Asia Times: Howard's American dream in tatters


	September 12, 2001	atimes.com

Oceania

Howard's American dream in tatters

CANBERRA - Australian Prime Minister John Howard says Australia will back a lethal retaliation for the devastating terrorist attacks on the United States.

Howard, speaking from Washington, said that Australia would support any justice the United States metes out against those responsible for the attacks. "I think now is the time for calm but lethal response," he said. "Now is the time for the civilized world to work out the most effective way [to respond], not talk about it, not telegraph it. We can use words, but at the end deeds are what count."

Howard said that the attack was not just on the United States, but on all civilized countries. He said there was no warning about the attack, making it a nightmare for all people. It showed that all countries could come under attack from terrorists. "No country can assume that it is immune from this kind of behavior," he said. "That is why the free world ... should empathize and identify with the Americans. [It is] important that we understand that this is not just something that can happen to America, this can happen anywhere. All of us must be resolute in our solidarity with the Americans."

Howard said he has no details yet on when he will be leaving the US. His planned address to the Congress has been abandoned, as has his trip to New York. All flights in the United States have been grounded, with officials in Australia not expecting them to be re-started for at least 24 hours. Howard and his entourage traveled to the United States on a commercial flight. The government is now looking at sending an official aircraft to pick him up. The Prime Minister said that he was in the same position as other travellers waiting to fly. "When feasible and permissible to do so, I will return to Australia," he said.

(Asia Pulse)