John Howard for President

If only the world had more leaders like Australian Prime Minister John Howard. Here are his comments about Iraq:

A hallmark of our free society is the ability to debate issues forcefully and to resolve inevitable differences peacefully. Our enemies in Iraq and Afghanistan see this as a sign of weakness. We know it is our greatest strength.

This place is where political differences are aired and resolved in policy. I am well aware of the sharp political differences that exist in Australia today over Iraq, differences that have existed since the Government's initial decision to commit forces four years ago.

I am not asking Australians to discount the enormous difficulties in Iraq or to change their views about the original decision. I am asking them to consider the situation we now face and the stakes involved.

What Iraq and her people need now is time, not a timetable. They seek our patience, not political positioning. They require our resolve, not our retreat.

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That's why the first duty of government is to protect and defend the nation's security, its people, its borders, its interests and its values.

Sometimes that involves tough decisions which place Australian men and women in danger – no less today than in earlier times of war.

And notwithstanding our strong economy, a near record stockmarket and low unemployment, this is a time of war.

The long war against violent Islamic extremism goes on. It is a very different kind of war – a war without borders and with no clear frontlines; a war fought as much by our ideas and values as by our armies.

Hat Tip: Michelle Malkin