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The world has changed a lot, except the threat of violence

Kevin Rudd

by Kevin Rudd

10 Mar 02:30pm

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Filed under: Diplomacy, Foreign Affairs, Kevin Rudd, Libya, Middle East, United Nations

60 comments

Most of us at some stage or another have received an invitation to a school reunion. Although I would hate to admit how long it has been since I left high school.

Libyan volunteers sit at the eastern town of Ras Lanouf, Libya. Picture: AP

Even more sobering was an email I received inviting me to a reunion for the class of 1981 diplomatic cadets joining the Department of Foreign Affairs.

It is worth thinking about how much the world has turned on its head over the last 30 years.

Back then, we were still at the height of the Cold War and the Soviet Union seemed not only impregnable but still on the march. Back then, Deng Xiaoping had not long taken over China and his economic reform program had barely begun. Back then China’s economy was not much bigger than Australia’s.

Back then, the peace treaty had not long been signed between Egypt and Israel in order to bring about a temporary peace in the Middle East, following the wars that had erupted in each of the decades following the establishment of the Israeli state.

But apart from these changes, there is another point as well. And that is the sheer pace of change which leaves us all breathless.

This has been brought about through the transformative power of new communication technologies. The world is not only a smaller place now, where hundreds of millions of people travel each year. It is also a smaller place because of the explosion of Twitter, Facebook and what we more broadly call the social media.

We see this today no more clearly than in the Middle East. It is a radically different place than when I was last here in December. The winds of change are blowing across this region but the truth is, none of us are sure where it is going to end up.

Yesterday I was in the United Arab Emirates where the core topic of conversation was Libya. What would happen and would the world support a no-fly zone to further prevent civilians being killed by Gaddafi’s warplanes?

From Abu Dhabi I will make a short stopover in Cairo at the invitation of the new Egyptian Foreign Minister, who has only been in office a couple of days, on my way to Tunisia - before heading back home.

In Cairo on Saturday, discussions with the 22 member Arab League will again focus on Libya and whether or not a no-fly zone should be imposed. The truth is the UN Security Council is not likely to impose a no-fly zone unless the Arab League supports one. So we have been having our voice heard here and elsewhere on this very important decision likely to affect the lives of innocent civilians trying to rid themselves of a despot.

In Tunisia, we see thousands of people streaming across the borders to escape the violence, and that is where we are pitching in with the rest of the international community to help provide accommodation, food and water to those trying to escape a war zone.

A number of people will still ask why are we involved in this and why do we care. My argument will always be that it is the right thing to do. But it is also in our interests to do so. And we do so in partnership with other members of the international community.

Because if this region goes belly up, the consequences are massive, the growth of terrorist cells, strengthening the hand of a nuclear capable Iran, damaging the prospects of peace between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, a large outflow of people and not to mention impacts on the price of oil, economic instability and a decrease in trade and investment.

I am looking forward to coming home. Being Foreign Minister reminds me afresh of how great Australia is. The truth of the 21st century however is that it’s impossible to lock ourselves away from the rest of the world. We are part of a dynamic, sometimes dangerous world, with which we have no option but to be fully engaged, including the Middle East where we have so many interests at stake.

We can’t pretend someone else will look after our interests here, because they just won’t.

The pace of change I have seen during the 30 years of my professional life is only likely to intensify and become even more challenging to deal with. Our national interests demand that we continue to run a robust foreign policy that argues our national interests and looks over the horizon to where the next challenges and opportunities may come from.

Most commented

60 comments

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    • Luke says:

      01:43pm | 10/03/11

      Hey Kev, could you have a word in Julia’s (rather large) ear about Australia’s opinion on the “no fly zone” idea over Libya please. She’s looking a little out of sorts with you on this issue. I understand she has no interest in Foreign Affairs but it’s a little embarrassment when she’s overseas. Thanks in advance.

      Reply

    • Toys will get PLayed says:

      12:29am | 11/03/11

      Evidently your NOT Listening Mate, Clinton ruled out the possibility of a fly zone. I’m guessing it would interfere with US Business interests in the Area,

      Wake up and smell the coffee,Nobody CARES a damn what Australia thinks. Stop deluding yourself your starting to sound like Rudd the DUD!..

