Some days it seems like the entire world has gone nuts. But sanity and decency still prevail in at least one corner of the southern hemisphere: Australia boosts Iraq deployment.

Australia is planning to send an additional 450 troops to Iraq, Prime Minister John Howard has said.

He said the new soldiers will provide security for Japanese engineers working in southern Iraq and support efforts towards democracy.

Australia already has around 850 troops stationed in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Howard, a firm ally of US President George W Bush, said he knew the deployment would “be unpopular with many” Australians.

But he said Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan had telephoned to request the troops be sent.

Mr Howard said his country will maintain troops in Iraq as long as they are needed.

“I believe this is the right decision. It will make a significant contribution to the coalition effort. It will make a significant contribution to the rebuilding of Iraq.”