I’m getting really, really pissed off with the Howard, Hill and Downer regional bullyboy show. They seem determined to piss off all our regional neighbours by talking silly tough “pre-emptive strike” craziness.

The neighbours will stop taking us seriously, get scared, stop sharing intelligence with us, figure we are crazy, etc. And it makes Australia look like a branch office of the ever-so-slightly-nuts Bush presidency.

Let’s look at how things are going with the neighbours and friends:

Spain hits back at Downer attack – this after Downer grabbed the wrong end of the stick and said that Islamic militants were encouraged by Spain’s decision to withdraw troops. Actually, the newly elected Spanish government just continued their pre-election, pre-terrorism plan.

Downer comments “Rash” and “Narrowminded”: Phillipines Govt. – this came after Downer decided to get stuck into them for dealing with a hostage crisis their own way. Their own business, I figure.

Indonesia concerned over Australia’s ‘most lethal’ cruise missile plan – this after Defence Minister Hill announced Australia was going to get some cruise missiles, but he forgot to have a quiet chat with the neighbours first. I’m not surprised they are concerned. Also see: Cruise claim “devious”: Thailand

And now, Howard talks up pre-emptive strikes in the region. Reading from the Bush hymn-book, eh, John: Malaysia warns Australia over pre-emptive strike threat

I think these three are getting tired and lazy in their jobs. They aren’t engaging with the region, just tossing off threats and opinions without discussion, listening or care. And if we piss the neighbours off, are they going to help us control terrorism in the region. Probably not.