      Was funny watching Gillard fawning over Republicans at the Joint sitting while on he same day they were dismantling Public Service Unions and Eliminating the possibility of Collective Bargaining.

      They are making Margaret Thatchers Dismantling of the Unions look like Child’s Play…

      Hell she probably did not even know dumb cow.

    • Erick says:

      01:44pm | 10/03/11

      Before all the partisan slanging starts, I’d just like to say I’m glad someone is on the job.

      Reply

    • Paul says:

      02:08pm | 10/03/11

      Yes agree, and also can you please pull Julia into line.

    • Adam Diver says:

      02:57pm | 10/03/11

      I agree, a very nice piece, and a reminder of the global changes we are going thorugh and have been through.

      However I do want to make a point

      “this very important decision likely to affect the lives of innocent civilians trying to rid themselves of a despot.”

      That is very strong language, in fact its very clear language. Why do we and the rest of the international community just sit on our hands? Is it apathy, is it political, is it economical, is it a fear of the repurcussions, is it a lack of resources; why do we not support the transition of power?

      People are dying at the hands of a “despot” and the international community wants to have meetings about possibly placing a no-fly zone over the country. How come we so often sit idly by.

    • James1 says:

      03:09pm | 10/03/11

      I guess the question is, are any of us willing to fight and potentially die so that Libya can be free?  Unless there is a resounding yes, Western politicians will not intervene.

      I once asked a room full of undergraduates to raise their hand if they thought West Papua should be free and independent.  Every hand in the room went up.  I then said to keep your hand up if you were willing to fight, kill and die for that.  No hands remained up.

    • Bonestar says:

      03:35pm | 10/03/11

      Adam Diver, not everyone in Libya supports the transition of power that’s where it becomes tricky whatever side we choose we must remember there are two sides and there will be losers.

    • Az says:

      04:24pm | 10/03/11

      Adam - Look at the last time a ‘coalition’ of Western governments intervened in a situation in the middle east ? Look at the resistance and resentment it generated.

      As bad as it is in Libya, I applaud the restraint that western powers are showing at the moment.

      This is a middle eastern conflict in the truest sense, for Western democracies to intervene would de-legitimise the Libyan rebels cause completely.

    • Erick says:

      05:19pm | 10/03/11

      Very good point made, James1.

      Fortunately, however, we don’t have to rely on random undergraduates. The all-volunteer Australian Defence Force is full of professionals, ready to step up when needed.

      Peripherally, I am also reminded of the Oxford debate (?) in the 1930s, in which Britain’s best and brightest concluded that fighting for their country was immoral. Reputedly, this result helped convince Hitler to launch his war.

      It was, however, deceptive - as events proved.

    • ZSRenn says:

      08:33pm | 10/03/11

      You wont get any partisan slanging from me on this one. I am glad we have him in the position. He takes the job seriously and by all accounts has his ear to the ground.

      He understands a softly softly approach on this subject and his comment about no action without the support of the Arab League is sound.

      He is right if this area goes belly up we are in all kinds of hurt and with new leaderships coming into the area we need to have our foot in the door to maximise our relationship status with any new regime and by the amount of travelling Kev is doing we stand a chance.

      To bad Julia is still living in the 70’s and thinks the ever increasingly bankrupt yanks are still our best option for moving forward.

    • James says:

      02:03pm | 10/03/11

      Interesting that someone with such a clear recollection of the Soviet Union seems so readily able to sell his own nation down exactly that path.

      Reply

    • bobw says:

      02:45pm | 10/03/11

      I suggest you build a concrete bunker in your backyard and stock it with tinned food and plenty of ammunition, James.  That way you will be able to lead the underground resistance when the commies take over.

    • Chris L says:

      02:56pm | 10/03/11

      Wow. Erick only just submitted his comment in time.

    • DG the traveller says:

      02:05pm | 10/03/11

      I dont care about the political commentary about to come… nor do i care for some of Mr Rudds theories but i will agree with him on one thing….

      ....as a 30 year international business traveller and one who has just spent a lot of time recently in the UAE…...there is no better place to return to than downunder!
      well said KR

      Reply

    • KH says:

      02:06pm | 10/03/11

      I see - so Julia has just given a speech about our alliance with the US and how great it is, and then you come along and publish an article that basically says we are on our own.  Way to go, Kevin - you just aren’t a team player, are you?

