In Harm's Way Kellie?
What do you think they sign up for?
Or why we buy military hardware?
Watch it while it turns into rust?
What do you really really want? Something as evil as a state stealing ISIL, allowed to roam and kill/rape/murder at will, when and where they want!? And then only because that's how they get virtually their jollies! They like it, it's fun! More fun than sitting with mum watching the X files?
But even more so, if it's unarmed civilians, like totally terrified tiny tots!
Just what the hell is wrong with you Kellie? Tired of the X files?
Lost your humanity, or your soul?
For evil to prosper, good men only need stand and do nothing!
Or worse, try and appease mass murdering monsters, who should be sent straight to hell; and by the quickest most expedient means possible! No ifs, buts or maybes!
Yes but, I can hear ISIL sympathizes say, they may hide among women and children!
Yes but, what did you expect of essentially cowering, craven cowards, Kellie!
Normal human responses, MERCY/COURAGE/Common courtesy/consideration?
There's nothing wrong with visiting dream castles in the clouds Kellie, but not moving in as a permanent resident!
Rhrosty.

"A confusing narrative has developed about whether or not Australia's actions in Iraq and potentially Syria would increase the risk of an attack in Australia. It's an important question that needs to be answered."

Given what is known of the motives of ISIS, it would be imprudent to wait for a definitive answer from the politicians/security agencies. In case the author is unaware, ISIS has made it plain that it is against, and accordingly will take action against, anyone -- regardless of country of origin -- who does not agree with its interpretation of Islam.

Furthermore, ISIS is being staffed by extremist volunteers from all over the world, including some 150 from Australia. It would be naive to think that such volunteers returning from service with ISIS, would change their way of thinking once back in Australia.

This suggests that it would make little difference to the risk of attack in Australia whether action is being taken against ISIS or not.

One has to be thankful that responsible Australian politicians have been quick to recognise the need to act against ISIS in Iraq and to tighten security in Australia. Regrettably, this excludes the Greens, who have demonstrated that they are incapable of acting responsibly in the national interest.

You are spot on Kellie Tranter.

ISIS may well direct homegrown terrorists to exact revenge for Australia sticking its nose in.

Your views are shared by two peak counter-terrorism officials.

In 2004 several days after al Qaeda’s revenge bombings in Madrid the former Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Mick Keelty, made the accurate observation that Australia might be at greater risk of terrorism due to Australia’s then role in Iraq. Keelty’s comments created a political storm. This was not what Prime Minister Howard wanted to hear and it was not what the Australian public was supposed to know. Keelty was forced to recant http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/03/16/1079199227687.html .

http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2004/s1101558.htm Also in 2004 former counter terrorism adviser to the White House, Richard Clarke, said AFP Commissioner, Mick Keelty, was right to link the bombings in Madrid in March 2004 to Spain's role in the Iraq war. Richard Clarke, who served as an adviser with several US administrations, says the head of the American FBI made similar comments linking terrorist attacks to the Iraq war and was not maligned for making them.

Regards

Pete

If we were a bit quicker with gunboat diplomacy, & employed it with a much heavier hand, these sniveling women children, & unarmed men killers would run for cover, & hide, just as any cur does when challenged.

It is the cowardice of those who agree with this author that allow this garbage to surface.

No amount of Team Australia bulldust will do anything to put this threat down. Only positive, heavy, & effective action, with big heavy boots will do that.

In answer to the question as to whether or not our participation in the wars in the Middle East will increase the likelihood of a retaliatory terror attack here in Australia, the short answer has to be yes.
But the author doesn't go far enough. Also to be considered in the causes of our new vulnerability would be our unquestioning support for Israel in its commission of war crimes in Gaza, and our joining in the ill-considered sanctions being placed on Russia over the West's next war-of-choice in the Ukraine.
What we need is an independent foreign policy. Admittedly that will be hard to achieve while we are an occupied appendage of the USA.
As much as I disliked the Rudd/Gillard farce, in the end we did have Bob Carr as Foreign Minister. His was the most sensible voice speaking for Australia in a long time.

Hear, hear, Hasbeen!
Rhrosty.