Hillier asks Ottawa for clear Afghanistan mandate

Parliament needs to give Canada's troops "clarity of purpose" in Afghanistan because Canadians are battling an opportunistic enemy that is striking at perceived weakness, the country's top soldier said Friday.

Gen. Rick Hillier, chief of defence staff, even suggested that a recent spate of suicide bombing attacks in Afghanistan is a result of political indecision in Ottawa.

"In the eyes of the Taliban we are in a window of extreme vulnerability," Hillier said of the debate surrounding the government motion to extend the Kandahar mission from 2009 to the end of 2011.

"The longer we go without that clarity, with the issue in doubt, the more the Taliban will target us as a perceived weak link."

Hillier was speaking at a defence conference in Ottawa and said a clear and robust mandate with political and public support is the least the troops in Afghanistan can ask for.

"I'll ask this on their behalf, is it too much to ask that our Parliament . . . show their support for the men and women who will execute the mission by voting overwhelmingly to support them in the danger and risks they will encounter."

Liberal defence critic Denis Coderre said on Mike Duffy Live that he took that as Hillier asking Parliament to support the current motion. But Conservative Laurie Hawn, the parliamentary secretary for defence, responded that Hillier was referring to a separate motion.

The Tory motion announced Thursday has Canada setting a firm end of 2011 as a date to leave the volatile region of Kandahar. It also includes a Liberal proposal to focus the mission on training and reconstruction after next February.

But Hillier also said that his military needed to be able to go after threats on the ground, noting that Canadian troops had recently hunted down six Taliban commanders who masterminded attacks against coalition soldiers.

He reminded his audience of the 1990s in Bosnia, where UN troops were limited to self-defence and often couldn't intervene against ethnic cleansing.

Hillier's comments were echoed by retired Maj. Gen. Lewis MacKenzie, who spoke Friday to Canada AM.

"You (have to) push the enemy away from development projects," MacKenzie said. "You can't just circle the covered wagons around (the projects)."

MacKenzie also expressed surprise on how slow the political response has been to extend the Afghan mission following the independent panel's, led by John Manley, report on the mission.

"I'm really amazed it took this long to come to a compromise," MacKenzie said of the Conservative and Liberal positions.

Much of the difference between the two parties' motions on Afghanistan had to do with the Liberal's insistence that Canada be replaced by another NATO county in the lead combat role in Afghanistan.

The new government motion is not so specific and could only mean that NATO must send more troops to reinforce the Canadian contingent.

Comments are now closed for this story

David Dunlop
said

Air Chief Marshal Frank Robert Miller 1964�1966
General Jean-Victor Allard 1966�1969
General Frederick Ralph Sharp 1969�1972
General Jacques Alfred Dextraze 1972�1977
Admiral Robert Hilborn Falls 1977�1980
General Ramsey Muir Withers 1980�1983
General G�rard Charles �douard Th�riault 1983�1986
General Paul David Manson 1986�1989
General John de Chastelain 1989�1993
Admiral John Rogers Anderson 1993
General John de Chastelain 1994�1995
General Joseph �douard Jean Boyle 1996
Vice-Admiral Larry Murray (Acting) 1996�1997
General Maurice Baril 1997�2001
General Raymond Henault 2001�2005
General Rick Hillier 2005�present

General Rick Hillier shines by any standard.

Moe
said

General Hillier needs to speak for his troops and he has done that. For those of you saying he is playing politics, you are wrong. No one else can be the voice for the men and women of our Forces on the ground and he did it because it had to be done. Well done!

Mike
said

This guy makes me proud to be Canadian. He speaks his mind and tells it like it is. Bravo Mr. Hillier.

Gord
said

I agree with both Generals. In fact, we should stay there until it's done....stay the course....we have the resources if we want them. Sad to say, this country does not have the political will to do much of anything worthy with our military. We have the best, let's use 'em....that's what they train for. 2011 then some

Sharon
said

It has been a long time in coming but Canadians are finally lucky enough to have a CDS who stands behind what he believes in.. We have had the weak "yes" men for far too long.. Congratulations to Gen. Hillier and I hope he remains in the job for many years..

