Oops! Pardon the security breach
You know, the Conservatives have repeatedly blocked any members of the opposition from visiting Afghanistan, saying that their presence would put the troops at risk. (Visits by the Conservatives themselves apparently being far less risky.) What they failed to tell everyone, is that the reason opposition visits would be so risky, is because the Conservatives would blab to everyone about their itinerary.
The two politicians also toured a forward operating base in the Zhari region, where Canadian Forces soldiers are training their Afghan counterparts to fight the Taliban.
It was known they had travelled to Kabul, but the details of their trip to southern Afghanistan and their visit to the base were kept secret to protect them from attack.
But Helena Guergis, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, revealed in a Saturday statement criticizing Dion that he would be visiting the Canadian unit called the provincial reconstruction team, or PRT.
"I think he should apologize to our troops while he is touring the PRT in safety," she said.
And I'm not sure this is the best excuse:
A Guergis spokesperson said the minister didn't actually know Dion would visit the base, but that she assumed he would because his visit to Afghanistan wouldn't be complete unless he did.
Saying that some high value targets will be traveling to a certain location because you assume they will rather than actually knowing they will doesn't change the fact that you put that location, and the soldiers stationed there, high up on the enemies hit list. No change in intent or the possible consequences.
Get her the hell out.
