- Harper, MacKay, Here's a Progressive Concept: "They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." - Isaiah 2:4 & Micah 4:3

Posted: 10:36 AM on November 9, 2010
U.S. military commanders would like Canadian trainers to continue in-field training, in which they accompany Afghan troops on combat missions, Canada ponders plan to keep nearly 1,000 troops in Afghanistan, Campbell Clark and Doug Saunders, Globe and Mail, Nov. 09, 2010
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canada-ponders-plan-to-keep-nearly-1000-troops-in-afghanistan/article1790900/

The MacKay 'training mission' wouldn't include F-35's by any chance.

I hope not, but Stephen Harper, Peter MacKay and the Conservative Party seem to be throwing out anything to con Canadians into the 65 F-35's purchase.

I am surprised that Dimitri Soudas hasn't issued a statement about how Canada's use of F-35's in Afghanistan is vital to our national security - but wait, the day's not over.

"continue in-field training" is an obvious euphemism for 'active combat' and not likely to hoodwink Canadians.

Any continued participation in Afghanistan ought to be aimed at economic development.

The recent news that there is approx $1 trillion in minerals affords a real opportunity to help in rebuilding Afghanistan - vis.:

"The previously unknown deposits — including huge veins of iron, copper, cobalt, gold and critical industrial metals like lithium — are so big and include so many minerals that are essential to modern industry that Afghanistan could eventually be transformed into one of the most important mining centers in the world, the United States officials believe."
(NYT, 13 Jun.'10)

Given Canada's long history and expertise in mining certainly we can assist them in this regard. It may even supplant their current cash crop - poppies.

It would also tend to loosen the grip by the Taliban since they obtain a considerable amount of their funding from the poppy crops and it is easy for them to 'interact with' farmers. However, it is hard to see them exerting much direct influence in the mining industry and if they "beat their IED's into Caterpillars", that can't be a be bad thing, can it.

Also, if Canada leaves Afghanistan other countries will step in and give assistance - in developing its resources.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html