Tom Hyland September 26, 2010
THE federal cabinet's national security committee has ordered a review of Australia's role in Afghanistan, amid mounting casualties and claims troops are being denied essential combat support.
The review was ordered by the committee when it last met before the August election. It comes before a promised parliamentary debate on Australia's commitment to the war, now in its ninth year. There are 1550 Australian troops in Afghanistan.
Separately, the defence force is looking at factors behind this year's spike in casualties; 10 of the 21 Australian deaths in the war happened this year.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith revealed the review last week when he was questioned on leaked claims by an Australian soldier that troops lacked essential firepower in a battle on August 24 in which a soldier was killed.
The review, aimed to inform the incoming government, was ''ongoing'', he said.
A spokeswoman for Mr Smith did not respond to questions from The Sunday Age about the nature of the review, and when it would be completed.
''The government has previously said that our military commitment in Afghanistan is constantly under review to ensure that our policy settings are appropriate to the task,'' the spokeswoman said.
While opinion polls show growing popular opposition to Australian's commitment, the government also faces increasing criticism from ex-army officers over the lack of artillery and helicopter support for the troops.
This story was found at: http://www.theage.com.au/national/review-of-our-role-in-afghanistan-20100925-15ro5.html
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