Monday, November 13, 2006
A Clear Understanding Of Our Afghanistan Mission
I have always supported our past and present government's commitment of Canadian troops to Afghanistan. I understood from my own ideological perspective why Canadians should be in Afghanistan. It has never been a question in my mind.
What is concerning is that the government has never been able to articulate its rationale for the mission in Afganistan, at least in such a way as to convince a wide majority of Canadians to support the mission.
It was not until November 10, when I attended President Bill Clinton's speaking engagement in Kelowna on Canadian and American Relations, which turned out to be more a talk on global issues. President Clinton succinctly explained to the 5,ooo+ audience why it is critical for Canada (as well as NATO, including the U.S.) to remain in Afghanistan. It was not the subtance of Clinton's explanation (preventing terrorism in the West) so much as it was the manner in which he delivered his convincing explanation. I sat in my seat attentative to his every word.
Later, I thought about our country's contemporary leaders, past and present. Canada has not been simultaneously blessed with a Prime Minister and a statesman since Lester B. Pearson. Trudeau and Mulroney might have been considered charismatic in their day; Chrétien and Martin were neither; and now, Harper enters the 'neither' category.
Unfortunately, it took an American statesman and former President to confirm my faith in what my country is doing in Afghanistan.
What is concerning is that the government has never been able to articulate its rationale for the mission in Afganistan, at least in such a way as to convince a wide majority of Canadians to support the mission.
It was not until November 10, when I attended President Bill Clinton's speaking engagement in Kelowna on Canadian and American Relations, which turned out to be more a talk on global issues. President Clinton succinctly explained to the 5,ooo+ audience why it is critical for Canada (as well as NATO, including the U.S.) to remain in Afghanistan. It was not the subtance of Clinton's explanation (preventing terrorism in the West) so much as it was the manner in which he delivered his convincing explanation. I sat in my seat attentative to his every word.
Later, I thought about our country's contemporary leaders, past and present. Canada has not been simultaneously blessed with a Prime Minister and a statesman since Lester B. Pearson. Trudeau and Mulroney might have been considered charismatic in their day; Chrétien and Martin were neither; and now, Harper enters the 'neither' category.
Unfortunately, it took an American statesman and former President to confirm my faith in what my country is doing in Afghanistan.
Labels: Afghanistan, military
