Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott allowed for potential Australian support in any military action the United States may take in resolving the current conflict in Iraq, during and after a meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday. File photo of Tony Abbott in 2010. The President had said all options were on the table for dealing with the  splinter group of  militants who have violently overrun many areas of the war torn county. A major Al-Qaeda foodhold in Iraq "would be a humanitarian disaster for the people of Iraq, quite apart from being a very serious problem for the region and the wider world" said Abbot to  Radio, emphasising the consequences this conflict could have on the already unstable region. Whilst the United States has not requested Australian aid, Abbott expressed concern the situation could become a problem for Australia and the rest of the world. In remarks to  , he said, "I want to do what we reasonably can to protect Australian citizens, Australian interests and Australian values, and there is a very strong community of interests and values between the United States and Australia and our other principal allies". Abbott's position on this issue in Iraq has been met with criticism from different members of . warned "Australia always needs to weigh up the use of our highly professional and dedicated soldiers as to whether or not it is in the Australian National interest". leader said Australia should focus efforts on diplomatic solutions through nonviolent action and the United Nations to bring about long-term stability and reconciliation in Iraq.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott allowed for potential Australian support in any military action the United States may take in resolving the current conflict in Iraq, during and after a meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday. File photo of Tony Abbott in 2010. The President had said all options were on the table for dealing with the Al-Qaeda splinter group of Sunni militants who have violently overrun many areas of the war torn county. A major Al-Qaeda foodhold in Iraq "would be a humanitarian disaster for the people of Iraq, quite apart from being a very serious problem for the region and the wider world" said Abbot to ABC Radio, emphasising the consequences this conflict could have on the already unstable region. Whilst the United States has not requested Australian aid, Abbott expressed concern the situation could become a problem for Australia and the rest of the world. In remarks to Sky News , he said, "I want to do what we reasonably can to protect Australian citizens, Australian interests and Australian values, and there is a very strong community of interests and values between the United States and Australia and our other principal allies". Abbott's position on this issue in Iraq has been met with criticism from different members of parliament. Bill Shorten warned "Australia always needs to weigh up the use of our highly professional and dedicated soldiers as to whether or not it is in the Australian National interest". leader said Australia should focus efforts on diplomatic solutions through nonviolent action and the United Nations to bring about long-term stability and reconciliation in Iraq.
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parliament. Bill Shorten