At long last the gist of the Manley report has been given to reporters. No doubt it will get Canadians and our elected leaders talking and discussing this report.
The Manley panel has Drawn the proverbial line in the Sand.
The basis of this report is that Canada has two conditions which must be presented to NATO and all of our allies. This includes the four Rs REFOCUS, REINFORCE, RECONSTRUCTION and the RESUPPLY of new equipment
Canada should have a strong partner in the southern district in terms of numbers and equipment. Canada should move more to the training mode of the Afghan Army and the National Police Force. Reconstruction. I think that Canadian troops have been doing the training and reconstruction for many months now.
The military mission in the war-torn country is due to end in February 2009, but the 90-page report says the mission should be extended provided two conditions are met:
-that a new battle group is deployed by the UN's International Security Assistance Force to Kandahar province, enabling Canadian forces to accelerate training of the Afghan National Army.
-that the government secure new, medium-lift helicopters and high-performance unmanned aerial vehicles by February 2009.
The report is sure to reignite debate over one of the thorniest issues facing Parliament and the Conservatives.
Polls suggest most Canadians would like to see Canadian troops come home as scheduled next year.
Harper has promised a vote on the mission's future, and Canada's NATO allies need to be informed by May or June at the latest.
Canadians ready to travel to FOP.
Our politcos now have to have a vote on the fate of our troops do they stay? Beyond 2009 or get the new equipment and more NATO troops and we stay till the end?
The Russians stayed in excess of 10 years and what happened? Now NATO has been their approximately 1/2 that time. Progress? The Manley report says progress is happening but only in certain tribal areas. Perhaps it is time now to tell Musharaf of Pakistan to remove the insurgents, the rebels, the taliban from Pakistan force them out and show them that they and their views are not wanted.
So as we await the final decision from the Parliament of Canada our troops will carry on serving NATO and trying to win the hearts and minds of Afghanis. God Bless them and keep them safe.
Please show your support for the troops attend the PEI Rocket ,Exhibition Game 25 Jan.08 In Charlottetown PEI
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
