The Wire

Australia has today agreed a number of bilateral agreements with the US including the ability for the two countries to exchange weapons. Essentially, the Australian military will now be able to get its hands on cutting edge American weapons technology. John Howard and George Bush’s agreement will no doubt be music to the ears of Defence companies who stand to profit handsomely as a result. But on President Bush’s first day at APEC, humanitarian groups hoping for better news on the environment and Iraq will be disheartened by the announcement. The Wire spoke to Dr Robert Ayson from The Australian National University and he said this agreement is like a thankyou present from the United States for Australia’s support in Iraq.