This past week in Question Period the leader of the opposition either demanded that Parliament have a vote on extending the Afghanistan mission, or he was trying to ask the Government to say whether or not there would be vote. Iggy's position on our military operations is extremely vague at the best of times, and it is tough to distinguish exactly what it is he wants us to do. Nevertheless, do you think we should put this to a free vote in Parliament, or should we end our operations in 2011 as has always been the Government's position?
I recently ran a poll asking about our future in Afghanistan; 44% want to stay in a combat role, while 31% want to stay but in a non combat role. That is 75% who do not want us to withdraw completely. The large majority of Tory supporters would like to stay there in some capacity beyond 2011. But have Hillary's recent comments made you less likely to support the United States militarily?
WHERE DO YOU STAND ON CANADA'S AFGHANISTAN MISSION IN 2011 AND BEYOND?
Continue in combat role (44%)
Reduce to non-combat role (31%)
Leave completely (25%)
In the Manley Report we were clear with our allies what we needed in armor and bodies. They failed to deliver and provide the help in the time frame necessary. We paid our dues and than some. We did not have a cushy area. Let someone else step up to pick up the slack.
ReplyDeleteThe domestic file has been used to beat up the government and weaken the support for the mission.
We barely won with 23 votes from the opposition.
I would like them to stay in a non-combat role. Our troops have risked their lives because they believe in this mission and they should be given the opportunity to see it to the finish.
ReplyDeleteThey deserve to be taken out of the line of fire.
Kat
Our soldiers know what has been accomplished in Afghanistan, why not let them have a major say in the future of the mission?
ReplyDeleteRob C
I have always believed that there is a strategy at play here but have voiced it it the vaguest way possible if not, all together avoiding what I feel may be obvious.
ReplyDeleteIn a way, I almost feel guilty for dissing Shillery because I think that perhaps she may have been part of it, seeings as how the Libs and Dippers worship the ground that Obama and his team walk on.
I am all for extending the mission but only if the Americans are 100% committed and some powerhouse allies, step up to the plate.
Now that Russia is experiencing what it feels like to be a target, they could cough up some respectable power and resources?
Been there and done that. They come home in 2011 or do we need a best 2 out of 3 like we are going to do with Quebec.
ReplyDeleteSorry, bad math. Quebec now has to be the best 3 out of 5 to make it fair.
I look forward to 2011, when our heros come home.
ReplyDeleteAs PMSH said, we will have civilians still working in Afghanistan, but no military.
Shillary has a hearing problem, the O said the US was starting their pull-out in 2011 too.
I think Parliament should have a free vote on a large-scale extension of the combat mission.
ReplyDeleteBut if Canadian aid workers are going to remain on the ground in Afghanistan after 2011, we have an obligation to keep our troops in Afghanistan to provide them with security.
We can't really trust that to another country.