The Canadian House of Commons is currently considering a Conservative motion to extend Canada's combat role in Afghanistan. Here's a better one!

Whereas Canada has a proud, 50-year tradition as peacekeepers under the auspices of the United Nations, and as an “honest broker” on the world scene;

● whereas Canada mistakenly provided combat support for the illegal and unjust war and occupation of Afghanistan, in violation of international law and the UN charter, as the war was not in self-defence and did not have Security Council authorization;

● whereas Canada was guilty of timid acquiescence to America’s manipulation of NATO’s treaty and mandate, which organization does not have UN authority to wage war in Afghanistan in perpetuity;

● whereas Canada has been guilty of, complicit in or turned a blind eye to other, almost-certain war crimes, including the use of depleted uranium and cluster bombs and other weapons of mass destruction, the unnecessary killing and maiming of tens of thousands of civilians, the kidnapping and torture of prisoners without 800 year-old habeus corpus rights, the destruction of non-military targets and war-profiteering;

● whereas the war has caused the unnecessary deaths of 79 Canadians and hundreds more to be maimed for life;

● whereas the war has cost Canada several billion dollars that could have been put to caring and peaceful uses, in Afghanistan and other destitute countries;

● whereas the war is unwinnable in five or fifty more years, as there is a never-ending supply of Taliban and Pashtun fighters, indigenous and foreign jihadists, guerillas and others who are willing to give up their lives to fight “Western” occupation until we leave;

● whereas the wars against Afghanistan, Iraq and terrorism generally have been disasters from the beginning, resulting in unconscionable attacks on our rights and freedoms and increasing, not decreasing, the threat of terrorist attacks, at home and abroad; and

● whereas the Americans and the British are our best friends and closest allies, and Canada can help bring them back into the multilateral fold;

Be it resolved that Canada take immediate steps to restore its international reputation as an independent voice for collective security and as peacekeepers, dedicated to the sovereignty of nations, the rule of law, democracy and human rights. These steps include that:

● Canada confirm it will meet its NATO commitments but otherwise announce a halt to all offensive activities in Afghanistan, and the complete withdrawal of all offensive fighters and equipment by February, 2009;

● Canada immediately engage its NATO allies to re-examine the alliance’s support for this war, as Afghanistan didn’t attack any member country, and poses no threat;

● Canada work with NATO, Muslim and other nations to present a credible peace and development plan to the UN, including:

 the unilateral cessation of all offensive military activity by NATO and American forces,

 replacement by a truly UN-authorized peacekeeping force, mainly comprising Muslim forces, supported by neighbouring nations and with Canadian assistance, if requested,

 a truce, reasonable amnesty, national reconciliation and peace talks among all Afghan parties, leading to agreement on human rights, the distribution of spending and truly free and fair elections,

 recognition that Western-style, secular democracy cannot be forced on any country, especially Muslim nations,

 reparations where it can be proven that any NATO member violated international laws and conventions to which they are signatories, and

 measures to ensure Afghanistan police and military forces have the mandate, numbers, training and equipment to capture any remaining members of al Qaeda and to protect against future terrorist activity;

● Canada be forceful in its diplomatic efforts to achieve meaningful peace, and be generous with its aid, such as amounts equal to what it has wasted on combat operations;

● Canada also review and cancel a litany of Canadian military arrangements with the Americans that amount to blatant and also secret support of their Iraq war, as Iraq didn’t attack us either;

● in the interests of accountability, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Hillier, be replaced, as he pushed for this unnecessary war, in his own haunting words, to “kill scumbags;”

● Canada immediately undertake a review of its security agencies and arrangements relating to American-imposed requirements that violate Canadians' rights and freedoms; and

● Canada ensure all soldiers and others who served in Afghanistan on its behalf, and their families, receive proper, lifelong care.

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Richard Sharp



About author Richard Sharp has been a privacy and human rights manager, consultant and advocate for three decades.