Australian Troops Coming Home for Christmas

[Neferti]

Tony Abbott makes first visit to Afghanistan as Prime Minister, declares end to war

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has used a surprise visit to Afghanistan to declare the end of Australia's longest war.

Speaking at a special ceremony at the Australian-run base in Tarin Kot in Uruzgan province, Mr Abbott told a gathering of Australian and international troops and Afghan leaders that the Afghanistan war is complicated.

The conflict, which began in 2001 as a mission to hunt down Al Qaeda, gradually morphed into a protracted fight against Taliban insurgents and a complicated and dangerous exercise in nation building.

But Mr Abbott says the imminent withdrawal of Australian troops is bittersweet.

"[It's] sweet because hundreds of soldiers will be home for Christmas; bitter because not all Australian families have had their sons, fathers and partners return," he said.

"Sweet because our soldiers have given a magnificent account of themselves; bitter because Afghanistan remains a dangerous place despite all that has been done."

More than 20,000 Australians have served in Afghanistan – 260 were wounded, 40 were killed in action.

The war has cost Australian lives and more than $7.5 billion.

More Here

[Super Nova]

Good.

Everyone else has announced when they will leave. About time the Aussies did the same.

Now the place will go to hell.

[Phil E. Buster]

Only Mr Abbott can stop the War overnight.

DITCH THE WITCH!

[mellie]

Only Mr Abbott can stop the War overnight.

DITCH THE WITCH!

Playing devils advocate is not one of your strong points Phil.

[Super Nova]

Only Mr Abbott can stop the War overnight.

DITCH THE WITCH!

Don't you like Tony, Phil?

[Phil E. Buster]

Only Mr Abbott can stop the War overnight.

DITCH THE WITCH!

Don't you like Tony, Phil?

Tony is a hero don't you know Super Nova. Only he can stop the waste. He is a firefighter, and swims with the kiddies. He rides bikes too, especially in marginal electorates. He can stop boats as well.

SHAME LABOR SHAME!

[Super Nova]

SHAME LABOR SHAME!

[Phil E. Buster]

Mr Abbott doesn't like Jeremy, Super Nova. Mr Abbott went to seminaries don't you know. Australia is open for business now, and we have new management.

Thank goodness the adults are in charge.

[mellie]

Tony Abbott makes first visit to Afghanistan as Prime Minister, declares end to war

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has used a surprise visit to Afghanistan to declare the end of Australia's longest war.

Speaking at a special ceremony at the Australian-run base in Tarin Kot in Uruzgan province, Mr Abbott told a gathering of Australian and international troops and Afghan leaders that the Afghanistan war is complicated.

The conflict, which began in 2001 as a mission to hunt down Al Qaeda, gradually morphed into a protracted fight against Taliban insurgents and a complicated and dangerous exercise in nation building.

But Mr Abbott says the imminent withdrawal of Australian troops is bittersweet.

"[It's] sweet because hundreds of soldiers will be home for Christmas; bitter because not all Australian families have had their sons, fathers and partners return," he said.

"Sweet because our soldiers have given a magnificent account of themselves; bitter because Afghanistan remains a dangerous place despite all that has been done."

More than 20,000 Australians have served in Afghanistan – 260 were wounded, 40 were killed in action.

The war has cost Australian lives and more than $7.5 billion.

More Here

Wonderful.

[Phil E. Buster]

And that's not all mellie. Mr Abbott invited Mr Shorten to go with him.

What a wonderful, generous man. Mr Abbott always said he will govern for all Australians, and he is - even the leftards.

Mr Abbott should conduct all policy in such a spirit - except the boats.

Only Mr Abbott can stop the boats. That’s a leftard-free zone.

You’re not invited, leftards. You people can stew in your own juice.

The adults are in charge now.