#Australia #HumanRights

Basically in preparation for a possible war with China, and we might suppose the MIC.

There has been 'increased tension' between Aus and China recently.

France quite upset and vocal about being left out. China made the usual critical statements.

Aus will get a nuclear capable submarine fleet with US/UK tech.

NATO is maybe not as popular an idea as it once was (if ever), with members making further pacts among themselves and competing in military business matters.

#Australia #Economy #MIC

They also cancelled a gala to celebrate France-US relations, and is now reportedly trying to convince other EU countries to pull out of talks with Aus over a proposed free trade agreement.

The original 2016 deal for 12 French subs was to be estimated $25b, which grew incrementally, finally to $90b, and was behind schedule. $300b would have been the total cost including maintenance for subs not ready till between 2035 - 2050, and there are questions how outdated they might be then.

Something about China stepping up aggression in the oceans, and Aus looking at buying from the US/UK.

#Australia #France #Economics

... reportedly they smashed her windows in, and when she called local police they took 40 minutes to arrive, because when she called a second time while waiting she was told they were already there (they were at a different address).

'Captain Louise' served in Afghanistan 2012-2013. She blew the whistle on a patrol who killed a group of farmers (10 civilians, goes the report) after the patrol commander accidentally shot one and they decided they couldn't leave witnesses.

"Blooding"

News reporting on this reference another story, from 2020, in which an Australian intelligence officer who said he had evidence of crimes in Afghanistan was found dead at a Canberra headquarters.

#Australia #Afghanistan #Whistleblowers