John
said

When the government screws around the military like it does, Hillier has a right to talk and ask for a clear mandate. While yes the government tells the military what to do, IT CAN NOT TELL THE MILITARY HOW. Do you tell your doctor how to do his job? No, and the government shouldnt be telling the military how to do theirs. this is what we need done, go do it, period.

An Irritaded Edward in Vancouver
said

As a leader of our armed forces, Hillier has just as much, perhaps even more right, to mouth off his opinion as he is on the front lines, unlike those who write with great conviction from their livingroom or office. Grow up, there is no resemblance between Nazi Germany and Hillier asking parliament to extend the mission. Absolute unproductive rhetoric that's all it is. Hillier is on the front lines, his first commitment is to his troops. The decisions that are made here, by our politicains, affect Hillier and our troops, and their lives so yes he has every right to speak his mind. This is a democracy as some of you loike to point out and so it is his democratic right to voice it. Those who want to silence Hillier's democratic right to speak in the interest of our troops in Afghanistan ought to look in the mirror and consider who is being "undemocratic."

Johnny
said

We've done our duty. We can be proud of what we've done. It is time for another NATO nation to do some heavy lifting. It's not good for us to do all the work. It makes the other countries complacent. Best to share the burden. My 0.02 cents worth.

F Ressler
said

This guy has got Prime Minister written all over him.

scottb
said

Our General is right. The Taliban know we are a democratic country, and our leaders' opposition can use the caskets that come back to Canada as leverage for their own campaigns. We must not show weakness, because that is what they prey upon. We are at war. When you are in a fight, you do not compromise, you fight to destroy your enemy, before they do the same to you.

minuteman
said

For all you people who think that Hillier is trying to undermine the government, you are dead wrong. If the government said pack up and get on the plane tomorrow, he would say "Yes Sir" and carry on. He is looking for clear, intelligent direction from our politicians and he is not getting it. The only "end date" you can have in a war is the day you win, or lose. By saying that we will come home in 2011, is basically saying that in 2011 we surrender. If we do this the Taliban will sit around and wait for us to leave and then take over again. To win this war we have to crush them. I don't care one way or another whether we stay or come home, but we cannot win a war under these circumstances. If we do not intend to see it through we might as well leave now. If we do intend to win, let the generals do it. Thats what they're trained to do.

Garry
said

I too had a career in the CF. The CDS is not the leader of the Department of National Defence (the Minister is). The CDS is the senior member of the Canadian Forces. That said, Gen. Hillier - in his comments - did NOT question Government Policy but questioned Parliament. The bottom line is this - if Gen. Hillier does not speak for our troops in Afghanistan, who will. It is his job to do so. As for speaking publicly, one only has to look at the transcripts of the Congressional Record in the US to see what their members of the Joint Chiefs say before the Armed Services Committee. His comments in a democratic society are not unusual. One cannot fault the General for speaking the truth.

psiclone
said

I as with a few others here am getting tired of the defeatist attitude by some of the posters. First things first we are not losing the war ... we are not winning either ... however once we get the extra battlegroup and a NATO partner I am quite sure that the bad guy body count will be increasing rapidly as well both Hillary and Obama have said that they wish to withdraw slowly from Iraq and increase thier committment to Afghanistan so I would say that around next year this time the only exit startegy we will have to be concerned with is the one used by the taliban and their ilk when looking for one of their caves.

Ken
said

I think we needed this update from Hillier and I appreciated it. Reading the comments following the article has confirmed to me that Liberal/NDP folks harbour distain for the military and in themselves are actually insecure...how sad and frankly a little scary..

Barry
said

Harper�s terrorists affable, gutless Conservatives government has caved into the far left- wing Liberals and have promulgated to the Taliban terrorists that all they have to do to take domination of Afghanistan is to wait until Canada surrenders in 2011. The Taliban now know that Canada will cut and run in 2011, and that afterwards they can slaughter all the women and children they want; just like the old days!

Today Harper advised the world that, rather than being a credible world player, we will be a spineless wimp that will continue to rely on the Americans, who they loathe, to provide our security.

