Labor has defined two major battlegrounds

There are now two policy areas in which Labor offers a clear, stark difference to the Liberals. Not since the 'Troops Come Home At Christmas' moment has Labor's position on Iraq felt so confident. Sure, we've peppered away from time-to-time but given the fallout from Latham's imprudent call that position has never seemed sure-footed.

With the passage of time bringing nothing but ongoing civil war, the Kovco bungle and yesterday's killing those of us who opposed the invasion from the beginning, on both legal and security grounds, can see that we were entirely correct.

And the Bomber is starting to sound confident on the issue, as picked up by Matt Price:

The Labor leader's had a lot to say about the war but this was Beazley's first comprehensive speech to parliament on Iraq since his reincarnation. It was also, by some distance, his most compelling performance at the dispatch box.

Compelling is good...

Beazley believes Iraq is now a civil war beyond external control or sway. "Western forces can play little or no role ... and in some instances the presence of Western forces complicates the task," he told the house. Too many soldiers and civilians had died: "The time has come now to leave the Iraqi people to themselves as best they can to sort out the problems they now confront." None of this is of shock-and-awe news value but the dynamic in the parliament was peculiar. Beazley eschewed his trademark blather and palpably held the attention of his back bench - which is rare.

Beazley 1, Howard 0. Bring on 1972, warmongers.