queenbee said:
What "false pretenses" are those? Beyond the normal Canadian whining about America, that is.
Silly me, I assumed that the forum “Will Attacking Iran Mean the End of These United States as a World Power?” was a
public debate open to all and that opinions from other individuals or from other ‘democracies’ might be welcomed as to how the good ole USA was perceived and got itself into this mess. Apparently, I was wrong. But, just to clarify your question Carpro of ”What "false pretences" are those?” In 2001 when something called 9/11 happened, the Canadian govt., (at that time Liberal, or Democrat to you), was strong armed by the Bush admin. (this is a well-known fact here at home & on record) to get involved in Afghanistan to help the US fight the Taliban & Al-Q. My govt. dithered back and forth, and then eventually caved in to US demands and committed a modest number (about 500 troops I believe) to Afghanistan with the proviso they were to be in the background, in a support role only (non-combat) to US troops – mostly in Kabul, (a relatively safe area) and only for a short period of time.
We (the Cdn. public) were given assurances that the US would take the combat role and Canucks would do the mop up, infrastructure, peacekeeping we’re so well known for. This was the pill given to us Canucks to make it palatable. So “we, the people” reluctantly went along with it.
So here we (Canucks) are supporting the US in Afghaneestan in 2002 and Dubya decides to go after them there varmints in Eye-rak looking for oil & WMD and redeploys the majority of US troops to Eye-rak, leaving about 20,000 US troops and the remaining democracies to shore up Afghaneestan and slog it out on their own. Gosh, say the Taliban & friends. The Yanks have left. Let’s have fun and create more pressure & pandemonium in Afghanistan. At which point, the weak Karzai govt. pleads with the Canucks (and others), please don’t abandon us. What’s a self-respecting Canuck to do? So our new govt. (Conservative, this time – aka, Republicans) respond with increased troops, equipment and resources. No problem with that, but unfortunately, much to the dismay of most Canadians, the majority of these troop and resources are redirected into
combat ops in one of the fiercest hotspots in the country – Kandahar and the southern provinces – are you still with me Carpro?. Let me just review for your sake Carpro and those that think we’re wimps & whiners…..we Canucks have now been in Afghanistan for 6 years, in one of the most volatile parts of that country, let alone the world; are one of the few countries that have stepped up to the plate (albeit reluctantly) and contributed troops, resources, and money – billions at last count, and we are one of the few countries willing to tackle the Taliban and Al-Q on their home turf. You don’t see any other NATO countries willing to tackle this hotspot and that is why, one week ago, our Parliament (Congress) voted to extend the mission (for a third time), to 2011, but only if we get additional help from other NATO countries, otherwise, we’re out by 2009, because we simply are stretched to the max, logistically and financially (read, we’ve been left to hung out and dry). Why are we issuing an ultimatum? Because the country (US) who ‘encouraged’ us to get on board in the first place and our other NATO allies, have largely abandoned us to slog it out on our own in the southern provinces. My point is Carpro, we were initially asked to get involved in a non-combat support role, and slowly but surely, have been drawn into a combat role which the Canadian public did not ask for, nor get to vote on. I support the troops and I understand the rationale (even though I don’t like it), but it doesn’t change the fact that we were enticed into Afghanistan under false pretences by Dubya for one role and then left with no choice but to take up the slack when GI Joe moved on.
You can hardly blame the rest of the world for keeping a wary eye on Dubya and potential hotspots should he (or any of your presidential candidates for that matter) decide to flex your military muscles elsewhere or did you not want anyone else in the world who now has a vested interest (and I believe after 6 years Canucks have a vested interest) to make a comment?
Oh, and one more thing, Carpro, (“beyond the normal Canadian whining about America, that is”), I’m betting that nearly 6700 Americans on 38 flights redirected
(by your FAA), from NY city to Gander, Newfoundland on 9/11, will no doubt be surprised to know that my Canadian cousins (I’m Newfie) who graciously (and spur of the moment I might add), housed, clothed and fed them for a number of shell-shocked days, are actually deemed a bunch of whiners according to you.
I’m also willing to bet that the families of 4 Canadian soldiers killed & 8 others wounded by 2 American pilots that bombed them during a training exercise in Kandahar in 2002, can take great comfort knowing that they too are just a bunch of whiners, according to you.
Thank you for setting all us Canucks straight.
