Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Aussie Boss Wins US Military Deal

Technology pact revealed as prime minister vows to stay in Iraq

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 5, 2007 4:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – Shortly before announcing that Australia would not withdraw its 500 troops from Iraq, Prime Minister John Howard struck a defense deal with President Bush giving his nation the same preferential status as the UK when purchasing US military technology. The deal “will remove layers of bureaucracy for defense industries in Australia," Howard said.

The new defense cooperation treaty will help arms and surveillance industries share technology and will advance training for US and Australia troops to work together. Howard discussed the pact at a press conference where he also vowed to keep troops in Iraq. “Until we are satisfied the Iraqis can look after themselves, Australian forces will not be reduced or withdrawn," Howard said.

President Bush, right, meets with Australian Prime Minister John Howard ahead of the APEC summit at the Commonwealth Parliament Offices in Sydney, Australia, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles... (Associated Press)

President Bush meets with Australian Prime Minister John Howard ahead of the APEC summit at the Commonwealth Parliament Offices in Sydney, Australia, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) (Associated Press)

President Bush and Australian Prime Minister John Howard speak to reporters during a press conference in Sydney, Australia, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) (Associated Press)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Aussie PM: Troops Not Leaving Iraq

Bush may be talking withdrawal, but Howard stands pat

(NEWSER) - President Bush arrived in Sydney last night amid speculation he would reduce troop levels in Iraq, but his Australian counterpart dismissed any notion that his country would be withdrawing its forces. Prime Minister John Howard said the idea that Sydney could both pull its 550 troops and still make a significant contribution “begins to stretch credulity.” More»

Bush Makes Surprise Farewell Stop in Baghdad

Will meet leaders, thank troops in mission's 'endgame'

(NEWSER) - President Bush has arrived in Baghdad on a surprise farewell trip, the BBC reports. A day after Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the US mission in Iraq is in its “endgame,” Bush met with President Jalal Talabani; he’ll meet with other "leaders, thank the troops, and celebrate the new security agreement” that calls for withdrawal by 2011, a White House rep said. More»

Maliki Backs Obama Iraq Plan

Iraq PM says a 16-month schedule to withdraw sounds about right

(NEWSER) - While shying away from a presidential endorsement, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki expressed support for Barack Obama’s 16-month timeline for withdrawal of American troops from Iraq, Der Spiegel reports. He expressed frustration at his country’s lack of control over US forces and said they should leave "as soon as possible, as far as we are concerned." More»

US Weighs Faster Iraq Withdrawal

Need for troops in Afghanistan may drive unexpected shift

(NEWSER) - US officials in Washington and Baghdad may pull as many as three brigades from Iraq by the time George Bush leaves office, the New York Times reports. The move, driven in part by a need to bolster the American presence in Afghanistan, could remove far more troops than seemed likely just months ago, and would mark a major shift in policy from the past few years. More»

Quick Iraq Exit Would Trigger New 9/11: Bush

It would 'embolden' US enemies, prez says

(NEWSER) - A withdrawal from Iraq next year would be a disaster that would likely trigger another 9/11, President Bush warns in an interview with Politico. "It would shake everybody's nerves. It would embolden the very same people we're trying to defeat" and "would eventually lead to another attack on the United States," he said. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Aussie Boss Wins US Military Deal

Technology pact revealed as prime minister vows to stay in Iraq

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Related Links

Iraq • Australia • troop withdrawal • coalition troops • John Howard • George W. Bush

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Aussie PM: Troops Not Leaving Iraq

Bush may be talking withdrawal, but Howard stands pat

Bush Makes Surprise Farewell Stop in Baghdad

Will meet leaders, thank troops in mission's 'endgame'

Maliki Backs Obama Iraq Plan

Iraq PM says a 16-month schedule to withdraw sounds about right

US Weighs Faster Iraq Withdrawal

Need for troops in Afghanistan may drive unexpected shift

Quick Iraq Exit Would Trigger New 9/11: Bush

It would 'embolden' US enemies, prez says

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?

Aussie Boss Wins US Military Deal

Technology pact revealed as prime minister vows to stay in Iraq

Bookmark & Share

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Related Links

Iraq • Australia • troop withdrawal • coalition troops • John Howard • George W. Bush

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Aussie PM: Troops Not Leaving Iraq

Bush may be talking withdrawal, but Howard stands pat

Bush Makes Surprise Farewell Stop in Baghdad

Will meet leaders, thank troops in mission's 'endgame'

Maliki Backs Obama Iraq Plan

Iraq PM says a 16-month schedule to withdraw sounds about right

US Weighs Faster Iraq Withdrawal

Need for troops in Afghanistan may drive unexpected shift

Quick Iraq Exit Would Trigger New 9/11: Bush

It would 'embolden' US enemies, prez says

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?