I think ya'll know that Canada has troops in Afghanistan. The mission changed a little bit late in 2005 and we've moved our 3000 troops to Kandahar. There are more enemies there, and our troops are going on more Taliban/Al-Q search and arrest/destroy missions.
Long story short, our newly elected Conservative government just called a snap vote (48 hours notice) on extending the mission two years beyond it's 2007 end-date. Here's my letter written just before the vote soon to be published in a major Canadian newspaper:
PM wrong on mission and troops
When criticized for giving only 48 hours notice before a vote on Afghanistan, Prime Minister Harper said: "Members of this House...have had five years to decide what their position is on this mission. We want to be sure that our troops have the support
of this Parliament going forward."
This statement shows stunning dishonesty.
First, the mission is not the same as it was five years ago. The mission now is far different than what it was even 6 months ago. The Country and the troops would be better served with more time for careful consideration by our leaders.
Second, the troops will be supported regardless of the timing and/or result of the House vote. To suggest otherwise is a despicable threat. I believe our troops have been held up for political gain far too much lately. I hope it will stop.