Canada may keep non-combat troops in Afghanistan until 2014

[Newsjock]

Source: Canadian Press

The Harper government is considering a proposal to keep hundreds of Canadian troops in Afghanistan until 2014 in a non-combat, training role, the Canadian Press has learned.

The move would extend Canada's military presence in Afghanistan three years past the July 2011 withdrawal deadline set by Parliament.

... U.S. Senator John McCain ... suggested Sunday there could be a role for Canadian soldiers in training the Afghan military — an idea promoted by Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff but so far rejected by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

“We respect the Canadian government's domestic as well as foreign policy needs but we would really, really appreciate if the Canadian government and people could see their way clear to continue (a) presence, at least in the training area,” Mr. McCain told CTV's “Question Period.”

Read more: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/canada-may-keep-non-combat-troops-in-afghanistan-until-2014/article1788944/

[socialshockwave]

1. I have to laugh a moment

at an American politician telling OUR Canadian Military what to do.

Then again, Stephen Harper is convinced to suck up to the Republicrats so much...he'll probably do it and give a free shoe-shine while he's there.

[Posteritatis]

3. It happens often enough; I'm glad Harper wasn't in charge while Celluci was ambassador. (nt)

[polly7]

2. I suggest John McCain go * himself.

That warmonger makes me literally ill, if Harper lets him influence his thinking in any way, he's even stupider than I thought.

[irislake]

4. How wonderful!

How very very wonderful! I must go out somewhere and celebrate.

[bemildred]

5. Little pink pigs may fly out of my butt. nt

[Turborama]

6. Canada 'to extend' Afghan mission

Source: Al Jazeera English

Last Modified: Nov 09 2010 02:58 GMT

Canada could keep up to 1,000 soldiers in a non-combat role in Afghanistan through 2014 as part of
a plan to extend its mission beyond a mid-2011 deadline.

CBC public television reported on Monday that up to 750 trainers and at least 200 support staff would work outside the combat zone at a training academy or large training facility for Afghan soldiers and police officers.

On Sunday, Peter MacKay, Canada's defence minister, said Canada was "considering" keeping troops in the war-ravaged nation beyond its parliamentary-mandated mid-2011 exit.

His comments came just two weeks ahead of a Nato summit in Lisbon, just as Canada comes under growing pressure from the United States and other allies to extend its Afghan mission.

Read more: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2010/11/201011904741985694.html

[HEyHEY]

7. We've done our bit, time to go home.