Eye on a crisis: Australian policy all the way with USA

Our look at newspaper coverage of the crisis starts in Australia, where the Sunday Telegraph reports that a poll has found 80 per cent of Australians back Prime Minister John Howard's response to the terrorist strikes.

That response includes sending Australian troops as part of an international force.

An editorial says: "The world is entering a period of great uncertainty, but it is also entering a time when nations must stand up and be counted.

"The special relationship we share with America through the Anzus Treaty, our common values and long-standing economic and social partnership mean John Howard was right to declare Australia ready to provide support to the best of our capabilities."

The Sunday Times in Perth, under the heading "All the way with USA" reports on the same Newspoll and says that almost half the voters surveyed believe that the governing Coalition will win the Australian election due before the end of the year. One in five people have changed their vote because of Howard's performance in crises involving terrorism, refugees and the Ansett collapse.

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The Washington Post says that although President George W. Bush began as an ideological heir to Ronald Reagan, he was now forced to more closely resemble Franklin D. Roosevelt. Bush is reported as saying that the US economy remains strong, praising firms that have retained workers despite the difficulties.

The New York Times says more reserves have been called up and forces moved into positions. It also says Bush has consulted Russian President Vladimir Putin over the crisis.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the Taleban has said it will not comply with the US without evidence against chief suspect Osama bin Laden. It also reports on the United Arab Emirates cutting ties with the Taleban and the Defence Department rolling out B-52 bombers and moving more troops and equipment into the Persian Gulf.

The likely bombing of Afghanistan dominates the front pages of British newspapers.

The Sunday Times reports that advance units of two American Army divisions were already on the border, while the Observer says five suspected terrorist camps in the north and west of Afghanistan will be the focus of the campaign.

The Mail on Sunday claims the SAS has already fought a battle in Afghanistan, with a four-man team exchanging fire with Taleban fighters near Kabul.

In a sensational claim, the Sunday Mirror says British detectives have foiled a plot to hijack a jet and crash it in central London.

The Sunday Telegraph reports that tough new anti-terrorist laws could push Britain into conflict with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Map: Opposing forces in the war against terror

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Afghanistan facts and links

For coverage of the attacks on the United States, see: