This International Dateline episode includes two segments: Can Iraq Protect its Oils? and Vanuatu - Spies of the Pacific.

Can Iraq Protect its Oils? 
Peter Cosgrove, Australia's recently-retired Defense chief, made a startling declaration in August; claiming that the presence of foreign troops in Iraq was a direct motivation for global terrorism and in order to reduce the terrorist threat Australia must remove its troops. He even nominated the end of next year as a reasonable withdrawal date. Crucial to any withdrawal strategy is their replacement by Iraqi troops, not just to provide security on the streets of Baghdad, but also in the protection of Iraq's critical oil lifeline. Dateline's Bronwyn Adcock reports from the Persian Gulf.

Vanuatu - Spies of the Pacific  
Dateline brings us a rare insight into the politics of the South Pacific island nation, Vanuatu, and disturbing allegations about Australia's role in that country. In September, Vanuatu's army (VMF), sparked a constitutional crisis when it tried to arrest the senior ranks of the police force for mutiny. It was a dangerous standoff, as both sides were heavily armed. The army's action was in turn a response to the arrest by police, of government officials, some weeks before. In the shadows of this turmoil Australian Federal Police advisers in the country, now stand accused of spying and undue meddling in the internal political process. Australia is the superpower in this region, and many Pacific nations resent what they see as Australia's efforts to control their political agenda. Dateline's Mark Davis gained extraordinary access to witness Vanuatu's political process from the inside, during a week of crisis. 

About International Dateline 

SBS Dateline, which began in 1984, is Australia's longest-running international current affairs program. It has a well-earned reputation for authoritative and incisive reporting. Dateline has taken the traditional way of producing TV current affairs and turned it on its head. Reporters who used to travel with a cameraperson and sound recordist now travel alone and have the responsibility of both filming and reporting their stories. The reporters became video-journalists, gaining access to people and places that the conventional camera crews cannot.