Dion's Afghanistan balancing act could be toppled by internal tensions

"As far as Dion is concerned, the ball is in Harper's court. "From there, we'll react.""
Loosely translated: Dion will sit back and say and do nothing and once Harper acts Dion will openly criticize his decisions in an effort to make himself look good.

Thats entirely what Harper did when he was in opposition and what he has done since day one.

It stands to reason that Harper has to present a plan of action before anybody can decide to support it. Thats just logical.

yeah Derby you're right because thats what the opposition does, however they are supposed to do what is ultimately best for our country and keep the government somewhat honest.

the LPC is a party that is lost and is on the verge of self-destruction, which is why Harper is now the PM. He has taken what was left him by the previous government and is committed to see the mission through until the end which was a UN mandated 2011 not this never-ending war Dion claims will happen.

At least Harper has a solid plan which i smore than you can say of Dion, at least if he tried to be consistent he might actually make a difference. The only differnece he is making is that the NDP might be the next official opposition.....wow I just shuddered.

I have been saying that both the Libs and CPC need to work togeather and got laughed at and insulted by people who mistakenly think just like you that "they are on the verge of destruction".

Its like listening to Cheney tell everybody the insurgency is on the verge of destruction 3 years ago. If they are so down and out then why are they polling neck and neck?

As for Harpers plan thats just not true. In fact that Manley report resembled the Liberal plan as posted by Ripcat, a fact thats often left out by the con pundits.

Regardless, you have already told me that becasue of what happened to your father you hate the Liberals and will always hate them regardless of what they do so your opinion is questionable and biased to say the least.

Can Dion go more than week and keep the same opinions and policies?


history says no. Even other liberals are getting annoyed!


Deal with it!

Thats entirely what Harper did when he was in opposition and what he has done since day one.

It stands to reason that Harper has to present a plan of action before anybody can decide to support it. Thats just logical.

Dion’s position up until now has been to end Canada’s combat role in Afghanistan by 2009 and to assume reconstruction roles. Hiller himself has stated that this is an unrealistic expectation as any role in southern Afghanistan will have to be a combat role. Yes, it is the opposition’s role to objectively criticize the government but the key word there is “objectivityâ€

Can Harper? Nope. Same deal.

Don't waste Canada, vote Liberal.

Thats entirely what Harper did when he was in opposition and what he has done since day one.

It stands to reason that Harper has to present a plan of action before anybody can decide to support it. Thats just logical.

Dion’s position up until now has been to end Canada’s combat role in Afghanistan by 2009 and to assume reconstruction roles. Hiller himself has stated that this is an unrealistic expectation as any role in southern Afghanistan will have to be a combat role. Yes, it is the opposition’s role to objectively criticize the government but the key word there is “objectivityâ€

What Hillier disagreed with is the idea that one can do reconstruction without engaging in combat with an enemy when they attack. As a soldier I don't know too many who would wish for combat, but I do get your point. Your last line should be required reading for most left-wing persons who protest at military bases when we deploy somewhere they don't agree with as it is ALWAYS the government who tells the military what to do and not the other way around.

What Hillier disagreed with is the idea that one can do reconstruction without engaging in combat with an enemy when they attack. As a soldier I don't know too many who would wish for combat, but I do get your point. Your last line should be required reading for most left-wing persons who protest at military bases when we deploy somewhere they don't agree with as it is ALWAYS the government who tells the military what to do and not the other way around.

Nobody said they could avoid it nor would anybody suggest they sit idily by. Do you believe that is the Liberal position? It sounds to me like they want the Afghan army to actually take over and control their own destiny. Its rather sad and pitiful that people protest at army bases for the decisions made by the gov't. I don't know who said it but it goes "People shouldn't blame the military for the wars they are asked to fight".

Mind you the reciprocal should also be true in that people not wanting a war or wanting to bring the troops home shouldn't be called cowards or traitors as in my opinion its just as wrong.

Now, not to be argumentative but there are quite a few right-wingers (mostly christians) protesting the wars. Evident in that retard protesting at military funerals in the states.

Those scum bags are not right wingers, they are wing nuts.

True. I think the same about the so-called left wingers who protest at army nases and blame soldiers for political decisions.

Hiller was only pointing out the obvious. You don’t have to be a member of Canada’s top brass to see that putting troops in the middle of a combat zone to do reconstruction work is a bad idea. Dion is apparently oblivious to this.




Exactly, maybe Dion should get off his ass and start voting instead of abstaining because he’s too afraid to push an election. If Canadians truly support his positions this shouldn’t be a problem but he knows they don’t and that’s why he has been content to sit by on the side lines doing pretty much nothing with his thumb up his ass. Dion loves to throw out platitudes about this and that but when it actually comes time to do something about it he abstains.




I’m simply pointing out that even Layton has come forward with realistic and workable solution. I don’t agree with it but at least he has the courage to stand up and be counted. Dion, by sticking with his ridiculous “non-combatâ€

No. He doesn't want to have to adopt a different role which is what is being proposed. Nobody suggested the troops avoid combat and nobody suggested they won't have to engage in it. The suggestion is that the Afghans lead the way and we concentrate on reconstruction and using the military to protect reconstruction projects as their main mission.

Its patently dishonest to say that Dion is oblivious to this becasue that is not what he suggested at all and its that type of partisan nonesense that will ensure failure.



Wrong. Where you as critical of the CPC when they abstained in the same manner? If Harper was truly supported by the people then he would have stood up and said it. He didn't because he didn't want to be held accountable for an election. Thats not leadership just as much as you think the Liberal abstain position.

I’m simply pointing out that even Layton has come forward with realistic and workable solution. I don’t agree with it but at least he has the courage to stand up and be counted. Dion, by sticking with his ridiculous “non-combatâ€Â