[TheMercenary]

It appears that this "swap" was a one time event of which different sides of the issue had something to say about the trade. There is no real evidence that this is some new on-going policy between the governments. Sounds more like a bunch of idiots fanning the flames of a regional controversy. Howard can buy all the tickets he wants, it doesn't mean that anyone has to let them into our country except in this one case.

Funny to note this quote from the article: ""The thing that discourages people from people smuggling is the fact that we make it very plain that people will not be allowed to reach the Australian mainland, that they will be processed offshore and that we are not going to have our very generous humanitarian refugee program distorted by people smugglers," he said.

"It will drive home the point that this country will not compromise in relation to illegal immigration." "

Everyone wants to hammer the US for attempting to crack down on illegal immigration but when it comes to their own country they will have none of it.