Afghanistan. Layton is on the campaign warpath, stating he is against the war and wants Canadian troops out. How fast? Immediately. Speaking on CBC Radio this morning he said that it would be his first announcement as Prime Minister. When asked for a time frame, he stated that the pull out would happen as soon as it was safe to do so. He would then work with NATO and the UN to produce a new strategy in Afghanistan, addressing civilian safety, the drug trade, and corruption. He believes that Canada needs to restore its peacekeeping and peacemaking reputation.
So that’s what Jack Layton said. This is what I think of it.
An immediate and hasty withdrawal of Canadian troops would most likely throw the country into civil war (if neighbouring countries don't move in to take over first). The drug cartels and insurgents would most likely seize power. Withdrawal would place a huge burden on our allies left behind, weakening our good relations with those nations and most certainly increase their casualties.
Pulling out when we are so deeply involved without a plan in place or consulting our allies is absolutely ludicrous. Like it or not, our government made a military commitment, and it would be horrifying to begin pulling out without having a strategy in place. Note that, during this morning’s interview, Layton said troops would begin withdrawal immediately, no if, ands, or buts. No talks with NATO or the UN would change that. He would discuss options with those organizations, but the troops would be coming home.
How does it improve our country’s reputation as a promoter of peace to force a deeply troubled region into further chaos? Quite simply, it doesn’t. Yes, our soldiers are dying, and it’s horrible. My cousin is serving in Afghanistan right now, and I worry daily for her safety. I support our military personnel because they are doing all they can with the mission they have been given. Do I support the mission they have been given? No. But calling troops home now is completely irresponsible.
It is utterly disrespectful to the members of our military who have been tirelessly working in Afghanistan to simply withdraw. Hey, thanks for all your hard work and sacrifice, but we’re throwing it out the window. We’ll leave the mess for someone else to clean up.
Does the Afghan mission need to be rethought? Yes. Do we need to change Canada’s role in military operations there? Yes. But we cannot leave now.
Canada got itself into this mess, and it needs to see itself out.
2 comments:
I whole hardly agree with this article.We need to stay the course until the job is done in Afghanistan.To leave before the job is done would be so disrespectful to those who have served and those who have died.I think our politicians need to re-think the decision about pulling out before 2011.This is a NATO mission and Canada is part of NATO.Should we give in to the Taliban, no bloody way.As for Jack Layton, this man hasn't got a clue about our military nor the mission in Afghanistan.I just shake my head in disgust when I hear of Jack Layton and his stupid comments.Layton is only trying to score some very cheap political points.Personally, I can't stomach the man.As a proud Canadian, I strongly support our troops and the mission in Afghanistan.
Totally agreement with the article and the first comment.
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