Canada? WTF?
As politicians hit hustings, Canada’s Libya mission flies under the radar
“Mission creep has already happened,” retired major-general Lewis Mackenzie said, referring to the French military’s widening of its attacks beyond the UN’s formal confines. But Canada’s role has also expanded: Our troops went on a mission to rescue people in the line of fire, then to deliver aid, then to escort sorties. Now they’re dropping bombs.
As the allies try to make up the rules of humanitarian intervention on the spot, there’s a good chance one of them will push those boundaries and encourage others to do the same. Which is why it’s essential, Mr. Mackenzie said, for Canada to resist the temptation of mission creep and make sure the CF-18s operate within the defined UN limits.
“We have to watch what they are permitted to attack,” he said. “I don’t think it’s been clearly determined at the political or military level.”
The ever-changing role of the mission was made clear earlier this week when two CF-18s undertook air-to-ground attacks – an evolution from the original strategy of opposing Libyan jets and helicopters.
No country in the coalition is more vulnerable to feelings of uncertainty than Canada, given the fact that it has been more a follower than a leader in a quickly organized intervention led with varying degrees of aggression by the French, the British and the more reluctant Americans.
“Much of the so-called debate about humanitarian intervention has been carried on by our neighbours,” Prof. Nossal notes. “We went along with an outcome that was determined in Europe.”
0bama. The gift that keeps on giving.
How big is the Canadian Air Force exactly?
This Libyan fiasco is turning into a bad episode of South Park.
Canada a big presence in Libya, despite Security Council snub
Surely Muslim states now regret having spearheaded the drive to keep Canada off the United Nations Security Council last October.
After all, of the three states vying back then for the council’s two vacant “Western” spots, Canada alone is actively upholding last week’s council resolution aimed at saving civilian Muslim lives in Libya.
But Canadians should expect no thanks from the 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference, the world’s biggest Islamic coalition, for already deploying a frigate and six fighter jets to help enforce the internationally authorized no-fly zone over Libya — and for announcing Thursday two maritime patrol planes will be added to the deployment.
A senior Islamic official said Muslims would be skeptical of Canada’s intentions, “if asked.”
“The first answer would not necessarily be that Canada is there to save civilian lives,” the official said, asking not to be identified in keeping with diplomatic protocol at the UN when giving “background” interviews. “Canada would be seen more as helping the Western alliance.”
Cruising on a tour boat out of Victoria BC an announcement was made that if one hurried to the starboard side they’ld have the opportunity to see a GU - 11 take off from a Canadian Aircraft carrier.
Laughter broke out when everyone discovered a floating log with a have dozen seagulls on it.
Bouchard? Zat would make him French Canadian eh?
Get with the program, program!