Robert, I'm really glad to have you here (and this is not in any way sarcastic). I have no idea what's going on with our neighbors to the north, and I thank you for your information. I apologize if I was too simplistic/terse in my earlier answer. Let me address some points here:
As to Jack Layton's points:
Quote:
Jack Layton wants a withdrawal of Canadian troops, unless two things happen:
1) That the Canadian Forces switch back to a role that is primarily security and reconstruction – something that they where having a lot of success with.
2) That the Parliament engages in a public debate that’ll will give all parties (and the general) a chance to understand and concretely define the role and goal of the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan.
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1 -- What do you think about this? Do Canadians not have a stake in the War on Terror? Do Canadians feel like Americans should do all of the killing and dieing? I personally feel like we're in this together. Bin Ladin is a serious threat to the Western world, and he must be dealt with. I would find it unconscionable that one of my country's leaders would even suggest that we talk about terms of surrender.
2 -- As to debate, what is this going to accomplish? It can be conducted in Parliament, or it can be conducted in the public square. If the floor of Parliament is anything like the floor of the American House/Senate, then it's all calculated grandstanding with no actual dialogue. If there's any dialogue, it happens behind closed doors and with lots of strings attached. Layton, from the looks of it (and this is just my initial reaction) simply wants a forum where he can make some nice sound bites while having a backdrop which gives him some sort of authority.
I don't know Canadian politics, but to me, we all have a role to play. To even suggest that "moderate" elements of a regime which in the past supported even some of the things the Taliban supported is unconscionable to me. These elements need to be exterminated, not bargained with.