Canada must continue in Afghanistan

It's hard to ask fellow Canadians to put themselves in harm's way, especially in light of last week's tragic events which saw six more of our service personnel fall victim in Afghanistan.

But as members of the world community, that is what we must do.

As York - Simcoe MP Peter Van Loan pointed out last week, Canada is one of 37 countries taking part in this United Nations sanctioned mission to try to bring stability to an area that has been dominated for so long by terrorist groups.

Canada has to do its bit. It's very easy for some to say it's not our problem. But such arguments fall flat on a number of levels.

For one thing, the whole U.N. contingent could leave, and the government and people of Afghanistan can be left to the tender mercies of those who plant bombs along roads, or who sanction the hijacking of aircraft so they can be flown into office buildings during the middle of work days.

But Canadians are not in the habit of turning their backs on international obligations. In fact, Canadian military personnel have developed a reputation of taking on the tough assignments and bringing them to successful conclusions.

Which country's soldiers took Vimy Ridge?

And let us not forget our obligations on the war on terror. While the dreadful attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 were launched against the United States, Canadian lives were lost that day as well. And Canada is not immune from terrorist attacks. Indeed, some sources have clearly indicated we're a target.

And terrorists are very much active these days, as they surely were for 9-11. In Britain in the last couple of weeks, officials averted terrorist attacks that could have had appalling consequences.

The loss of one Canadian military representative in Afghanistan is tragic, as is the loss of six, and talk of our international obligations are admittedly small comfort to the family and friends of the fallen.

But it is also reality that these people know there are risks involved, and they accept them.

It was heartening to hear that federal Liberals, through the voice of Oak Ridges - Markham MP Lui Temelkovski, are prepared to see the mission continue, at least until February 2009. After that, we anticipate there will be a lively discussion between the political parties in Ottawa and the views of all their constituents on whether things should continue.

It's far too early to speculate on where such discussions will go. Please God, there will be no more Canadians fatalities to be subject of such debate. But if there are, let us make sure that we consider our international obligations to the men, women and children with whom we share this planet. And the consequences of meekly letting the terrorists call the shots.