"OK - who forgot to give Nelson a copy of the script?"

Open mouth. Insert truth. Whatever possessed Aussie Defence Minister Brendan Nelson to date to mention the reason-for-invasion-that-dare-not-speak-its-name? In announcing the release of revisions to the government's defence strategy yesterday he said, and I quote:

"The defence update we're releasing today sets out many priorities for Australia's defence and security - and resource security is one of them...Obviously the Middle East itself, not only Iraq, but the entire region is an important supplier of energy, oil in particular, to the rest of the world." (Emphasis mine.)

His boss, Aussie Prime Minister John Howard, owner of the most annoying voice in politics, says that Dr. Nelson lied.

My instinct is to go with Nelson on this one!