[War] BACKPOST: Australia: Holding It Together

[Daniel Sanderson]

OOC: Sorry! I was in the middle of writing it, went to work, and came back and the world report had come out :D

IC:

"Holding It Together"
Prime Minister Jack Decker
Commonwealth Of Australia
June 28, 2014

Decker had returned to Canberra in the afternoon, and spent the time with his senior military and foreign policy advisors, while his political staff arranged the press conference for four p.m. It was late, sure, but this certainly wasn’t your normal day in Australian politics.

At ten minutes to four, Decker rose, and picked up his tie and jacket from where he’d draped them across his chair. He put them on slowly, and brushed the sleeves more out of habit then to remove any fluff. The office door opened and Lucas walked in.

“They’re gathered in the pressroom. The Opposition Leader spoke while you were on your way back.”

“And what did the Honourable Mister Tanner have to say?”

“Well, he won’t start complaining until you make some sort of public decision.” Lucas said with a grunt. “But he won’t get too carried away.”

They walked out of the PM’s office, down the hallway to the pressroom. Cameras flashed as Decker made his way to the podium.

“Evening everyone.” He said with a firm nod. “By now, no one in the nation is unaware of the events that took place in Sydney this morning. For the first time in recent history, Australians have been the victims of a terrorist attack on our own soil. At this time, I publically give my thoughts, prayers and sympathies to those affected not only by this attack, but also those affected in the simultaneous attacks in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and China.” He paused for a moment. “I would also like the praise the work of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who managed to stop an attack, and gather significant intelligence. The information gathered by the RCMP, and later by our own law enforcement and intelligence organizations, has uncovered a global terrorist network supplied, training, financed and backed by Iran. As a result, the timetable revolving around Western intervention in the Azerbaijani crisis has been pushed forward.” He
 now opened the folder he’d carried in with him to look at the ADF notes.

“The Defence Department, a few hours ago, sent a communiqué to the US government and the Commander of the forces gathering in Georgia. I have ordered the First Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, elements of the Fourth Battalion, a squadron of armoured vehicles from the First Armoured Regiment, a team of Tiger attack helicopters, an SAS group and twelve F/A-18E Super Hornets to be immediately deployed to Georgia. This, ladies and gentlemen, is a significant contribution from Australia, and shows not only how seriously we take this situation, but also how firm the intelligence is linking Iran with these attacks. To the men and women in uniform who are watching, I send my thoughts and prayers with you.”

“Tonight, please spare a thought for the eighteen families who are without their loved ones. More information will be released as it comes to hand.” He paused for a moment. “I’ll take a few questions. Chris?”

The correspondent from SBS rose. “Mr. Decker, do you have an exit strategy for Azerbaijan?”

“An exit strategy will be put together in the coming week or two, but I’d imagine that once the Iranians are driven from Azerbaijan, we’ll then re-assess our mission there. Martin?”

“There are rumours of a massive Chinese military operation in Iran, do you support such an operation?”

“The operations had pros and cons, Martin, however I think it may have been a bit too…volatile. My biggest concern here is regional stability.”

“You didn’t really answer the question.”

“I’m yet to get full details on what the operation achieved.” Decker said simply, trying to avoid the topic before he said what he felt inside and got into diplomatic trouble for it. “But it’s already passed, so there’s no point me saying I support, or don’t support it.” He raised his hands. “That’s all for now, I’ll talk to you all again tomorrow.” It was the press conference equivalent to making a quick getaway.


--ACTIONS TAKEN--
1. Prime Minister reassures the nations
2. Announces military commitment to driving Iran from Azerbaijan


      Start at the new Yahoo!7 for a better online experience. www.yahoo7.com.au