Last night when I got home I flicked on the idiot box for some background noise. On ABC they had an evening news discussion program called "The 730 Report", similar to "Meet the Press" on PBS in the US.
Last night's program was about Islamic radicals in Australia who are under close observation by intelligence services.
The program first interviewed a radical Melbourne cleric named Abu Bakr who has had his passport seized, his house searched, and is under 24 hours observation. Many of his followers have gone to Afghanistan, Iraq, and other war zones for "training" in terrorist camps. After listing to this idiot for a few minutes it becomes apparent why he is being monitored.
He started ranting nonsense about how Islam is the only law he follows. He stated that Islam does not tolerate any other faith. He also highly praised Osama bin Laden. He made it clear that he feels it is his duty to convert all of mankind to his exact faith, or destroy them if they refuse. Basically, the guy has bought into the whole Islamic radical program and is now preaching it to his followers. When asked point blank if he encourages his followers to take up arms against the west, he answer with crap like "
Those who die fighting for Allah are guaranteed a place in heaven".
Next, the producers brought the Australian Prime minister, John Howard, on the show. They asked him about the government watching radicals and ask him to react to Aku Bakar's statements.
It was a setup. A trap. And John Howard knew it. Rather than fall into it, he deftly stepped aside and called the producer/reporter's bluff. He told them flat out that he doesn't feel that Aku Bakar represents the thousands or peaceful Muslims in Australia. Further, he does not feel that he has to answer to the rantings of one man who seem to be outside the deeply held convictions of religious freedom, tolerance, and plurality of Australia.
John Howard told the show that he can't comment on this specific individual. He is the Prime Minister. There are whole government departments that are charged with intelligence and public safety. It would be very, very unlikely that Mr Howard would be called upon to make decisions concerning specific individuals. He job is to set policy. Not to single handedly run the whole country.
I admire John Howard. I've watched him time and time again deafly avoid loaded questions, call bluffs, and still come across as concise and articulate. He does not let anyone put words in his mouth. He does not let any reporter lead him down "rat holes". He makes his feelings and position clear without having to micro-manage any one person or issue.
The difference between him and President Bush in this regard is obvious. Bush doesn't seem to ever have to opportunity to speak frankly and openly with reporters. With Bush, it looks like all the reporter's and their questions have been pre-screened, and answers already typed up. Nothing is left to chance.
John Howard, on the other hand, has the confidence to take on the press head to head. No handlers. No screening. And yet he still manages to be the master of the discussion, even to the point of being forceful with a reporter who insists that Howard still answer a leading or stupid question.
John Howard was trained as a lawyer, and honed his skills as a politition. The difference shows. George Bush is lucky that have a man like Howard in charge of Australia, and who has faith in the United States as Australia's closest friend.
