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September 5, 2008 11:23:46 PM CDT

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Australia To Pull Troops From Iraq

Posted Dec 1, 07 9:56 AM CST in World 

(Newser) – Australia’s new leader says the nation's combat troops will be out of Iraq by mid-2008, the Guardian reports. Kevin Rudd will make good on a campaign promise to pull out troops, a move that marks a sharp shift from the polices of his predecessor, John Howard, a key Bush ally. Rudd will meet the US ambassador soon to discuss the pullout.

Australia has about 1,600 troops in or around Iraq, and several hundred non-combat forces will remain after the withdrawal to provide security for diplomats. The 1,000 Australian troops in Afghanistan will remain for the time being. Poland’s new defense minister also announced a 2008 pull-out from Iraq this week.

Sources Guardian (UK), Associated Press

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Australia's newly-elected Prime Minister Kevin Rudd reacts to a question from the media during a press conference after winning the federal election in Brisbane, Australia, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007. (AP...   (Associated Press)
U.S. President George W. Bush, left, is greeted by Australian Prime Minister John Howard at the start of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ( APEC) summmit meeting in Sydney, Australia, Saturday,...   (Associated Press)
A woman standing in a fountain holds a sign urging a stop to the Iraq War Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007 in Sydney, Australia. Nine people were arrested and two police officers were injured Saturday as thousands...   (Associated Press)
Australia's newly-elected Prime Minister Kevin Rudd speaks during a news conference after winning the federal election in Brisbane, Australia, seen in this Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007, file photo. (AP Photo/Rob...   (Associated Press)
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Kevin Rudd on Iraq and George Bush part 1   (thacosmicjester (YouTube))
Kevin Rudd on Iraq and George Bush part 2   (thacosmicjester (YouTube))

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Afghanistan  • Australia  • Iraq pullout  • Kevin Rudd  • John Howard


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