The Aussie accent is the most neutral accent ever... the fact that you can most effectively imitate every other accent from an Aussie one should prove this :yep:

maybe something about the differences between australian and Iranian beer:rotfl:

Rules of engagement.

All militaries (in domocratic countries) are subject to government control. Austriallia has a conservative government which probably keeps the Australlian military on a nice relaxed leash. The Aussies therefore had the freedom to use their own judgement in the situation.

The Blair goverment is the ultimate example of micromanagment, to the extent that there are no new ships being built now with Command and Control facilities in the Royal Navy (to my knowledge) because Labour thinks its better that it commands the fleet directly from London. I'd imagine the rules of engagement therefore for the British sailors were exceptionally different.

Also remember that the incidents took place two years apart. In Dec 04, people were not talking about being on the verge of war with Iran

Good on yer cobbers :up: If only we could heed the lessons :hmm:

Yes and no, There are plenty of restrictions with the rules of engagement. They did use good judgement in avoiding capture, but they still couldn't fire unless fired apon (They didn't fire a single shot)

There is some flexablitiy in decision making for the ones in charge, at all levels, but there is only so much room to work in.

Here is the lastest report.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...-31477,00.html

So much for Australian's being brave

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegrap...001021,00.html

It's a bit of a media beat up, I reckon!:roll: Everyone knows that the vast majority of Aussie troops are not near the front line, in Iraq or Afganistan. We are not covering any of the dangrous areas in Iraq (well less dangrous than most!).

Yeah, like Texan with different accents. Us Texans have accents, you know ;)

Aussies are sort of like the international version of Texans, resourceful, self-reliant, tough, and scrappy, only without the Mexican food :cry: If there had been a couple dozen Aussies at the Alamo, we might have won the damn thing.

I'm sure a buch of Aussie's hurling "coulorful language" and empty beer cans would keep the mexicans at arms length!:D

The exact reason why you can't compare the two situations. Differant times, differant threats. :yep:

Don't beat yourself up mate!

A deals a deal.

I think if the Aussie forces wish to continue in this, then go back to the table and say so.
If not ...Then I'm glad yall did yer part and heres to the next one...cheers
:sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

Yeah, they're a peacekeeping force (a task they seem to fill very well), not a deathsquad.

....and besides....those boomerangs can be deadly in the right hands ;)

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::up:

Nice one!

Most people in Australia are in two minds over this, we would like them home, as they are needed else where for peace keeping duties (East Timor, Solomon Islands, Bougainville and else where), but many don't want to cut and run and leave Iraq in a bigger mess than when we arrived.

If the U.S. leave, then we will. We have an election coming up, which could change things.:hmm:

The second the US announce a total withdrawal all that will be visible will be smoke trails leading directly to each participating allied country (as in "you won't see their a*ses for dust") :yep: