* if there are any aussies held then this would at least show...

* if there are any aussies held then this would at least show some effort to get em out while holding the position of aussie troops staying in iraq.
* howard can say at least he tried to the familieis if anyone is actually in there
* in the probable outcome its a hoax he can at least show he has contingency plans to deal with it - shows foresight and thinking to the electorate.

Covers his bottom as well on any outcome. If there is anyone held and they are knocked off tonight or tomorrow before anything can be done well its quick and painless and distracts from the latham campaign.

There was talk here and in the papers a few months back on a "what if" these sorts of things started during the campaign where it hasnt happened up till now - islamic jihadists putting event to political pressure with their sense of timing. Well its happened now i guess how will howard and latham use it or handle the pressure.