More than 20,000 Defence personnel have served in Iraq between 2003 and this year, when Australia ceased its military involvement. Operation Catalyst was Defence's term for Australia's contribution to the United States-led multinational force to provide security in Iraq and assist national recovery programs. Australia's involvement included a highly successful training program for Iraqi soldiers allowing them to take charge of security in their war-torn country. Comparisons have been made between the wars in Iraq and Vietnam varying from learned to ill-informed but now is not the time for such rumination.

Instead, today's celebration of military service is an opportune time to reflect on the second anniversary of Kevin Rudd's election, on November 24, 2007. That is because withdrawing the forces from Iraq was one of the core promises he made to differentiate the Labor Party from the Coalition administration. Whereas other actions taken by Mr Rudd were symbolic, this decision had a tangible outcome and was welcomed by many Australians. John Howard was intransigent on the war in Iraq, saying any withdrawal amounted to ''cutting and running''. But Mr Rudd read the mood of the community on the war, while showing he was not captive to ideology when he rigorously pursued the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan.

After two years in power, Mr Rudd's popularity remains extraordinarily high while support for his Government is less firm. The Opposition derides him as ''all spin'', a leader who is yet to take a tough decision. That assessment is totally expected but even a casual observer of politics would realise many decisions have been made by the Cabinet.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times