http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/890735--battle-lines-drawn-in-ottawa-over-afghan-mission
New Democrat leader Jack Layton says he will be going after both the Conservative and Liberal party for breaking their two promises of ending the military mission by next year and holding votes in the House of Commons on any decision to extend it. This issue involves the betrayal of many of our Canadian leaders and in my opinion an issue of putting too much worry on how we will look on a global perspective. Although Canadian influence and role has been changed, this is still not what most expected by this point in time.
Mike, Love the changes to the blog - the background colour (makes it easier to read), the "Recent Comments" is a very nice feature also. I'm not sure about the way the articles seem to be posted twice. Once would seem to be enough.
ReplyDeleteOn the This article: It is an interesting one, as are your comments. Together with the piece on the "Five unanswered questions..." It raises a couple of issues: I wonder if your views stated along with both articles are contradictory. You appear to support Canadian involvement in the first, but don't seem so sure in the second. My question, therefore: do you support continued Canadian involvement in Afghanistan? If so, why? If not, why not? Post an answer to that question, and try to use some evidence to support it.
Second, Jack Layton's comment about broken promises, the idea that the mission was to end, and not continue until 2014, begs another question: Why - or how - is it that the PM is able to continue the mission, with putting it to a vote in the House? Do a little research and add some additional thoughts to your post regarding that matter.
You also need to begin to construct a history of Canadian involvement, and the events leading up to it: "9/11", etc. - in other words explain why we are there: What events precipitated it? - and to do so in your own words. It's also important to include something of the history of the nation, region, and of foreign involvement. The Soviets and the Brits have also run aground in the hills of Kandahar. It's a remarkable place. Think about how to do this: Perhaps by adding pages. But make sure you do so in your own words also. Remember, you want to make your blog a place where interest individuals can come and learning about the events you're trending, but also about the circumstances and history that gave rise to them.
In response to my position, I am against Canadians having to stay in Afghanistan. Earlier I responded saying “I think it is a very good step because it shows the world we are still doing our part,” although on a personal level I don’t think it is fair to order these men back to fight after all they have done for our country and solving problems in Afghanistan. One hundred and fifty one Canadian soldiers, two aid workers, one journalist and one diplomat have been killed since the Canadian military deployed to Afghanistan in early 2002. The way I see it Canadians have already put in their time, and should be returned home as promised. (This link below gives a timeline of all the Canadians who were killed in Afghanistan)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.canada.com/news/Timeline+Death+toll+Afghanistan/75909/story.html
Prime Minister Harper promised he would pull our troops from Afghanistan by 2011. It has cost Canadian taxpayers about $22 billion to fight in this war. In the House of Commons the majority vote was in favour as the Conservatives and Liberals decided to side together against the opposing side including the Bloc and the NDP. Apparently, Harper is getting away with this because of a loophole in the agreement in the actual details of keeping “some” soldiers to stay behind.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghanistan#History
This link above shows all aspect of Afghan history dating back to the origin of the country along with other key details and foreign affairs.