Quoting "Mike Mitchell" <m.mitch@exemail.com.au>:
I agree that there are moral grounds for it but international law does not have jurisdiction across the the planet. And countries that have accept that law can change their mind on a whim.
BTW: I still consider the European Union (despite Euro woes) as a success story. Started as an economical union by seven states, after a terrible war, it is now such a magnet that nearly all European countries are part of it and others still aspire to be part of. It is a showcase of real globalization that isn't confined to economy only, spreads prosperity, gives people the right and means to move freely etc. Australia is such a magnet as well. But it does not have the initiative to kickstart promising developments beyond its shores yet. I am not competent to judge the Australian interventions in the neighbouring countries. But none of the countries up North is a success story, I think. Maybe because they are concentrating on mining interests first.. Prospering and democratic neighbours are the best "deterrent" to avoid the country being "overrun" (as many seem to fear here). It hasn't happen to the European countries yet, despite the open borders. As we speak, a few kilometers North or South decides about life and death of Children that die on easily preventable diseases. http://www.theage.com.au/world/dying-on-australias-doorstep-20110908-1jzpm.h... Regards Peter