Canada has taken this unprincipled position knowing that they will be contributing to the terrorists� ability to win the war on terrorism. Harper is willing to imperil Canadian sovereignty, and embarrass our troops including those who have died in fain, just to make a political decision which he expects will get him re-elected. The fact is that his strictly political decision leaves Canada�s security imperil. This insane decision leaves us legitimate conservatives to wonder how far this extremely ambitious politicians will go to get re-elected?

Canadians wonder why Harper announced that our defense spending will increase since our "soft power" defense policy appears to be afraid to actually fight anyone.

O.T.
said

Dave in Surrey - Democratic debate if all parties had a realistic view of what we have accomplished, which is significant, what we are going to accomplish and pain and suffering we would leave behind if we left are something good politicans could debate, but three parties out of four in Canada are defeatist surrendercrats, and refuse to see the value of what we are doing. By the way, there is no peace to keep. We are working on that. Freedom is free, but it is not cheap. God Bless Harper and God Bless Hillier. Both are the best in their respective positions, that this great country as ever had.

Bob fr Pet
said

Soldier here, 42 years. I haven' been to Afghanistan, my son has. I've seen films of what the so-called, heaven forbid, the "poor defenceless Taliban" who are so poorly treated when captured. What they do to the innocent women and children who try to learn, whatever. They are shot, hung, hands cut off for doing what they do. I know this is strong wording, but mabye this will hit home to the people who don't believe in what the allies are doing there. Will Layton and the Liberals even read or look into this, probaly not. I really don't think that they care. I'll stop rambling. Again Greg good write up.

tired
said

Having retired after +41 years, I have concerns with CDS.
First I would like to comment on the past.
The Libs did make big cuts to DND -JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER DEPARTMENT. If there is a choice between health care, education or Defence. Defence loses. If people remember back to the DIF (Con PM) and his cuts to Defence, one understands. The Department has spent our future. What happens to the equip when the cuts come, as they will. Will we let it rust, or give it away for a buck. The Dept is like any other group, growth is good. But, first we could do it with what we had, then we needed bigger guns, tanks, aircraft (manned and unmanned). That country has been fought over for hundreds of years. Can't we learn. Maybe the Generals should give their rank and pension away to the guys they put in danger, for what. The Libs should say NORTH OR OUT. If the majority of NATO see no value, why do we.As for the CDS, his concern is for the task the gov'n gives him. To comment on policy IN UNIFORM is wrong. When the Admirals didn't support intergation, they took off their uniforms and then raised comments on Gov'n policy. He may be a leader of Dept BUT NOT GOV'N.

Bob C
said

I find it unbelievable some of the defeatist comments being posted by some who obviously have little knowledge of the real world. Wake up lefties (lib/ndp) as all of your expectations and demands depend on your freedom not on your aquiesence to idealism of the moment.

D. Anjel Slauenwhite
said

Interestingly enough our democratically "elected officials" as was stated above, use this issue and the many others as political gainage for upcoming (eventual elections). It's all a device to use to energize their bases. Commentary to feed their in-pocket votes and generally stand out against one another.

The fact that Hiller is using a media platform and making political statements is a matter of course these days where most of the political battles are fought out in the media. To quote G.W Bush it's "hearts and minds" both domestically and abroad.

To accomplish anything on a governmental level with policy makers, it's now on the public stage where the people and pressure therein counts more then reports submitted to the chains of command.

True democracy is those representatives whom we elect to represent us actually represent us. However how can they represent us without we the people having the information we need to make informed decisions. Quite frankly I'd rather here the military realities from the military, not filtered through the lens of our politico's whom each have their own agenda.

Mind you the military has it's own agenda of course, every branch and member of the top level in our government and military has an agenda. But without that information and those point of views to draw from, the public will and can only vote or debate in directions we have available to us.

Right or wrong no longer matters so much as whom has the sup[port of the people. That's politics in it's base nature and has been so, since the first person rose to take a place over a collection of people.

