If the troops are brought home, just like that, it is Australia turning its back. And whether or not we like it, or whether we voted for Howard, well *we* are Australia. So that would be all of us turning our back. So now that we are there, I think we do have a responsibility. And yes, focus on rebuilding their society, giving them a hand to stand up by themselves, then leave them to have a go once they seem ready, or when they think they're ready. If we did that, and stood ready to help/be a friend etc, that would go further to sort out these disputes. Mind you, the time to have been clever, firm, and principled was just after September 11. But I guess you have to start sometime.