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The woman in my avatar is Cristina Scabbia and the woman in my profile picture is Tarja Turunen
Sun flames and moons glow, timeless the tides will flow, what will I face, what will be mine, fortune and fate the other side...

Post of the week:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inferno You just don't relate to my sense of humor. How about this. Gosh darn funny man living in a whale. doncha know that gawd could do that I betcha he could. wink wink.

Well shucks Makedde, there goes our plans for invading Indonesia. Ho-hum.

WTF?!?!?!

Who do you speak to? Who was "proud" that we had a gutless, lickspittle PM that blindly followed the USA into an illegal invasion?


If anyone wants Noosa or the Gold Coast - I say let them have them. I'd rather go to Bali anyday.

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Have you ever stood toe to toe with someone that was intent on kicking your arse? C-D-P

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The woman in my avatar is Cristina Scabbia and the woman in my profile picture is Tarja Turunen
Sun flames and moons glow, timeless the tides will flow, what will I face, what will be mine, fortune and fate the other side...

Post of the week:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inferno You just don't relate to my sense of humor. How about this. Gosh darn funny man living in a whale. doncha know that gawd could do that I betcha he could. wink wink.

1.20.09 actually......

anyway......being part in the fight allows them to relish the acheivements theyve earned.They are also on the winning side.

Departing troops say they've made a difference

Brendan Nicholson

June 4, 2008

AUSTRALIAN combat troops pulling out of Iraq say they are leaving a land that is still dangerous but much more stable than it was when they arrived.

Corporal Corey Baker from the Overwatch Battle Group told The Age yesterday he had served in Iraq on two six-month deployments over the past three years and that the difference was dramatic.

In the early days there was a bad feeling on the streets and few people around, he said in a telephone interview from southern Iraq. That had changed a lot, he said.

When the Australian battle group first arrived in Dhi Qar and al-Muthanna provinces three years ago, it was clear that the Iraqi troops and police were not capable of doing their job.

The training and mentoring given by the Australians meant they were now able to carry out their own operations effectively.

"When we first arrived, they were very hesitant because they're very proud people and didn't really want help," Corporal Baker said.

"But when they realised that we were not here to take over their land, they were more than comfortable with us coming in to help them."

Corporal Baker said the security situation had definitely improved. "But having said that, it's still a very dangerous environment."

In recent times the Australians had much more contact with the locals and often played soccer with Iraqi children during their patrols.

Corporal Baker said he had no regrets about giving more than a year of his life to Iraq. "We've helped get this society up and running. It's a good feeling."

Corporal Duncan Moug said he had noticed a massive difference since his first trip to Iraq in 2006. Then the Iraqi security forces did not appear able enough. "Now they are much more capable and up to the job."

Corporal Moug said the Iraqis seemed to like the Australians. "I think it's because we're a lot more open and eager to talk to people, and eager to help them out. It's our way."

Captain Chris Seebohm also pointed to a feeling of satisfaction over what Australians had achieved. "We've certainly seen a big difference in the times I've been here. It's been a really good experience"

Over the past seven months there had been a big improvement in the Iraqi forces, and they were ready to take over security for the two provinces.

Unit commander Lieutenant-Colonel Chris Websdane said he felt professionally and personally the job was well done. The Australians were leaving democratic governments in both provinces and professional security forces.

"The ADF can be very proud in the role it has played in bringing hope and prosperity to the long-suffering people of southern Iraq. Now they see they have hope for the future."

Colonel Websdane said that in recent months the Australians felt very appreciated by the Iraqis — "like we've been immersed in Iraqi culture".

"At the farewell parade, there was a fair bit of sadness and the Iraqis were very sincere in both their thanks and appreciation for what we've done."

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I get the distinct feeling they wish they could do more.

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go worry about your water shortage and shut your pipe...don't ever ask the US for anything ever again. What do we gain from being allies with you? Ask that next time you screw around with us.

You need us to protect you. Your army is pathetic. When the Chinese come a calling, don't ask for our help.

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"Because he's the hero America deserves,
but not the one it needs right now...
and so we'll hunt him, because he can take it.
Because he's not a hero. He's a silent guardian,
a watchful protector...A DARK KNIGHT."

I speak to real Aussies who know the meaning of mateship and going into bat for their cobbers when they're asked to. The Howard govt was re-elected in 2004 so I assume most Australians were okay that their troops were already in Iraq. You, sir, were obviously not one of them. No worries.

Agreed. Queensland is ultra tacky these days. Bali or even Vanuatu - diving is superb. See you there - I'll look out for a grumpy old bugger in red speedos

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Darkness imprisoning me
All that I see
Absolute horror
I cannot live
I cannot die
Trapped in myself
Body my holding cell

Land mine has taken my sight
Taken my speech
Taken my hearing
Taken my arms
Taken my legs
Taken my soul
Left me with life in hell

Don't be foolish. Australia is in the Commonwealth with Britain ad India both very powerful and easily enough to deter China. At least the British can say they won a war against the Chinese, lol!

Australia in it's own right will become a serious world power. It is isolated with all that territory and it's military is far better than any rival. Japan, India and Australia will make the Chinese blink, on their own.....

However, I very much doubt the Australians are going to distance themselves with America. Plus, We still have the British over there helping us and that really does count.

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I'll tell you this no eternal reward will forgive us now for wasting the dawn
Nothing to kill or die for and no religion too
You may bury my body, down by the highway side,
so my old evil spirit can get a Greyhound bus and ride.

Apparently man never landed on the moon either, crapes can't be wound to titley and Mars exists only in cyber space.

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And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.

And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.