And a side thought before I finish, All, -All- military actions in this day and age is a political matter, there is no straight forward war anymore. Top level military commanders need to be politically minded, both in how they approach their mission, but also if they wish to remain in their commands. Politics moves the world on an equal footing with commerce.

Edward J. Samson CD
said

Ed from Newfoundland & Lab (40 year military Career, 28 1/2 yrs Reg remainder Reserve)
James and Les Brost are pretty near bang on in their comments. Rick Hillier is praised as a great military leader. But great military leaders in a democratic society don't question or second guess their elected political bosses, let alone make public statements. One of the first things that I was taught as a young member of the military was that it was not proper for me to make public statements about the role of the military. Rick Hillier, the top military person in Canada should know this better than anyone. I question his sense of the military. The problem is that nobody dares to question this man. His public statements does tend to confuse the general public. In my opinion, for what it's worth, Rick Hillier is not the best CDS this country has ever had. There has been better in the past. In fact General Raymond Henault will probably be remember in history in far better stead. Only my opinion.

Scott in Vancouver
said

To Steve, who writes, "military is the fine line between civilization and being babarians" -

No, a military under the authority of democratically elected representatives is the line between civil and barbaric societies. When the military enters politics, as Hillier has repeatedly done, that's when you get very scary societies, and oppressed masses. Chile, Nazi Germany, Pakistan... the list is endless.

Ian
said

General Hillier is pushing the envelope because the Government at any time can say "Services no longer required". He is of course correct in his words but the Government who likes to be there to show they care (not just the Conservatives) when the dead return for burial. I think the military has to be distanced from the Government to be able to do what is right for the lives of the Military Members.

Scott in Vancouver
said

Quite frankly, I would like to see Hillier, a non-elected official, shut his trap. He is showing flagrant and self-serving disregard for Canada's democratically elected representatives, and the position of the military in our democracy.

If he wants to speak personally on matters, fine, but a military official issuing political statements under the title of his position is completely unacceptable in Canada. His position does not, and can not, speak for or on behalf of the Government of Canada, and his position does not speak on behalf of 'the military'. Our Minister of Defence does that.

He should direct his statements directly to the Minister of Defence and the Prime Minister, and stay out of the media.

Who is giving the orders around here? Him, or our democratically elected representatives? Has our Minister of Defence lost control over this goof? Fire him.

Bob in Toronto
said

This debate is starting to sound like the debate the Americans are having over Iraq.In the Iraq situation the Generals ( and the Bush Administration) missed the mark completely.Canada has a NATO commitment and should honor it.If another 1000 trops are needed then why not send Canadian troops.We've waited long enough. As for the Taliban , they do not care how Canadians think . Read the history of the region. The Middle East is a quagmire and really not a place where foreign powers should meddle .A quote from the movie " The Kite Runner"- "Afghanistan is not kind to invaders". This may not end on a positive note.

NavyBob and father of Serving Soldier
said

Well Said and Well Done !! General Hillier.
To those who say the CDS crossed the line into politics, listen again and read the words aloud so that you that he did not.
He is in fact asking his political masters to give the forces a clear message, a clear mandate, and a clear stand for the forces to formulate the rules of engagement for the troops involved.
General Hillier is not being poltical he is repeating what every serving member of the forces is saying. Tell us clearly what our mission in Afghanistan is and we will do the job we have been trained for.
Ensuring that we have the clarity from Parliament so that we can go into the mission not looking over our shoulders for the pot shots from politicians is the least we can expect.
Again BRAVO ZULU Sir

Just passig through
said

Natter away all you want, Hillier. You're not changing my opinion by exceeding your authority by lecturing the Government.

Steve
said

As a person who was in Afghanistan, I can say that it's very refreshing to have a leader who has guts and tells the government like it is. His position IS a political one and therefore he has all the right in the world to offer his take. As for the posters who think the military is a waste of money. The military is the fine line between civilization and being babarians. If you don't think so, please travel to some third world nations where suffering is the norm. Most of the military DO travel to these places and know this. That's why I'm happy to serve this great nation.

GW
said

What the heck are we doing in the Middle East??? Does anyone really think the abundant radicals will ever sober up? Do people think that at some point they�re going to have some collective revelation like �hey you know we�re pretty messed up, maybe we should all try to be more civilized like the Canadians�.

