Australians watching fuel prices skyrocket and interest rates surge in the wake of Donald Trump’s “excursion” into Iran are starting to wonder if this is a trip we really want to be on.

Having been all-in on an Aukus treaty that pinkie-promises to deliver long-term national security, the Albanese government has taken on the demeanour of a reluctant passenger gripping the seat with white knuckles as the whacked-out driver takes the corners at speed.

While the prime minister was quick to endorse one of the president’s initial (and highly contested) objectives in destroying Iran’s nuclear capability, he has since been reluctant to commit further to this magical mystery tour.

According to this week’s Guardian Essential report, that reticence is reflective of the national mood, with just a quarter of Australians saying they support the US and Israeli strikes.

These findings are hardly surprising given the lack of clarity on what the operation is, the constant shifts in justification and the president’s whiplash-inducing social media diplomacy.

In a separate question we find the only Australian action with majority support is “to work with international organisations to help with peace talks and prevent further escalation”: in other words, to get Trump out of the driver’s seat.

There is scant........

© The Guardian