Howard pours more troops into Iraq to shore up coalition

CANBERRA - Prime Minister John Howard yesterday announced a dramatic increase in Australia's commitment to Iraq, promising a further 450 troops and armour to protect Japanese engineers rebuilding the shattered country.

Mr Howard's decision to put as many soldiers on the ground as during the 2003 invasion reverses earlier assurances that the nation's presence in Iraq would not be enlarged, and will extend the controversial deployment by at least a further year at a cost of up to A$300 million ($325 million).

The Government has also acknowledged a higher risk of casualties after attacks on Australian troops in Baghdad, although their base in the British-controlled southern province of Al Muhanna is considered to be relatively secure.

"I should point out that any military deployment involves the risk of casualties," Mr Howard said. "I do not run away from that and I openly acknowledge that possibility."

Yesterday's Cabinet decision is intended to help to shore up the troubled coalition and to ensure Japan continues its commitment.

Japan's 600 troops are Tokyo's first major overseas deployment since World War II, and their presence in Iraq is considered to have powerful symbolism.

Canberra also sees the deployment of Australians in support of Japanese troops as an important lever in its broader Pacific alliance.

"Working alongside ... a close regional ally and partner such as Japan is very important from Australia's point of view," Mr Howard said.

The new deployment of infantry from the Darwin-based 1st Brigade, supported by 40 light armoured vehicles, will join about 120 soldiers already guarding Australian diplomats in Baghdad, and about 80 medical, training and air traffic control personnel.

Australia also has a frigate, two C130 Hercules transports and two AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft in the Gulf supporting the broader war on terrorism.

Yesterday's decision to reverse previous assurances on troop deployment to the Gulf followed the decision by the Netherlands to withdraw by mid-March the 1400 troops it had sent to protect the area in which the Japanese are operating.

Mr Howard said he had been asked for troops by Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in a request repeated by British Prime Minister Tony Blair this week.

US President George W. Bush had not asked for the extra troops, although both the Americans and British had previously sought a larger Australian commitment.

Mr Howard said he expected criticism for the new deployment, but that he considered it to have been the right decision.

The decision was welcomed by Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimora, but criticised by opposition parties in Canberra.