True Believer: John Howard, George Bush and the American allianceWhen John Howard stood in a press conference at Washington's Willard Hotel just after the planes crashed into the Twin Towers on September 11, he knew exactly what to do. Australia would quickly pledge support for its great and powerful friend. In True Believer, Robert Garran examines Howard's unswerving belief in the radical and dangerous doctrines of George W Bush. He argues that in his eagerness to join Bush in his war in Iraq, Howard failed to comprehend the perils. More than that, Howard has hijacked Australia's national story with his conservative nationalism - and is now using that story to take Australia on a dangerous journey. With debate on the US alliance set to continue and with many Australians seeking a strong alternative to Howard's risky position, True Believer is both timely and thought-provoking. |
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True Believer: John Howard, George Bush and the American Alliance Robert Garran No preview available - 2004 |
Common terms and phrases
affairs Afghanistan al-Qaeda Alexander Downer ANZUS Treaty approach argued argument Asia asylum seekers Australia Australia's place Australia's security became believed biological weapons Blair Blix Bob Woodward Britain British Bush at war Bush Doctrine Bush's campaign Chalabi chemical Cheney claims Coalition cooperation critical dangerous decision defence democratic East Timor election evidence forces foreign policy George goal government's ibid important Indonesia interests interview with author Iraq's weapons Iraqi Iraqi National Congress John Howard judgement Jull report Keating's Labor later leader Liberal March mass destruction Menzies Middle East military National Security neocons nuclear Party Paul Keating Pentagon political posed possessed weapons Powell pre-emptive president prime minister regime region resolution response role Rumsfeld Saddam Hussein says Schieffer Security Council September 11 attacks September 2002 Soviet Union speech story strategic Sydney terrorism terrorist attacks threat Tom Schieffer troops United Nations weapons of mass Wolfowitz Woodward
Popular passages
Page 86 - Without any inhibitions of any kind, I make it quite clear that Australia looks to America, free of any pangs as to our traditional links or kinship with the United Kingdom.
Page 75 - America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world.
Page 95 - Each Party recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific Area on either of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes.
Page 95 - For the purpose of Article 5 an armed attack on one or more of the Parties is deemed to include an armed attack on the territory of any of the Parties...
Page 86 - We know the problems that the United Kingdom faces. We know the constant threat of invasion. We know the dangers of dispersal of strength, but we know, too, that Australia can go and Britain can still hold on. We are, therefore, determined that Australia shall not go...
Page 95 - The Parties will consult together whenever, in the opinion of any of them the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the Parties is threatened.
Page 95 - For the purpose of Article IV, an armed attack on any of the Parties is deemed to include an armed attack on the metropolitan territory of any of the Parties, or on the island territories under its jurisdiction in the Pacific or on its armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific.