      Reply

    • kevin says:

      02:22pm | 10/03/11

      KH
      he talks about international partnerships….. wot planet are you on? or just another Labour hater
      kevin

    • LAD says:

      02:26pm | 10/03/11

      When you have 2 Prime Ministers they don’t both have to agree on the same thing silly.

    • KH says:

      02:42pm | 10/03/11

      kevin - Ive only ever voted Labor.  I just get annoyed when they start self destructing.

      “We can’t pretend someone else will look after our interests here, because they just won’t.”

      So, we have to look after ourselves?  What else would you infer from this statement?

    • Tony of Poorakistan says:

      03:05pm | 10/03/11

      @ LAD

      you mean Bob Brown?

    • Robert Smissen, rural SA, God's own country says:

      08:23pm | 10/03/11

      Our worst PM ever in the USA sucking up to their lamest President ever, by 2012 neither on will be in power

    • Chris L says:

      04:32pm | 11/03/11

      Robert, both Howard and Bush are already out. Didn’t have to wait for 2012.

    • Tony of Poorakistan says:

      02:30pm | 10/03/11

      I say we keep our nose out of Libya. 
       
      We should have left Saddam in Iraq as well - he was a strong, SECULAR leader; one of his senior ministers was a Christian and he had no real interest in an Islamic Caliphate like the rest of the rabble over there. 
       
      And while I have your ear, Kevin - we do NOT need a seat on the Security Council. it is worth bubkes and costs lots in bribes.

      Reply

    • danny donaldson says:

      03:08pm | 10/03/11

      @KH always only ever voted labor!.... I would never ever say that again as the fellas in the white coats might hear you.SSSSSSSSSSSSH

    • Rob says:

      02:35pm | 10/03/11

      Shawn -

      For a start you seem to have completely missed the point of diplomacy, which isn’t so much to make friends with everyone as much as it is to promote one’s country’s interests, values and influence.  Sometimes that means saying things that our “friends” don’t like, and we as a country should be comfortable with doing so when the conditions require it.  No one respects “yes men”, and that’s especially true in diplomacy.

      That said, I’m not sure what you’re basing your comments on here. 

      From all accounts, Obama, Clinton and Rudd get along extremely well.  A couple of diplomatic cables suggested that domestically he was on the skids, but I hardly think that makes him “a poor diplomat” as much as it makes him an average politician.  Developments this week seem to suggest our relationship with the United States is as strong as ever.

      As for China, Rudd’s single biggest public diplomatic move as PM was the speech he gave at Peking University.  If you think Rudd is a rubbish diplomat, you would do well to read his speech, and the intelligent commentary on it, before making dismissive statements.  It made a number of very subtle, respectful yet poignant remarks about Chinese domestic policy, a fine balancing act, and one that seems to have been well received.

      As for Japan, the relationship in recent years has been strained.  Whilst Japan is still our number two trading partner, domestic conditions in Australia towards certain Japanese international activities (no prizes for guess what they are) have resulted in a pressure on the Australian Government to adopt less friendly positions towards the Japanese, and that’s led to a straining of ties.

      That said, I hardly think there’s evidence that the Japanese “despise” Rudd, and everything I’ve read seems to suggest that, despite some early criticism over his handling of visits, Rudd managed the relationship very well in the circumstances.

      If you’re going to post rubbish then that is your right, but at least do so with a rudimentary grasp of the facts.

      Reply

    • Michael O says:

      03:44pm | 10/03/11

      Who’s Shawn?

    • Dr B S Goh says:

      03:58pm | 10/03/11

      Re; Robb.  Yes we really upset the Japanese and fought them on an issue where we were wrong scientifically. We could have done better for our relations with Japan if we have reminded them that they as a Nation has not formally apologize for their war time atrocities and they have not fixed up their school books on WW2.

      The HISTORY and FACTS of what happened in whale populations in Antarctica since 1880: These are: i) In 1880 there were about 230,000 Blue whales in Antarctica and a total of 300,000 were harvested. ii) The Blue and Minke feed on the same food the krill. iii) When the Blue whales population were decimated the age of sexual maturity of the Minke whales decreased. The Minke population increased. iv) IWC data says that there are more than 700,000 Minke whales v) The best estimate of the Blue whales now in Antarctica is 2500. vi) The main food the krill has decreased by 50% since the 1970s due to global warming and this was documented by the British Antarctic Survey in 2004.

