Canadians in Afghanistan
Re PMO hiding truth, Dion alleges.” (Jan. 26):
Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan grows more controversial with each passing day. Are we going to become so used to our soldiers coming home in body-bags that it’s only reported in small print? There are so many different reasons given for Canada being part of the NATO alliance in Afghanistan, and so many different guesses on how long they are going to be there, that most people don’t know what to believe. What gives Stephen Harper the right to think he can ignore the Afghanistan elephant in the room, and to pull a Mackenzie King act by hiding from the media? We can only hope that he’s not consulting with his dog or a dead relative. So long as Canada’s role in Afghanistan continues to cost blood and treasure, it’s essential that Harper shows he’s worthy of the office he holds by calling a media conference to explain clearly what Canada’s military is expected to do in both combat and non-combat roles in Afghanistan, and to give the country a rough idea of how long it’s going to take. If Harper fails to do this, and insists on keeping the media at arm’s length, he can forget about winning that majority he so craves.
William Bedford
Toronto. Ontario
