No exit strategy, Greens say of Afghan war

Greens leader Richard Di Natale warns that Australia's commitment of additional troops to Afghanistan is another slippery slope.

Richard Di Natale

Richard Di Natale warns Australia's commitment of additional Afghanistan troops is a slippery slope. (AAP)

The Greens predict an increase in Australia's troop commitment to Afghanistan won't be the last.

"It's very clear now that when Donald Trump says jump, Australia says how high," leader Richard Di Natale told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday, a day after the Turnbull government announced an extra 30 soldiers for the NATO-led coalition.

"We need to forge an independent, non-aligned path when it comes to making these decisions. We shouldn't be making these decisions at the behest of the US."

The minor party's foreign affairs spokesperson Scott Ludlam is concerned the additional commitment will lead to larger deployments in Australia's longest running war.

"What we think is occurring here is really softening up the Australian public for a much larger deployment into the future," he said.

"It appears that Australia is destined for effectively an indefinite garrison role in Afghanistan. There's no exit strategy."

Australia's commitment to the conflict will number 300.


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Published 30 May 2017 5:36pm
Source: AAP


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