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Afghanistan
Canada to keep troops in Afghanistan until 2009
2006-05-18
OTTAWA - Lawmakers voted on Wednesday to extend CanadaÂ’s combat mission in Afghanistan to 2009, on the same day a female Canadian soldier died in a major battle with Taleban militants in the war-torn country.

After six hours of debate in the House of Commons late Wednesday, Prime Minister Stephen HarperÂ’s motion to keep Canadian troops in Afghanistan for two years beyond their planned February 2007 exit was passed 149 votes to 145.
Once again Harper scores a quiet, clear victory in the House. Amazing what competence and a little humility can do.
Canada currently has 2,300 troops in Afghanistan, mostly in the southern region where militants loyal to the Taleban government toppled by a US-led coalition in late 2001 are particularly active.
Posted by:Steve White

#6  What was that rumble? Ahhh, Canada just shifted ever so slightly to the right.

Harper is continuing to increase in popularity polls. I'm hoping the majority of Canadians can get behind his "We're not just extending our mission, we want to lead the Nato force." (as offered). I'm hoping this will appeal to national sense of pride, almost dead now, and recommitment and somehow better understanding of this WOT.

This continues, the majority may not be so slim the next vote.

A girl can dream.
Posted by: Thinemp Whimble2412   2006-05-18 19:21  

#5  I am glad a majority however slim voted to do the right thing.

Thank you Canada.
Posted by: SPoD   2006-05-18 15:05  

#4  Many more Grits are actually pro-deployment than voted for it

Then they have a funny way of showing their support. Harper made it clear that this vote was primarily a show of support for the troops in Afghanistan, so that they would know that Parliament stands behind them and their mission. Harper also said that he would extend the mission for one year, even without Parliament. So the only thing at play here was whether Afghanistan becomes an election issue for the next election (which will probably come in less than two years).

Apparently some Liberals took the low road, opting to go for cheap anti-war (and mostly anti-American) votes.
Posted by: Great White Polar Bear   2006-05-18 13:36  

#3  Everyone oughta go over to Captain Ed's blog and throw a little change in his tip jar and a note wishing his wife well. Without his coverage of Canadian politix last summer, Canada would still be stuck with the cretinous Paul Martin.

Thanks Captain!

And thank you, Canada.
Posted by: Seafarious   2006-05-18 09:56  

#2  Once again Harper scores a quiet, clear victory in the House. Amazing what competence and a little humility can do.

From your lips to God's ears, Steve.
Posted by: Ptah   2006-05-18 09:52  

#1  IIUC the vote total doesnt reflect the substantive support in parliament. While BQ and NDP want a pullout, many Liberals voted no cause they didnt like that Harper didnt give them customary warning of a debate on a topic this important. Many more Grits are actually pro-deployment than voted for it.
Posted by: Liberalhawk   2006-05-18 09:48  

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