Xinhua - English

U.S. Democratic Sen. Barack Obama criticized Australian Prime Minister John Howard for saying "the al-Qaeda terrorists in Iraq were praying for the Illinois Democrat to triumph" in next year's presidential election, media reported on Monday.

U.S. Senator Barack Obama formally announces his campaign for U.S. President in the 2008 election during a campaign rally in front of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois, February 10, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Photo Gallery>>>
BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- U.S. Democratic Sen. Barack Obama criticized Australian Prime Minister John Howard for saying "the al-Qaeda terrorists in Iraq were praying for the Illinois Democrat to triumph" in next year's presidential election, media reported on Monday.

Howard -- who faces reelection this year -- is a key ally of President George W. Bush and committed Australian troops to help the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Like Bush, Howard has come under increased criticism at home for supporting the unpopular war.

Howard, 67, Sunday attacked Obama's proposal to pull U.S. combat troops from Iraq by March 31, 2008, saying it encouraged the insurgency.

Obama, campaigning in Iowa, noted Australia has only 1,400 troops in and around Iraq, many in non-combat roles.

Obama told reporters Sunday he's flattered that one of Bush's allies "started attacking me the day after I announced (presidential run) -- I take that as a compliment."

Obama said if the Australian prime minister was "ginned up to fight the good fight in Iraq," he needed to send another 20,000 Australians to the war.

"Otherwise, it's just a bunch of empty rhetoric," Obama said.

Obama dismissed the suggestion that his election "would help terrorist groups," noting that even the Bush administration's "own intelligence agencies have indicated that the threat of terrorism has increased as a consequence of our actions over there."

Earlier on Sunday, Howard said the Democratic Senator's policy of withdrawing U.S. troops by March 2008 would represent "a big win for terrosists."

"If I were running al Qaeda in Iraq, I would put a circle around March 2008, and pray, as many times as possible, for a victory not only for Obama, but also for the Democrats," Howard said, speaking on "Sunday," a TV show on Australia's Nine Network.

The Iraq war, deeply unpopular with the Democratic voters, is a central issue in the party's nomination race. Senator Hillary Clinton, another contender, hasn't offered a specific plan for ending U.S. involvement in Iraq. The war will also be an issue in Australia when Howard tries to win re-election this year.

Kevin Rudd, leader of the opposition Labor Party in Australia, accused Howard of interfering in the U.S. political system. He attempted a vote of no confidence in the prime minister in the Australian parliament Monday, although failed to carry the censure motion by 60 votes to 82. It was the 19th such motion Howard has faced since coming to office in 1996.

(Agencies)¡¡

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Democratic Senator Barack Obama on Saturday officially announced his candidacy for president in the 2008 elections, which could make him the first black president of the country.

Obama, considered a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in next year's elections, made his announcement in Springfield, Illinois, where he was elected in 2004 to the Senate for the first time.

U.S. Democratic senator officially announces candidacy for president

Obama made his announcement in Springfield, Illinois, where he was elected in 2004 to the Senate for the first time.