United We Stand

Throughout the war in Afghanistan, Australia’s major parties took a bipartisan approach. In contrast with the war in Iraq, oppositions backed the decisions on Afghanistan of governments of the day. Both the Coalition and Labor endorsed remaining engaged in what would become Australia’s longest war, supporting the United States. Here, Paul Zanetti’s focus is on the other major force that became part of the political equation — public opinion — and the power with which it can turn on those making the decisions.

- Karen Middleton, guest curator