Iraq oil security in Australia's interest: Nelson

Dr Nelson says energy security is extremely important to all nations.

The Federal Government says oil is a key reason to keep Australian troops in Iraq, but says it was not the reason for the original invasion.

As it released the defence update, the Government said oil security is one of the reasons for staying on in Iraq.

The Defence Minister, Brendan Nelson, says it is in Australia's interests.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/07/05/1970982.htm

"Energy security is extremely important to all nations throughout the world, and of course, in protecting and securing Australia's interests," he said.

"The Middle East itself, not only Iraq, but the entire region is an important supplier of energy oil, in particular, to the rest of the world."

But the Treasurer Peter Costello disagrees.

"We're fighting for something much more important here than oil, this is about democracy," he said.

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Gus: Far too many people have died for "oil security" - nearly 700,000, and a couple of million displaced, ruined, etc... It's amazingly outrageous for Nelson to say what he says... unbelievable... yet too true.

Obviously, Costello has no clue about what he's sprouting about in the context of the make up of Iraq, while our UnAustralian of the decade plays the national interest anthem, "stars N tripes"...

In the dummy corner, Downer is still stuck the 2002 WMDs porkie era... The lot of them have changed the tune of the purpose of the whatever many times to confuse the punter... The sooner we get rid of these tragic clowns, the better. Rudd and his good people can do much better, even if they're not perfect. Australia can and need to do better.

Fighting terrorism efficiently is not the exclusive domain of the present bunch of liars that rule Australia. Actually, I'm sure Rudd and his good people can do a better job at it, more quietly.