Fed: Gov says terror war could last 50 years

AAP General News (Australia)
08-19-2006
Fed: Gov says terror war could last 50 years

By Peter Veness, Steve Larkin and Nick Lenaghan

CANBERRA, Aug 19 AAP - The government's two most senior members have urged Australians
to brace for a long-term war against terror - one that could last longer than the Cold
War.

In Melbourne, Treasurer Peter Costello said Australians must "steel ourselves" for
a war of more than 50 years.

"The cold war lasted over 50 years," Mr Costello said of the long ideological battle
between soviet Russia and the US. The exact length of the war is disputed by historians,
although many consider it lasted between 1945 and 1990.

"The war on terror could last a lot longer," he said.

In Adelaide, Prime Minister John Howard called on Australians to realise the long-term
nature of the war, which started with the September 11, 2001 destruction of the World
Trade Centre by militant Islamist group al-Qaeda.

"It's essential we recognise the long term nature of this and recognise that we are
dealing with an enemy like no enemy before," Mr Howard told the South Australian Liberal
Party's annual general meeting today.

"There is no simple answer, there will be no quick end to the war against terrorism."

Just last week, British police foiled a plot to blow up as many as 10 airliners in
mid-flight between the US and UK.

Terrorism analysts remain divided about how strong the links between the 24 people
arrested by Scotland Yard and al-Qaeda's leadership are.

But they are united in the opinion the group hold the same beliefs as al-Qaeda - a
hatred of the West.

Mr Howard said the fanaticism of the militant groups was not his only worry.

"Our opponents in the war against terrorism are not only fanatical but they are also
very tenacious and as some disappear or are annihilated ... others come forward to take
their place."

Mr Howard said it was essential "that we hold our nerve" in the war against terrorism.

"This is a war where you are dealing with a sinister opponent, with borders that are seamless.

"You are dealing with a guerilla campaign of unprecedented menace and of unprecedented threat.

"We need strong alliances, we need a continuing military commitment in those parts
of the world where striking at the heart of terrorism is so very important."

But Labor says the threat of a drawn-out global fight against Islamist militants is
the fault of the government.

And Australia is a bigger terror target because of its involvement with Iraq, said
opposition international security spokesman Kevin Rudd.

"The Howard government has mismanaged the war on terrorism by cutting and running from
Afghanistan at the end of 2002 and instead diverting all of Australia's national security
forces to Iraq," Mr Rudd told reporters in Melbourne.

"Iraq three-and-a-half years later is on the verge of civil war and has become itself
a new training ground for terrorists and ... one of the greatest national security policy
failures in Australia's history.

"On top of that, Iraq has made Australia a much bigger terrorist target than it would
otherwise have been."

Signalling just how difficult the war would be to end, Mr Costello said the destruction
of ideas was necessary.

"The defeat of them and their ideas will signal the end of the war on terrorism," he said.

Mr Costello refused to comment directly on the case of Jack Thomas, whose convictions
on terrorism charges were quashed on appeal yesterday.

He said Australia's laws on terrorism were strong enough.

"We live in a system where you've got to prove an offence in the courts and sometimes
the proof is difficult," he said.

"All a government can do is collect evidence, bring it before a court, and try and
secure a conviction and a penalty against people who would be a danger to our society
and our fellow Australians."

AAP pv/sd

KEYWORD: TERROR NIGHTLEAD

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