Last week's International Security Assistance Force foreign ministers' meeting was held in a format that ensured the voices of non-NATO countries contributing troops to Afghanistan, such as Australia, were heard.
This has not always been the case. There was a time when Australia and other contributors were presented with decisions that were precooked by NATO members, including key planning documents and strategies, more often than not with insufficient time for consulting with our capitals.
Since coming to office in late 2007, this government has vigorously advocated to NATO that Australia must be involved in all ISAF decisions, at head of government, defence ministerial and foreign ministerial levels.
Read Full Article »