JULIA Gillard has affirmed Australians could linger in Afghanistan for at least a decade, vow not to dump the war-torn country to terrorists and chaos.
In a significant parliamentary debate yesterday, the Prime Minister predict more Australian wounded and "hard days ahead" and warned it could take Afghans a age group to entrench their nation as a fully useful state.
Ms Gillard championed Australia's pledge with the full hold of Tony Abbott, who insist withdrawal was impossible and would make Australia look like a "fair-weather friend" to its allies.
As the Greens question Australia's continuing participation, both major party leaders made clear there was no possibility that Australia would withdraw from the war effort.
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