Again I raise a glass of wine to our Australian allies, as they do the right thing in the face of thuggish intimidation: Australia to Boost Troop Numbers in Iraq.

CANBERRA (Reuters) - Australia, a staunch U.S. ally, is boosting the number of its troops in Iraq to better protect Australian diplomats and personnel training the Iraqi military, a minister said on Tuesday.

The move was also a show of support for the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq as some countries start to withdraw troops because of continuing violence and a series of kidnappings and executions of hostages.

Defense Minister Robert Hill said Australia was doubling its light armored vehicles in Iraq to 12 and sending 30 extra army personnel, bringing the Australian security detachment to 120 and total number of Australians on duty in and around Iraq to 880.

“The threat from (explosive devices) is greater than it was some months ago,” Hill told reporters on Tuesday.

“Our commitment is to remain there until the job is done but it is a dangerous environment for both military forces and for officials. We believe we have a responsibility to do everything possible to protect Australians in that environment.”