U.S.-Australian defense accord invites danger.

(From The Jakarta Post)

The United States and Australia have recently agreed to cooperate in developing defensive missiles. The agreement was signed by both countries to integrate their military capabilities and includes missile testing and field operations. It effectively gives Australia an early warning system to detect ballistic missiles.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld has said the agreement would enhance the capability of the two countries to tackle potential threats from countries with access to ballistic missiles and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). He did not mention which countries.

However, Australia's northern neighbors are peaceful and stable and such an advance defense system is irrelevant and unnecessary. In fact, such paranoia …