The president of Australia's largest veteran organisation has issued a scathing rebuke of Donald Trump's recent comments about allied troops in Afghanistan, describing the remarks as "unfathomable" and "cowardly." Peter Tinley, national president of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL), stated that the country's 630,000 veterans would be "absolutely disgusted and outraged" by the former US president's claims.
Trump's Controversial Statements on Nato and Afghanistan
During an interview on Fox News, Donald Trump cast doubt on the reliability of Nato, suggesting that allied forces did not fully commit to frontline duties in Afghanistan. He remarked, "They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan ... and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines," while emphasising the need for mutual support in alliances. These comments have sparked widespread condemnation from military communities and political leaders globally.
Australian Sacrifice in the Afghanistan Campaign
Australia's involvement in the Afghanistan war was significant, with nearly 40,000 troops deployed over two decades, making it the nation's longest military conflict. The campaign resulted in the deaths of 47 Australian service personnel and left 261 others wounded. Tinley, who served as deputy commander of the special forces task group in Afghanistan, highlighted this sacrifice, noting that the families of the fallen would be "completely affronted" by Trump's denigration of their efforts.
He drew a stark comparison, stating, "It's as senseless as throwing paint on a war memorial and only serves to hurt. It's completely disingenuous." Tinley's personal experience underscores the depth of the commitment, as he was deployed shortly after the September 11 attacks, participating in the only instance where Nato invoked its mutual defence clause.
Political and Diplomatic Repercussions
The backlash has extended beyond veteran circles, with political figures like UK Labour leader Keir Starmer condemning Trump's remarks as "insulting and frankly appalling" and calling for an apology. Tinley echoed this sentiment, suggesting that an apology would be the "minimum effort" required and expressing concern over future cooperation under agreements like Aukus. He urged Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to seek clarification from Trump regarding the implications for bilateral defence ties.
Jennifer Parker, a non-resident fellow at the Lowy Institute and former naval officer, added that Trump's comments were "deeply disrespectful" but did not reflect the values of the US military. She pointed out the irony, given the recent US National Defense Strategy's emphasis on allies like Australia in deterring China, making the remarks "all the more troubling."
Support for Affected Veterans
In response to the potential distress caused by the news, Tinley encouraged ex-service members to seek support through the Open Arms counselling service. He reassured veterans and their families, stating, "I'm absolutely here to reassure every veteran and their family that the RSL completely and utterly understands the situation they're in." This call for mental health support highlights the ongoing challenges faced by those impacted by military service and public discourse.
The offices of Anthony Albanese, Defence Minister Richard Marles, and Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh have been approached for comment, indicating the issue's significance in Australian political and defence circles. As tensions rise, the incident underscores the fragile nature of international alliances and the importance of respectful dialogue in honouring military sacrifices.