The only reason we�re in Afghanistan is to support our neighbor to the south and the MAIN reason they�re in the Middle East is because of their addiction to oil and the big business that profits off this addiction and war in general.

None of us would have a terrorist problem if we all just quite sticking our noses in their business.

Frank from Toronto, ON
said

Mr. Hiller is totally wasting his time on focusing Canadian government to extend the mission!

Mr. Hiller said that it is a NATO mission, then why not he use his time and energy to convince and get the rotation from NATO countries because Canadian has done enough on the combat mission. It is the time for the rotation!

Mr. Hiller and Mr. Harper has failed the job as a leader for this country! I will not vote Harper in the next government!

Paul Vancouver Island
said

I must be confused, is General Hillier Chief of Defence Staff or Chief Government of Canada Public Relations Officer?

The General should be referring his remarks to the Minister of Defence not the media. He is a servant of the Government not a Government spokesperson.

His ego is far too big.

withheld
said

As a former CF Soldier, I can say that he has no choice but to become a bit political when it seems to get in the way of the Mission to help. Strange enough to say many Canadians couldn't even tell you one positive thing that has been accomplished by our Military and theres alot. They just don't like to see us die understandably, but we know the risks and its worth it.

Mike
said

I can't believe people still compare this mission to the Russian occupation. They wiped out whole villages and dropped down teddy bears with bomblets so that children can pick them up and get maimed. Of course, it didn't work for the Russians. How does this compare to our mission?

Ron
said

This is going to be such a mess when it is finally over. We don't understand anything about these people. Let's first try to stop calling this enemy the Taliban. Any history lesson would indicate the people prefer to be called Pashtuns. They are the local population (and those bad guys in Pakistan)that we are trying to control over there and it has been the same people through out history. These people don't like foriegners and never have, so why do we believe maybe a little democracy is what they want this time. There culture is older then any western culture. Maybe we can get them to convert religions next (already been done and failed). Hey we're the west and we know what is the best.

To the lemming comment, so true.

Walter
said

I think that the Taliban have to be crushed the same way the Nazis and Fascists were crushed in WW2. But defeating the Taliban is not enough so long as there is a hate mongering regime in Saudi Arabia that indoctrinates and finances extremists. By the way, one of these days Gen Hillier will have to retire from the military. I think he might make a good Prime Minister.

Wes
said

General Hillier is the leader or our military and having served in Afghanistan as a senior commander he is in the best poistion to explain the facts and realities of this situation. People seem to think that speaking realistically about the mission and giving his professional opion some how undermines democracy. He is doing his job by wanting to accaomplish the mission given to him by the previous government And by looking out for the welfare of our military personnel by not handcuffing them. And someone mentioned that we have become a one mission country. Canadian soldiers are currently deployed in support of various UN missions around the world. Just because people are unaware of these missions does not mean that they don't exist. And finally whats the point of half assing several missions instead of doing a good job on one? Why should we send troops to Africa if they would only be handcuffed and left unsupported by the Liberals and NDP?

Cee
said

Hillier is not the second coming! Where does he propose to get the troops to cover this mission until 2011. He has all ready vetted the military of most of his leadership based on medicals so now the 18 and 19 year old are going in and coming out in a box. Canada will look a lot worse if we lose because our troops have gone over the edge due to the amount of time they are away...it will blow up in your face hillier and I for one want to see it happen!!
Let's see if this is added to the comments ( I doubt it) and if so maybe mr hillier will even see it.

Micheal - A Canadian Soldier
said

As a soldier that has deployed to Afghanistan on more than one occasion and has lost close friends there, I believe that pulling out that early is a mistake. Afghanistan is not a car that you simply have to wait until the parts come in and you'll have it fixed over night. Our government needs to state that once the Afghan National Army & Police, which are operating in the Kandahar province, are combat ready and able to continue on what we have started for them, then we will start to withdraw our combat troops out of the region. I cannot see that happening by 2011. When it was only the PRT operating in the area and they had a small force protection group protecting them they were under constant attacks which they could only react to and eventually we lost personnel to extreme injury and death.