      We do not need a scientist to tell us what to do. Any Australian farmer can tell you what to do in managing two competing whale species feeding on the same food the krill.

      The Japanese was culling the Minke whales which would reduce the risks of extinction of the Blue whales. So SADLY we have increased the risks of extinction of the majestic and extremely endangered Blue whales.

      The Japanese are angry on this issue because they are the best in the whole for fisheries science and they cannot understand why we cannot understand basic biology which any Australian farmer can tell us. The truth is that the majority of Australians are now city folks who do not understand basic biology.

    • Vaunted says:

      05:53pm | 10/03/11

      Rob, I must agree, I too wish that Shawn would simply go away, I meet him often on the stair. PS, your cheque is in the mail.

    • ZSRenn says:

      08:38pm | 10/03/11

      @ Rob and BS Goh

      Are you guys lost?

    • remlap says:

      11:25pm | 10/03/11

      Unfortunately, Dr B S Goh, that is not the line the Japanese trot out about their own reasons for whaling. If it were, it might be an argument worth considering, but as it is, “research” alone does not justify their activities, especially when their “research” is sold on the black market.

    • Dr B S Goh says:

      09:30am | 11/03/11

      Re: remlap.  I was not at the IWC Meeting where this fiction that the Japanese whaling is for Scientific Purpose was hatched. I heard from the grapevine that it was a suggestion from the Americans to the forever polite Japanese to make the Japanese position on whaling more acceptable to the public. This “diplomatic lie” of the Japanese position has turned out to be their Achilles heal on whaling. There was an Australian who was very prominent in IWC affairs in those days. Maybe someone can ask him how this diplomatic lie of the Japanese position on whaling came about.

      I took part only in one meeting of a Working Party of Scientists, about one hundred of us at the University of Cambridge for one month. Such working groups used to report to the Scientific Committee. I was very strong in opposing the hunt of Bowhead whales by natives mainly from USA and some from Russia. IWC now allows 65 hits a year of the Bowhead whales which is about 10,000 down from an original population of about 200,000. The Bowhead whales are second largest after the Blue whales. It seems to me here that political correctness rather than hard scientific thinking has allowed the harvest of this greatly endangered Bowhead whales. The Bowhead whales is at higher risks now because of reduced krill due to global warming.

      You need to note that a Chairman of the Scientific Committee resigned because IWC through politics did not and has not accepted the Revised Management Procedure developed by its Sxientific Committee. RMP is in fact a conservative way to manage harvesting of whales.

      I recently checked the Australian Chief Scientist’s website and I was surprised that this office has no studies of whaling.

      Australia logical Scientific position should have been this: Australia’s Government is against the cull of Minke whales on the ETHICAL Principle that no whales should be killed for any reason. We note that the cull of Minke whales by Japan is no threat to the survival of the Minke whales. It may promote the survival of the extremely endangered Blue whales as Minke whales competes with the Blue whales for krill. Australia categorically opposes Japan catching any sperm whale in the Southern Hemisphere as it is important to our Tourist Industry.

    • Rob says:

      10:53am | 11/03/11

      ZS Renn - my post was in reply to a comment that has obviously been taken down. In essence it said that all world leaders hate Kevin Rudd and that he is a very bad diplomat.

      Dr B D Goh - this was never a debate about whaling, champ. Nice try, though.

    • Dr B S Goh says:

      11:28am | 11/03/11

      Re: Rob. Thanks for your comments that we are on foreign affairs here and not whaling. You clearly have some expertise in Foreign Affairs.

      As you know there is usually an army of “experts and backroom staff” doing detailed strategic analyzes and build up the foundation of the foreign policy of any nation. Whaling as you yourself said was the spanner in the works in Australia-Japan relationship.

      Just imagine the thinking in one of these experts in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan on Australia.  He will think that Australia is an UNRELIABLE International Partner. We have allowed so much ANTI-Japanese feelings generated in Australia over a purely domestic political issue on whaling.  We are unreliable in this issue between Australia and Japanese as it is UNNECESSARY and it could have been defused easily.

      Ideally in 50 years time our National Security is guaranteed by a Group of leading nations in Asia plus USA. This Group of Asian nations should include Japan. So we must manage our relations with Japan better.

