Time line shortens for Australia's Afghanistan presence

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Updated October 21, 2009 20:42:44

A flurry of speculation about Australia's intentions in Afghanistan has been played down by Canberra, after comments by defence minister John Faulkner were headlined as signalling plans for an early pullout. Governments of course are unlikely to wish for longer wars than necessary. But Senator Faulkner's remarks, that he'd like Australia to fulfil its commitments in Afghanistan in as short a time as possible are being scrutinised closely, particularly as pullout dates for key allies loom, and NATO countries resist doing more.

Presenter: Linda Mottram
Speakers: John Faulkner, Australian Defence Minister; Angus Houston, Chief of the Australian Defence Force; Kevin Rudd, Australian Prime Minister

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