a great negotiation/leverage bit
what better way..than to obtain commercial advantages?

its diplomatic protocol

[alternately..why do we need test or watch..our mates for]
[because they serve/like love/enjoy..desire..for the same things..we do]

serve the same masters...[NOTE..not the people..nor the voters]
[ie serving their bettors..who gifted them special powers/money/honors the best seats/in the house..etc..the fuss allows one..to give up more..of the peoples to..both their respective masters..both of whom..owe the money changers..

http://www.angelfire.com/space2/light11/nmh/earth1.html

Once we develop our own nuclear and biological weapons, we will no longer need to depend on them.
Yuyutsu I think Abbott has penciled that in for next Thursday....am. Is it a bit like borrowing your neighbors lawnmower.
"Hi neighbor...do you think I could borrow your nuclear and biological weapons... mines on the blink."

"How are your neighbours doing? I assume you live in a nice area" Chris, I'll peep through their bedroom blinds about 9 tonight, just after him and her are in the cot. Let you know tomorrow, hope I don't get cough like Ozzie did, as Effie from the Comedy Show would say "How embarrassment" As we say here in down town Damascus,"beautiful one day, perfect the next, you can't improve on paradise."

good one paul. I can only go on what you claim, good neighbour and all minding your own business.

But most people I know, well they know a lot about their neighbours, they also prefer a certain kind, often admitting some hypocrisy.

To be frank, given we live in a competitive world of very different societies, I would be disgusted if our govt was not seeking intelligence about our neighbours, including Indonesia.

But, feel free to keep up the noble idealism here we all live according to what is supposedly right. It is important, but only part of the story.

What is amazing that after the Bali bombings and the Aus embassy
bombing anyone would think that we were that stupid we would not, or
should not have a major espionage operation against Indonesia.
The Islamists are still active in Indonesia.

Well I asked the question and the conclusion is that the objectors are stupid.

Chris, I'm not of the opinion that Australia should not be gathering 'intelligence' on our neighbors. In this day and age it’s unfortunately most necessary. What I am concerned with is the blind faith we demonstrate towards the Americans in this and other matters. The US is paranoid about intelligence both externally and internally. I would think the American spy network would be gathering intelligence on Australia as being necessary in their strategic interest, as they would put it.
The facts with this matter is Australia has been cough out and with some moral high ground indignation the Asians cry foul, at a time when we want them on side. All I'm asking is was it worth it. I only caution against a blind faith in America. What many fail to understand is America will (rightly) serve American interests first and if they should conflict with Australia's interest’s at the time, bad luck.

Paul,1405
What many fail to understand is America will (rightly) serve American interests first and if they should conflict with Australia's interest’s at the time, bad luck.

I agree, America must look after their own first, but, they also
need strategic friends in a hostile world, where they can't trust
many. So Australia is very important to them as a staunch Allie
and a strategic base outside of America.
Even the Americans don't wish to be all alone in a hostile world.

However, as the population dynamics take control of the ballot box
in America, like a Mexican United States Government or an African-
American United States government, then you can forget your worries
about our alliance with America, because there won't be one. Those
super weapons will then be protecting Mexico or Africa.

This should make you happy. Or will it?