Unfortunately all I see are politicians in our government using another important issue to gain the upper hand on one another to gain power rather than doing the Canadian thing which is the right thing. Not only our we allowing another country and a people enjoy the same freedoms we do here in Canada but we are preventing Afghanistan turning back into the terrorist training ground the world had let it become in the past, which will prevent future attacks on our country.

I�m not saying that if Canadians pull out that the whole country would be lost but it sends a message out to terrorists that if they have to deal with Canadians in the future all they have to do is make it difficult and we�ll give up.

We need to send a clear message to every terrorist around the world to read their history. Canadians don�t back down or give up simply because you kill a few of us or make a few threats. That is one of the many reasons why I am proud to be a Canadian.

I was over there
said

I think its great that Gen. Hillier is saying what needs to be said, and the political parties need to stop making Afghanistan an issue they can try and load into a gun and shoot the other parties with. When we look weak its the soldiers that bear the brunt of the backlash of an enemy desperatly attempting to get us out so they can have thier brutal, oppresive regime back.Stephan Dion and Jack Layton have thier heads shoved so far in the dirt they can't see beyond getting elected. I for one certainly hope Canada stays the course because this mission has brought hope to millions. Hope that there is a brighter more fulfilling future than simply surviving the horrors of war and extreme poverty.

PBW
said

jerry g say "yes the Taliban are reading our papers and watching our TV from their caves."

That is just the point: our media supply them with the intelligence that will help them win. Who supplies the media with negative attitudes? Left wing politicians. Who suffers from roadside bombs when the taliban use their Canadian sourced intelligence? Our troops.

As others have said. Leave the policy making to politicians - who should then shut up, totally. Leave the implementation of that policy - without caveats - to the people who know what needs doing and how to do it - our troops.

As for NATO, they are proving to be poor allies. Like the UN, its day is over. Let the Europeans handle their own security from now on - except they couldn't, bacause too many of them have caveats in place. Mantime, Canadian Forces, do what you have always done best , from Vimy to Kandahar.

Bernie Smith
said

I'm sure that General Rick Hillier heard what the NATO Commander in Afghanistan said earlier this month.
US General Dan McNeill said that to successfully defeat the insurgency the number of troops would have to be raised to FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND !!!!!
He went on to warn of the countless thousands of Pashtun tribesmen intent on wreaking havoc and expelling the armies of occupation.
Our Defence Minister and his US counterpart traveled to NATO Meetings in Europe cap in hand, begging for assistance from those countries who have already seen the light at the end of the tunnel in Kandahar.
For them, it's the oncoming overcrowded Taliban/Pashtun Express roaring across the border from Pakistan, and they are not willing to sacrifice the lives of their military in a futile undermanned endeavour such supplying a paltry 1,000 troops to the Mission.
Is it not about time we listened to the Europeans' and US General Dan McNeill's logic ??

Rick
said

So what exactly is the mission. It couldn`t be to punish 911 perpertrators as they were all Saudi Arabians. It couldn`t be to eradicate poppy production as the Taliban had brought said production done to less than 10% of world production it is now over 90% of world production. Maybe it could be to secure the area for the pipeline through the Kandahour region that the Taliban refused to give permission for. Or could it be just a bunch of war mongers who need to get out and play with their toys regardless of how many innocent civilians or should I say collateral get killed and maimed along the way
All these God fearing leaders will have to answer for their wrongs. But then when they`ve already been seduced by evil they are not what they claim to be. All these war mongers are the spawn of Satan not of the Creator they claim to follow. Peace.

CWS
said

I think that all poltical parties should stand "shoulder to shoulder" in support of this mission rather than to use it for political gain to win seats in the house of commons. What would have happened if we had this group of politicans during the WWII?

Michele
said

Keep the troops there until that pipeline is built, then rotations with our NATO allies for the is next 'protection' phase of it; or will operation Enduring Freedom take over then?

Bob C
said

The sooner we get rid of the lib/left influence and have a majority Government the sooner Canada can continue on with its rising world prestige. Let Harper lead with a proper mandate.

