Gillard, Abbott: Al-Qaeda still a threat
THE Government this week explained that Australia's military commitment to the war in Afghanistan is motivated by a desire to prevent terrorism and to bolster the United States alliance.
THE Government this week explained that Australia’s military commitment to the war in Afghanistan is motivated by a desire to prevent terrorism and to bolster the United States alliance.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Prime Minister Julia Gillard also reminded the country that Afghanistan could become a safe haven for terrorists, including
Al-Qaeda, if NATO military forces withdrew.
“The war has put pressure on Al-Qaeda’s core leadership, killed some, captured others, forced many into hiding, forced them all on the defensive,” Gillard said. “Al-Qaeda has been dealt a severe blow.”
The terrorist group’s leaders have previously issued statements calling on all Muslims to fight Israel and attack Zionism, and for a jihad to “liberate Palestine”.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, though, argued that Al-Qaeda terrorists are more likely to be located in Pakistan or the horn of Africa. But he added, “Even so, the return of Taliban government would swiftly restore that country to its former position as terror central.”
Middle East security expert Emanuele Ottolenghi told The AJN this week that ending the war in Afghanistan would be a mistake.
“A resurgence of the Taliban would spill over into Pakistan probably, putting their nuclear arsenal within reach of the jihadis,” he began.
“A western withdrawal before the mission is accomplished will also jeopardise the future of NATO and its vital missions beyond Europe’s borders — something bound to weaken, not to strengthen, pro-western regimes in the Middle East, Israel included.
However, Hebrew University international relations expert Eitan Barak told The AJN “there is no direct connection” between the Taliban and Israel’s security, rather he described it as more like a “tailwind” for fundamentalist terrorist groups in the region.
Asked whether Afghanistan matters to Israeli security, Barak replied: “Yes, but not much more than to other western states, which could be a potential target for
terror acts.
NAOMI LEVIN
comments