      I have said that we would have been better off to press Japan Govt to do what the German Govt has done over WW2. The Japanese Govt on their own is unable to get over the WW2 nightmare on their own. If we push them gently on it, it will help them to do so.

      I may not live long enough to the day when a Japanese PM will lay a wreath at the Memorial to victims of the Japanese massacre in Nanjing where 300,000 Chinese died within days. The German PM has done similar actions of regret in Europe and Israel.

    • MP says:

      02:36pm | 10/03/11

      Thanks Kevin, you’re making foreign affairs relevant to Australians again. 

      KH @ 2.06pm,  In many ways we are basically on our own,  Perhaps Mr Rudd hasn’t pushed the point hard enough.  We need to be more assertive on the world stage and not merely pander to countries whose interests may not include what’s best for us.

      Reply

    • marley says:

      03:01pm | 10/03/11

      Other countries always do what’s best for them - so do we (or so we should, anyway).  But sometimes, to achieve goal A, we will negotiate a compromise on goal B, which is less important to us, in order to get support from other nations for the more important goal A.  That’s international diplomacy.  It means we will not always push for every single thing we want, as hard as we can - because if we do so, we will end up with nothing.  We need to use whatever leverage we can, including tit-for-tat support for other countries objectives, in order to achieve our own.  The trick is to pick which countries and which other objectives we can best live with.  And where to draw the line.

    • Markus says:

      03:16pm | 10/03/11

      The problem is we do have to pander to countries whose interests do not always match what’s best for us.

      As the world’s 6th largest nation by area but only 50th by population, a military expenditure of only 1.8% of GDP, and not a major ally within 5000 miles, we just don’t have any real strength to seriously back up any big-noting on the world stage.

    • Frank says:

      02:49pm | 10/03/11

      Kevin have you got Julia’s mojo? Apparently she’s lost it.

      Reply

    • Dr B S Goh says:

      02:55pm | 10/03/11

      It is an interesting reflection of the past 30 years by our FM Rudd and comments on the momentous events in the Middle East.

      I attended the UN Annual General Assembly in 1969. Then we were still at the heights of the Cold War.

      I am fearful of what will happen in Egypt as it is the leading nation in the Middle East. It has 90 million people and it is growing by more than a million a year. It is living beyond what its natural resources can support. So in my opinion in the absence of a real revolution in population management Egypt will head towards disasters and extremism. A big section of the young people will be continue to be poor and jobless and no one can help them irrespective who is in Govt.

      The New York Times stated that the unrests in Tunisia and Egypt were triggered by the sharp increases in food prices during the past 12 months. World food prices are at record high and we are at a start of a global food crisis. But this present global food crisis is still manageable. The next global food crisis within 30 years will be a great disaster and there will not be another Green Revolution in food production which saved us in the past 40 years.

      What shall we do? Firstly our leaders need to change the mind set of the people. We are always wanting to feel great and be loved by others and we want to be the Goodies of the World.

      We have to wake up to the fact that the world outside Australia, our paradise on Earth, is tough and nasty. As a small nation, population wise, there is in fact very little we can do about improving the rest of the world.

      We must stop interfering in the internal affairs of other nations. The leader of Libya is a nut case but we do not know that we can affect events and produce someone better.

      In 1850-1864 there was a nut case which led the Taiping Revolution in China. The leader claimed he was Jesus’s brother. The Western Nations and General Gordon from UK helped the Manchus destroy the Taiping Revolution. Some 20 m people died in the Taiping Revolution. If Peace and Prosperity was brought to China by the Taiping another 30m Chinese would not have suffered the atrocities of Japan as Japan could not invade a strong China as it did in 1933.

      Australia should prepare for the worst and focus on the No 1 global problem namely the continued global population explosion. Within 30 years we may have large scale famines and social unrests in Asia and Africa.

      We must build up a New Navy to stop a possible tsunami of boat people who want to escape wars and famines within 30 years.

      Reply

    • Tony of Poorakistan says:

      03:26pm | 10/03/11

      Have to disagree about the T’aiping. He was a total looney and, had he been successful in his attempt, would have kept pushing beyond China. 
       
      Anyway it was about the oil. I mean opium.

    • Marvinmartianman says:

      03:50pm | 10/03/11

      You will find K.Rudd actually has been pushing for a strong navy, we have ordered a heap of new ships with new capabilities and 4new submarines to come online in around 20 years time to replace the Collins class disasters.

