Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Australia is leading an international force of 2,000 troops to the Solomon Islands this week to try to restore order in the increasingly lawless country. Ever since a coup three years ago, rival militias and armed gangs have roamed the archipelago, terrorizing the population. The Solomons government requested Australia’s intervention, which has been dubbed Operation Helping Hand. Australian Prime Minister John Howard said the move was in Australia’s interest because the Solomons could otherwise end up like the Pacific island nation of Nauru: a haven for terrorists, drug runners, and money launderers. The Solomons campaign marks Australia’s largest military venture in the Pacific since World War II. The Aussies also have 1,000 troops stationed in Iraq and 900 peacekeepers in East Timor.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Why is Prince William in Saudi Arabia?Today’s Big Question Government requested royal visit to boost trade and ties with Middle East powerhouse, but critics balk at kingdom’s human rights record
-
Wuthering Heights: ‘wildly fun’ reinvention of the classic novel lacks depthTalking Point Emerald Fennell splits the critics with her sizzling spin on Emily Brontë’s gothic tale
-
Why the Bangladesh election is one to watchThe Explainer Opposition party has claimed the void left by Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League but Islamist party could yet have a say
