O’Connor attacked for not taking part in Afghanistan debate

Feb 27, 2006 in the briar-wire by dispatch | 2 comments

[What's it going to take for the NDP to take a clear stand on Canada's participation in the US war on terror? Here are a few excerpts from NDP defence critic Dawn Black's comments in the on-line debate:

"In order for Canada to preserve its reputation as an advocate for peace, security and human rights, the government needs to be straight about the mission. As I said earlier, the men and women in our military deserve no less. In fact they deserve to know that the mission is understood and supported by the Canadian people. Only a full debate in Parliament can achieve that goal."

"The Canadian military are helping to work on reconstruction and civil order in Afghanistan while preserving our reputation as a country that promotes Canadian values of peace and security internationally. Success in Afghanistan will be measured by the level of peace and stability that results from Canadian and international assistance."

"Minister O'Connor talks about procurement and machinery, but he's silent on the big question: Why are we there? During the Liberals' tenure, the reason for the mission seemed to be everything and nothing. First we were there because the Afghans asked us, then we were there to fight the Taliban and terrorism and finally, in the Liberal platform, to 'build greater influence for Canada in the world.' I look forward to Minister O'Connor standing in the House of Commons in April and giving us a concise and honest answer to exactly what our mission is, our goals and an exit strategy. "]

MICHAEL DEN TANDT
Globe and Mail Update

Ottawa

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2 comments

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Mar 1, 2006 at 10:07 am

Bev Currie

There is no good reason for Canada to be in Afghanistan and the NDP should be demanding Canadian troops be immediately withdrawn. Afghanistan did nothing to Canada, indeed it did nothing to any NATO member. Osama Bin Laden,( the alleged mastermind behind the 911 attack) was probably in Afghanistan but just as likely in Pakistan. So why didn’t we bomb Islamabad? If countries giving sanctuary to terrorists are candidates for invasion then the US fits the category. Luis Posada Carriles and Orlando Bosch are both wanted in Cuba for their complicity in the bombing of a Cuban aircraft in 1976. The US refuses to hand them over. So why aren’t we calling on Cuba to drop a few bombs on Washington?

Mar 24, 2006 at 10:15 pm

montreal girl

i am shocked that ALL canadians are not outraged that we are in afghanistan killing and dying for some american cause. BRING OUR SOLDIERS HOME. GET OUT OF AFGHANISTAN NOW. CANADA are peacekeepers - why are we letting harper and the americans change our status?