
Family and close friends yesterday expressed their grief for the adventurous and baby-faced digger, while his girlfriend said she had lost a piece of her soul.
A second Australian Digger was seriously wounded in the attack, north of Tarin Kowt, in the Baluchi Valley, while three Afghans, including an eight-year-old boy, suffered less serious injuries.
The Prime Minister said the bombings of the Ritz-Carlton and Marriott hotels in Jakarta were reminders of why the nation was committed to the fight in Afghanistan. "It's important for us all to remember here in Australia that Afghanistan has been a training ground for terrorists worldwide," Mr Rudd said.
"It is in our long-term interest that we remain absolutely rock-solid in our commitment there."
Speaking outside church, Mr Rudd said Private Ranaudo, a member of the Townsville-based 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, had paid the ultimate price for his country.
"Our thoughts and our prayers are with his partner, family, friends, and of course his comrades - those here at home and those still in the field in Afghanistan," he said.
Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said Private Ranaudo, who was part of the mentoring and reconstruction taskforce in Afghanistan, was a "brave and dedicated" soldier who was "operationally experienced and highly skilled".
"Private Benjamin Ranaudo was a very professional soldier who served enthusiastically and with distinction," he said.
"His career record speaks to a young man, very well trained, with an extraordinary array of completed courses."
During his three years in the army, Private Ranaudo had also served in East Timor.
Air Chief Marshal Houston said Afghanistan had been a breeding ground for terrorists linked to the Bali bombings and other major attacks. "It's vitally important that we continue to stay the fight," he said. "There's absolutely no doubt that if we were to walk away from Afghanistan and leave it to the Taliban again, it would be almost certain that al-Qa'ida and other terrorist groups would set themselves up."
He said that despite the setback, progress was being made to train the Afghan army and police to take command of security.
As preparations were under way to return Private Ranaudo's body to Australia, family and friends poured out their hearts on Facebook. Girlfriend Haylee Tamara McCarthy, 21, said she had lost a piece of her soul. "I really thought we were going to be together forever," she wrote. "Just want you to know that you were it, no one can replace you."
Sisters Amy and Hayley-Rose paid tribute to their brave, strong and inspiring brother. And, thanking well-wishers for their support, his mother wrote: "Gone but not forgotten. love always mum x0x."
Photos on the site revealed a popular and adventurous man, partying with his friends and playing pool.
Malcolm Turnbull said the opposition was deeply saddened by the death.
"This tragedy reminds us all of the enormous dangers our forces face in Afghanistan every day, not least from the ever-present threat of improvised explosive devices," the Opposition Leader said. "The thoughts and prayers of all Australians will be with his family.
The wounded soldier was stable after surgery. He was due to be moved from Tarin Kowt to a medical facility in Kandahar, before heading to Germany.
Defence Minister John Faulkner warned that fighting in Afghanistan would become more fierce as the summer progressed.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/sto...02,00.html
Article from: The Australian
KEVIN Rudd has vowed to stay the fight in Afghanistan to prevent further terrorist attacks like the blasts that ripped through two Jakarta hotels, after the 11th Australian soldier was killed in the war-torn country.
Private Benjamin Ranaudo, 22, was killed by an anti-personnel explosive device during an operation on foot against a "compound of interest" on Saturday.
Family and close friends yesterday expressed their grief for the adventurous and baby-faced digger, while his girlfriend said she had lost a piece of her soul.
A second Australian Digger was seriously wounded in the attack, north of Tarin Kowt, in the Baluchi Valley, while three Afghans, including an eight-year-old boy, suffered less serious injuries.
The Prime Minister said the bombings of the Ritz-Carlton and Marriott hotels in Jakarta were reminders of why the nation was committed to the fight in Afghanistan. "It's important for us all to remember here in Australia that Afghanistan has been a training ground for terrorists worldwide," Mr Rudd said.
"It is in our long-term interest that we remain absolutely rock-solid in our commitment there."
Speaking outside church, Mr Rudd said Private Ranaudo, a member of the Townsville-based 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, had paid the ultimate price for his country.
"Our thoughts and our prayers are with his partner, family, friends, and of course his comrades - those here at home and those still in the field in Afghanistan," he said.
Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said Private Ranaudo, who was part of the mentoring and reconstruction taskforce in Afghanistan, was a "brave and dedicated" soldier who was "operationally experienced and highly skilled".
"Private Benjamin Ranaudo was a very professional soldier who served enthusiastically and with distinction," he said.
"His career record speaks to a young man, very well trained, with an extraordinary array of completed courses."
During his three years in the army, Private Ranaudo had also served in East Timor.
Air Chief Marshal Houston said Afghanistan had been a breeding ground for terrorists linked to the Bali bombings and other major attacks. "It's vitally important that we continue to stay the fight," he said. "There's absolutely no doubt that if we were to walk away from Afghanistan and leave it to the Taliban again, it would be almost certain that al-Qa'ida and other terrorist groups would set themselves up."
He said that despite the setback, progress was being made to train the Afghan army and police to take command of security.
As preparations were under way to return Private Ranaudo's body to Australia, family and friends poured out their hearts on Facebook. Girlfriend Haylee Tamara McCarthy, 21, said she had lost a piece of her soul. "I really thought we were going to be together forever," she wrote. "Just want you to know that you were it, no one can replace you."
Sisters Amy and Hayley-Rose paid tribute to their brave, strong and inspiring brother. And, thanking well-wishers for their support, his mother wrote: "Gone but not forgotten. love always mum x0x."
Photos on the site revealed a popular and adventurous man, partying with his friends and playing pool.
Malcolm Turnbull said the opposition was deeply saddened by the death.
"This tragedy reminds us all of the enormous dangers our forces face in Afghanistan every day, not least from the ever-present threat of improvised explosive devices," the Opposition Leader said. "The thoughts and prayers of all Australians will be with his family.
The wounded soldier was stable after surgery. He was due to be moved from Tarin Kowt to a medical facility in Kandahar, before heading to Germany.
Defence Minister John Faulkner warned that fighting in Afghanistan would become more fierce as the summer progressed.