The Straits Times reports that

The Straits Times reports that Australian Prime Minister John Howard has provoked controversy in Asia by saying that he would order pre-emptive attacks against terrorists in other countries, if necessary to protect Australia from attack. Howard also indicated that he believes international law should be revised to authorize such pre-emptive attacks: “The body of international law has to catch up with the new reality [of terrorism].” Howard’s comments were quickly denounced by Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Since the Sari Club bombing, events in Australia and Indonesia have provided an interesting parallel to post-September 11 events in America.