Seriously, folksThanks to our military success, Canada's gaining world's respect
By PETER WORTHINGTON September 14, 2007
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For as long as most Canadians have been alive, a succession of federal governments has sought to have Canada taken seriously as an influence on the world stage.
Frustratingly, this has largely been an unrequited yearning.
Nations of the developed world regarded Canada fondly, but patronizingly, more or less ignoring what we said.
We were "nice" people without clout who wanted to be loved -- except when we played hockey, then we were brutes.
After 9/11 (starting with the previous Martin government) Canada, began to have impact in international matters -- thanks almost entirely to our revitalized military in Afghanistan, doing both fighting and reconstruction.
Sadly, for purely political purposes, Prime Minister Stephen Harper now seems eager to pull back from the thankless task of imposing peace. Maybe a safer, more passive role. He says early 2009 is the date for withdrawal -- by which time no one expects Afghanistan to be pacified.
Why this sudden change of mandate? It's surely not because our troops are unwilling to stay the course, or because Canadians want out.
No, it's because there's a political perception that Quebecers will not vote for a government that is resolved to stay in Afghanistan for as long as fighting soldiers are needed.
Harper so lusts for a majority government that he seems willing to trim our mandate in Afghanistan in hopes of winning Quebec votes. Like previous Tory parties, he bows to polls and listens to faint-hearts who fear a "conservative" agenda turns off voters.
We now have the unprecedented situation where Germany is "begging" (according to a Globe and Mail headline) Canada to continue in Afghanistan beyond 2009, with NATO echoing this theme.
Again, why is this?
Simple. It's because the Canadian army has been so damn good at its job that its continued presence is seen as essential if the volatile Kandahar region is to have a chance at achieving peace and security.
Germany sees this clearly -- perhaps because Germany has chickened out of the heavy peacemaking process, and won't let its troops near the danger zones.
If Canada cuts and runs (and that's precisely what Harper is suggesting, prodded by the Dion Liberals and hopeless NDP) then others won't be far behind.
Pulling out too soon means every casualty and death incurred will be meaningless. Canada will again retreat into military torpor where few take us seriously, and our word is no longer our bond.
All because of conventional political timidity that (I think) does Quebecers a disservice and betrays our soldiers.
No one relishes casualties, or coffins unloaded at Trenton. But our staunchest citizens have been families of the fallen, who recognize that their loved ones volunteered, took pride in their job and realized they were fighting on behalf of people who had nothing.
CASUALTIES LIGHT
Although every death is a family tragedy, in global terms Canada's casualties have been relatively light.
And we are winning in Afghanistan -- witness the Taliban resorting to roadside bombs.
If the Taliban win the subversive war that they lose on every encounter on the battlefield, what does that say of our resolve?
If the PM trusted the Canadian people, stayed the course and showed courage, confidence and leadership, maybe he'd be rewarded with the majority he seems to want more than standing up for principles.
In Afghanistan, for the first time since Suez, 1956, Canada, is being taken seriously by those who matter, thanks to our military.
Don't blow it.
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By PETER WORTHINGTON September 14, 2007
Article Link
For as long as most Canadians have been alive, a succession of federal governments has sought to have Canada taken seriously as an influence on the world stage.
Frustratingly, this has largely been an unrequited yearning.
Nations of the developed world regarded Canada fondly, but patronizingly, more or less ignoring what we said.
We were "nice" people without clout who wanted to be loved -- except when we played hockey, then we were brutes.
After 9/11 (starting with the previous Martin government) Canada, began to have impact in international matters -- thanks almost entirely to our revitalized military in Afghanistan, doing both fighting and reconstruction.
Sadly, for purely political purposes, Prime Minister Stephen Harper now seems eager to pull back from the thankless task of imposing peace. Maybe a safer, more passive role. He says early 2009 is the date for withdrawal -- by which time no one expects Afghanistan to be pacified.
Why this sudden change of mandate? It's surely not because our troops are unwilling to stay the course, or because Canadians want out.
No, it's because there's a political perception that Quebecers will not vote for a government that is resolved to stay in Afghanistan for as long as fighting soldiers are needed.
Harper so lusts for a majority government that he seems willing to trim our mandate in Afghanistan in hopes of winning Quebec votes. Like previous Tory parties, he bows to polls and listens to faint-hearts who fear a "conservative" agenda turns off voters.
We now have the unprecedented situation where Germany is "begging" (according to a Globe and Mail headline) Canada to continue in Afghanistan beyond 2009, with NATO echoing this theme.
Again, why is this?
Simple. It's because the Canadian army has been so damn good at its job that its continued presence is seen as essential if the volatile Kandahar region is to have a chance at achieving peace and security.
Germany sees this clearly -- perhaps because Germany has chickened out of the heavy peacemaking process, and won't let its troops near the danger zones.
If Canada cuts and runs (and that's precisely what Harper is suggesting, prodded by the Dion Liberals and hopeless NDP) then others won't be far behind.
Pulling out too soon means every casualty and death incurred will be meaningless. Canada will again retreat into military torpor where few take us seriously, and our word is no longer our bond.
All because of conventional political timidity that (I think) does Quebecers a disservice and betrays our soldiers.
No one relishes casualties, or coffins unloaded at Trenton. But our staunchest citizens have been families of the fallen, who recognize that their loved ones volunteered, took pride in their job and realized they were fighting on behalf of people who had nothing.
CASUALTIES LIGHT
Although every death is a family tragedy, in global terms Canada's casualties have been relatively light.
And we are winning in Afghanistan -- witness the Taliban resorting to roadside bombs.
If the Taliban win the subversive war that they lose on every encounter on the battlefield, what does that say of our resolve?
If the PM trusted the Canadian people, stayed the course and showed courage, confidence and leadership, maybe he'd be rewarded with the majority he seems to want more than standing up for principles.
In Afghanistan, for the first time since Suez, 1956, Canada, is being taken seriously by those who matter, thanks to our military.
Don't blow it.
More on link