      In fact the desire by our government to expand the Navy has led to concerns seen from US diplomatic cables leaked via wikileaks that we cannot afford to pay and supply enough personnel to run this new bigger Navy.

    • Dr B S Goh says:

      04:20pm | 10/03/11

      @ Marvinmartianman. Sorry this is exactly why I say we are fighting the WRONG Wars. We should focus on a New Navy to stop a tsunami of boat people and not to fight other countries!!

      Defense against an invasion by another nation is another totally different story. A few extra submarines is not much use there. We need International Diplomacy as a better Strategy. We want to make sure that ALL Big nations will NOT want us to be conquered by a single nation. So our future is not just guaranteed by the USA but by all big powers.

    • brian m says:

      03:05pm | 10/03/11

      When you get back would you mind writing a piece on what is happening with Government in Egypt. They have a revolution and then, nothing…. we’ve moved on; its yesterday’s news. Egypt might provide some pointers on how the rest of this region will go, post-revolutions; moderates, fundamentalists, military??? but it almost seems to be a case of ‘don’t mention the war’.

      Reply

    • Rick says:

      03:06pm | 10/03/11

      The world has changed a lot, except with more lies -deceptions -crooked policies imposed autocratically with with a sharp erotion of true democracy under the rules of fascist political party in power and less respect to true democracy.

      MY advise is go to Switzerland and learn how true democracy works and why Switzerland is the most stable and prosperous country in the world without having all the ressorces we have and a country who has a surplus.

      Please Mr Rudd respect democracy the way it is which is to give the people what the people ask for not what you think the people ought to have as it is in any autocracy.

      Reply

    • marley says:

      04:13pm | 10/03/11

      The Swiss are one of the most stable and prosperous countries because they’re small, surrounded by mountains, so have never had to cope with the threat or expense of invasion.  And of course they’re bankers, with all that that implies. 

      They have an interesting democratic model, but is it the best one, and is it applicable to a modern, fast moving world?  Personally, I have my doubts.

    • Steve Putnam says:

      04:49pm | 10/03/11

      Switzerland got where it is through money laundering and quietly acquiring money from the bank accounts of Jews who never made it back from the death camps.

    • DougB says:

      05:16pm | 10/03/11

      Steve,
      That is a blatant lie. Didn’t you know President Ahmadinejad of Iran says there were no death camps!

      Therefore the Swiss can’t have got their money from there.

    • David says:

      05:24pm | 10/03/11

      Well said Rick - you should join Pauline Hanson.
      @Maley
      and they know how make wonderful watches with precision like their democracy , everything is well timed without any bullshits so shits rarely happen that why the country is prosperous.
      With true democracy in action , it is the people as whole who decide who comes in Switzerland and the circumstances in which they come and the do-gooders polically correct nuts are in same position the people.

    • Squeeze the Middle says:

      05:25pm | 10/03/11

      Maybe so.  But what have we done with all of the gold and silver we’ve dug up?

      Australia: A huge mine and a huge farm supporting a relatively small population squabbling over the riches of this abundant land. Oi Oi Oi.

    • Robert Smissen, rural SA, God's own country says:

      09:41am | 11/03/11

      Switzerland a land of democracy if you aren’t Jewish or a Muslim, an axis of evil that feeds of the sorrows of others. Hitler “loved” Switzerland, that should tell you something

    • Squeeze the Middle says:

      03:47pm | 14/03/11

      All depositors love Switzerland don’t they? Whether they’re Nazi, Jewish, Muslim, American, Oriental and African. If so then where’s your causal link?

      As for Switzerland being evil then aren’t you saying that democracy is fundamentally evil because it can be used by the masses to advance their own less than virtuous interests over the minorities?  Socrates agrees with you.  So why then is the US at war trying to bring democracy to more countries.

      You sure you’re not being bigotted.

    • Paul says:

      03:09pm | 10/03/11

      Rudd you are one of the weapons of mass destruction of democracy stay there , it’s better for the OiOiOI country.

      Reply

    • Sarah says:

      05:54pm | 10/03/11

      Kevin Rudd is a little too esoteric, intellectual and thoughtful for the average bogan. I suspect it’s the main reason the Labor party prefers Gillard. And Abbott is leading in the polls. If it wasn’t so tragic it would be hilarious. OiOiOi country….. the land where morons gather and sprout mindless nonsense.

