AUSTRALIA PERSPECTIVE

ABC News Australia makes a revealing editorial choice: in the same breath, the firing of George and talks about a coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This juxtaposition is no editorial accident -- it reveals the Australian reading frame. For Canberra, the Strait of Hormuz is a vital energy artery (Australia imports 90% of its oil), and Pentagon instability directly threatens Washington's ability to organize that coalition. Australia, an AUKUS and Quad member, has bet its strategic future on the reliability of the American alliance. When the US defense secretary purges his chief of staff during a conflict that affects Pacific energy routes, Australian no-nonsense pragmatism translates that into one question: can Washington still lead a coalition? The absence of any official Australian reaction is telling -- Canberra is waiting to see, which in itself is unusual for such a loyal ally.