Bringing the troops home (to Kabul)


Back in April I called the NDP's contribution to the Afghan debate sophisticated. At the time I meant it as a compliment to their political prowess. By only asking questions Layton and his MPs were cultivating the ambivalence about the mission felt by many Canadians. Then a few weeks ago at their national convention the party called for "the safe and immediate withdrawal of Canadian troops from Afghanistan." That seemed pretty clear. Anti-war activists celebrated as Layton told them "We're going to bring our troops home."

Sophisticated has more than one meaning. It can mean worldly, complicated, intricate. It can also mean deceptive and misleading.

This past weekend Layton clarified his position, much to the anger of his party's left wing. He told CBC news that he was never in favour of withdrawing Canada's troops from Afghanistan. He only wants them out of the southern province of Kandahar.

Brother Glavin says this contrived ambiguity isn't fooling anyone.

Layton has an op-ed in today's Toronto Star, asserting once again that the mission is unbalanced and ill-defined. So he's advocating retreat. As much as I respect his ability to craft a sound bite and confuse the electorate, he has yet to impress me with a comprehensive critique and alternative to the current plan. This isn't sophisticated any more, it's shameful.

One person who has made a substantive contribution to the debate is John Polanyi. The Nobel laureate is calling for the legalization of Afghanistan's poppy harvest. Unlike Layton, he makes his case with a reasoned argument.

And all is not lost within the NDP. At the convention MP Peter Stoffer spoke against the resolution for immediate withdrawal. Delegate Dave Mann made the case to stay and fight.

Posted: Tue - September 26, 2006 at 12:04 PM          

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