    • Against the Man says:

      05:01pm | 10/03/11

      Dear Mr Rudd what about the threat of Gillard? You more than any Australian has personal experience with her destructive ways. What can the rest of Australia do to prevent having the same fate as you?

      Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

      Reply

    • stephen says:

      07:34pm | 10/03/11

      The new Iraq certainly has a lot to answer for, and we all know who to blame for that, don’t we ?

      Reply

    • michael j says:

      01:07am | 11/03/11

      KEV mate at the moment i could not two sh-t- about the middle east,you were spread all over the courier mails front page spruken about helpin QLD,how about gettin back ere and grabin garrett or whoever is in charge of food production,n,gangen up on Bilgh an the possie of clowns and stoping them fracking the most valuable food production land and underground water supply in australia,,or have we got a secret store of baked beans in the middle east we don’t know about,beside the baked beans,what else has the middle east got,,the secret ON HOW THE OIL BURNING CARBON TAX WILL RUN take ya time cummin home kev, drop into Somarlia and see if they need a handout,,,,,

      Reply

    • pete says:

      06:40am | 11/03/11

      “I am looking forward to coming home”
      2 questions,
      1/For how long?
      2/ who gets the frequent flier points?
      3/ if the threat of violence is still there, why do you keep sending australian men into harms way when there is no conceivable threat of invasion to Australia from either Iraq or Afghanistan?  you are perpetuating the cycle.

      Did I say two questions? ooops, I lied, might run for parliament

      Reply

    • Border Control says:

      07:08am | 11/03/11

      I’d like a foreign policy which has a Border Control which stops boats coming over the horizon bringing with them ideals which are very violent.

      Reply

    • Steve Putnam says:

      06:23pm | 11/03/11

      They don’t get here that way. These people are fleeing the brutality that these crazy “ideals” cause.

    • Jon says:

      09:23am | 11/03/11

      Who are these Libyan rebels that the media and pollies talk about? What’s their political agenda? Will they replace the earthly dictator with the celestial dictator? How can we support one side against the other when we do not know if they are behaving more humanely than tWho are these Libyan rebels that the media and pollies talk about? What’s their political agenda? Will they replace the earthly dictator with the celestial dictator? How can we support one side against the other when we do not know if they are behaving more humanely than the incumbent? Will they be any better once they gain control?

      We in the West should be promoting SECULAR democracy, were all are free practice any religion they like or more importantly have freedom from religion. That will be the test for Libya or other countries in the Middle East. So far we don’t have much information to know what’s what.

      Maybe Kevin knows something we don’t and will make an informed decision. We can only hope!
      he incumbent? Will they be any better once they gain control?

      We in the West should be promoting SECULAR democracy, were all are free practice any religion they like or more importantly have freedom from religion. That will be the test for Libya or other countries in the Middle East. So far we don’t have much information to know what’s what.

      Maybe Kevin knows something we don’t and will make an informed decision. We can only hope!

      Reply

    • Dr B S Goh says:

      12:44am | 12/03/11

      I hope our FM is back in Australia. Australia should forget about the Middle East and let the EU sort out the ongoing MESS there.

      The huge Earthquake in Japan and the cessation of Japan’s whaling in Antarctica together, give us a great opportunity to start afresh in our relationship with Japan. As Rob said in the above, it is our second largest trading partner. In due course when Japan puts to rest its aberrations on what it did in WW2 it can then become and be accepted as a great Asian nation. Then it can play fully its Strategic role in Asia and in Australia’s future in Asia.

      I have a few good personal friends in Japan. The present generations in Japan were not directly involved with WW2 and now share with Australians many basic values in democracy.

      Reply

    • Squeeze the Middle says:

      07:23am | 15/03/11

      Kevin .  Thank you for helping me answer an important question.  Why does Australia experience Cultural Cringe?  Answer is: the wealth, prosperity and emptiness of this land means everybody is so content that debate doesn’t get beyond Uni level.  So when most of us, confident from our bulging pockets, open our mouths to louadly on the international stage we just embarrass ourselves.  Yes, asking the stupid question is oft the right thing to do. But you’ve got to do it just right.

      Reply
 
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