Debate over Afghanistan deployment.

Ottawa -- The Abdul Rahman affair has had the sudden effect of causing some people to question Canada's military involvement in Afghanistan, in addition to the U.S.'s military intervention in Iraq. Others have been expressing reservations about the Canadian mission on the grounds of pacifism, the danger posed to our 2,300 military personnel, financial costs, and other factors.

The NDP has demanded a debate in Parliament on Canada's military role in Afghanistan. "We know that Canadians are not comfortable with some of the approaches taken by George Bush and his administration. We want to ensure that this is an independent foreign policy being exercised here in conjunction with the international community in proper fashion. We've always looked to the [United Nations] for direction," NDP leader Layton told CTV News (Mar. 12, 2006). London Free Press columnist Rory Leishman, noting that Canada is also committing $100 million a year in aid to Afghanistan, said Prime Minister Stephen Harper "is needlessly jeopardizing the broad political consensus that is essential to the success of this vital mission, by refusing to countenance renewed debate on the matter in Parliament ... Harper should take the initiative in assuring that (these questions) get thorough consideration in the next Parliament (Mar. 21, 2006)."

Polaris Institute defence analyst Steve Staples told Canadian Catholic News his organization is concerned that increases in Canadian defence spending are being used to fuel military integration with the U.S. (Feb. 15, 2006). Other groups, such as Project Ploughshares, have expressed concerns over potential Canadian involvement in U.S. ballistic missile defence plans, while noting that any Conservative affection for such an initiative is likely doomed because of the government's minority position.

Comment

Catholic Insight endorses a parliamentary discussion of both the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, especially in view of Islamic intolerance towards Christians (see Afghanistan and Iraq). On April 5, Prime Minster Stephen Harper announced there would be an awing but not a debate in the coming weeks.