What is Australia's connection to Afghanistan?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, like a lot of other wars, it comes down to money and power (or more aptly, control). Surprise! Surprise! There is a little more history to this that would require a longer discussion, however I will try to keep it as simple as possible.

Most people are familiar with the events of 9/11. And if you have been up to date with events, you will also understand that these events were used as an excuse to "lead the war on terror" and fight the war in Iraq. It is no secret that this war was to control the flow of oil to the U.S., protecting the American economy and to further help grow or spurn the American economy firstly through the act of war (the consumption involved by acting in war) and secondly through the development required to get Iraq "back on its feet" (favouritism given the U.S. contractors).

The presiding Prime Minster of Australia at the time of these events was John Howard and his crew in tow. Though he was a strong leader here in Australia (not saying he was good or bad), he was very much a lap dog to President Bush. Though we will never be privy to all the back room dealings and agreements made, it is widely understood that by playing to the whim of the Americans, we would be involved in the clean-up process and thus provide us with some economic stimulus. And at the same time, look like a significant player on the World platform of politics.

The Afghan war is a separate war and was started a long time earlier. It is the fault and result of the Americans involvement. Initially their thoughts were "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". This is during the height of the "Cold War". Their enemies enemy was Afghanistan. So it was assumed that they could be funded and armed quietly to hopefully bleed the Russians financially (or at least create another front) as had the Vietnam War to the Americans. During this time, the Americans in fact funded Osama Bin Laden and his entourage (amongst others) to fight in modern warfare (ironic isn't it). But the enemy of my enemy, instead of being their friend, became their 9/11.

As the Iraq war had "completed", and there was a surplus of troops and equipment in Iraq that needed to be utilised for the benefit of American economic stimulus (war has always been a great tool to stimulate economies - dating back since the 1500's from what I have read). Our Prime Minister of the time, being the lap dog he was, followed suit. He saw economic benefit by having us involved in the war as well as being involved in future clean-up projects.

The U.S.'s grandiose plan was and is to pacify the Middle East, including as we hear in current affairs, Iran. And they continue to justify their actions through political persuasion, economic policy to fabrication of evidence and espionage.

For the record, the entire time the U.N. panel lead by Richard Butler went searching for "Weapons of Mass Destruction", none were found. Nor was there any hint of such. All of this was a ploy from the American Government to justify and initiate war. Even government officials and bureaucrats have openly condemned the "evidence" as insufficient used by Bush to initiate war.

The grand-standing we hear from the American government and undue influence to exert on the rest of the world will unfortunately continue for some time. This includes the Afghan war. This war will continue for some time as their biggest concern is not about winning the war and subduing its combatants, but ensuring that they stay subdued for a long time. So they will continue to use their influence in the UN to have other countries assist them in the war effort (dubbed, the war on terror).

If the Afghan war were to be "completed successfully", do not expect the forces to be removed. Point in fact, it would be redirected to another source. Most probable target at this time is Iran. However, politics being politics, do not be surprised if another Mid Eastern state is raised as a significant threat.

Answer 2

The Afghans were originally brought to Australia to handle camels which some of the early explorers used in their expeditions through the outback.

As for Australia's connection to Afghanistan and why there are troops there - this is part of Australia's commitment to peace-keeping as part of its membership of the United Nations, and its alliance with the US.

Answer 3

Afghans came to Australia when explorers started using camels for exploration parties through the desert country. A group of Afghan cameleers first came to help with the camels brought to Australia by George Landells in 1860 for the purpose of what would be later known as the Burke and Wills' expedition from Melbourne to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Aft that, the Afghans created a trade route through the centre of Australia from Adelaide to Alice Springs, and later to Darwin as well. This Afghan trade route is the same route the Ghan train now follows.

Answer 4

To kill the terrorist and keep them out of Australia