Good to see some straight shooting from Paul Kelly on the weekend:
The decisions on Israel and Iran reveal a government operating on the edge of desperation and in danger of losing its way. The idea that it is in Australia’s interest to follow in Donald Trump’s footsteps is an illusion now contaminating much of the Liberal Party.
As far as is known, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu never asked Australia to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. And the American President never asked Australia to follow his announcement of late last year that the US would move its embassy and recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Then foreign minister Julie Bishop asked her department for an appraisal following the Trump decision. She found no basis for any change by Australia and informed the US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, of Australia’s position. There was not the slightest blowback from the US.
It is a safe bet that not one policy department, intelligence or security agency in the Australian government recommended such action in relation to Israel and Iran. Although there has been some support within the party, Morrison was under no real pressure: this is entirely voluntary.
The damage to Australia is palpable. The Indonesian government has publicly warned that bilateral relations could be jeopardised. A leaked ASIO assessment warns about the risk of regional protests against Australia and our assets from the Palestinians and in Iran. Arab ambassadors in Australia have put their concerns on the public record. Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce says the government must be careful, given our economic interests with Arab and Islamic nations.
…This is not the time for Australia for undermine its global respect and regional standing by indulging in new and risky adventures in Middle East diplomacy. Any tangible gain from following Trump cannot remotely match the tangible losses. The Liberal Party needs to beware: it has recently lost much standing and sacrificing its judgment on foreign policy and national security would be an extraordinary folly.
Absolutely right.
