Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Australia's prime minister said her country will begin pulling its troops out of Afghanistan earlier than planned.
Premier Julia Gillard said today that most Australian soldiers in Afghanistan are expected to be home nearly a year ahead of schedule.
Most will likely be back in Australia by the end of 2013.
Australia has 1,550 troops in Afghanistan. That is the largest force provided by any country outside Nato.
The soldiers' main objective has been training an Afghan National Army brigade to take responsibility for security in Uruzgan province.
Australia had originally planned to withdraw its soldiers by the end of 2014.
But Ms Gillard had hinted at an early exit in November when she said the troops' mission could be finished before then.
AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments