Startling His Neighbors, Australian Leader Favors First Strikes

Close on the heels of President George W.Bush’s doctrine of pre-emptive attack to deter terrorist strike against the US, a close ally, Australia has adopted the same principle. In a television interview Australian Prime Minister John Howard said he would be willing to strike at terrorists in another country if there were evidence of a plan to attack Australia. . He said that it was necessary to seek a change in the international law to take account of the new threat by non-state actors. Chapter VII, Article 51 of the United Nations Charter says, "Nothing shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs." - YaleGlobal