Scott
said

Doesn't General Hillier work for the government? Maybe he should just put his heels together and say "Yes Sir!" It is unprofessional, and need I mention dangerous for the military to be directing the government.

Mike
said

I am bit tired of this manipulative support our troops line. In a democracy, with civilian control of the military, debates about the merits of a particular mission is not an attack on the troops. Contrary to the Bush style rhetoric this is NOT WW2. Hillier and the rest of the war happy crowd are the ones manipulating the brave service of the men and women of the forces for political purposes. One final comment on the war happy crowd, they have a misguided idea of what political and partisan is. If you defend mission and hector others into supporting the troops (which defacto always means supporting war) you are simply defending Canada in the war on terror. If you raise legitimate questions about a bizzare guerrilla war with few successes and no proper metrics of success, you are partisan or political. People opposed to this misguided adventure need to stand up to the political bullying whether it comes from politicians or the Chief Of War Propoganda.

JP Smith
said

Instead of being a tool of the Canadian people's will Hillier has become just another politician. He is simply lobbying for what he and his high ranking buddies really want a war to fight, promotions and opportunities. Is this war really in Canada's best interstes? I would like to know where this comes into his thought process?

Exiled Canadian
said

Funny how every comment condemning Hillier as being "undemocratic" are from people who want to silence his voice and not let him speak his own mind. Who's being "undemocratic" here?

In a situation like Afghanistan, you need to listen to the person who has first-hand expert knowledge of the situation on the ground and what is needed to complete the mission and ensure that Afghans achieve the same type of democratic process in the long run.

Every voice should be heard in the debate, including Hillier's.

GGE
said

I think Canada needs to determine what role we play on the global stage. There are many places on the planet that could use assistance. There is conflcit and strife everywhere. Africa comes to mind. But so does Burma and now the Kosovo/Serbia issue. To whst degree and on what basis does Canada provide any kind of assistance to foreign countries ? Whether it is development aid, security, diplomatic expertise. The world is changing and Canada needs to determine the balance between serving Canadians on our home soil and the amount we spend on blood and treasure to other countries. What is the criteria. There is a lot of help/need out there. What crosses the line that goes beyond what Canadians SHOULD do and what we WANT to do.

Doug
said

I think "compromise" is overstating this Lib/Con agreement.The divide seemed less about differences over the mission,than it was about trying to gain political advantage with this issue.
Gen.Hillier is right about how the military operations have to be conducted in the field by those who know how to do it."Combat" may not be the focus,but it will continue to be necessary.You just can't do developement and training if you can't drive back the insurgents.Any real soldier would know that.I think Mr.Hillier just wants to make sure we don't ask our military to do a job with their hands tied behind them.Like sitting ducks.
And,if "Sunny" is right,the NDP and Bloc will win the next election.But I question Sunny's interpretation about "the will of the people".In real life we actually elect MP's and authorize them to exercise their best judgement on our behalf.Not to just do what we tell them to.If we elected "puppets",we could just as well run the country by polls.I mean really,as well intended as voters are,I doubt many of have enough knowledge about the details of most issues to actually make the decisions we ask MP's to make.
Agree or not,we have to stop arguing and trust someone,sometime.I expect this is a good place to start supporting our people in Afganistan.

Rob Brown
said

Gen Hillier knows the situation in Afghanistan better than anyone else. He has the courage to speak the truth and does so whether speaking to a Private soldier or Politician. Indeed, you will not have peace, projects, bridges and schools until the place is secure. The only way to provide that security is to pursue and kill Taliban. Only after their defeat can one concentrate on the more pleasant and much easier nation building. Dion and Layton are not stupid, how can they possibly not know this? Canada should be either completely in or completely out. My vote is for completely in. I've just returned from a seven month tour there and we ARE making a difference. Now if only we could get the rest of the chicken-shits in NATO who won't fight to pull their weight, it would be that much easier!

james
said

Agree Dave and Les Brost. The General has crossed the line. In a liberal democracy, military leaders run the military to achieve the mission that the politicians, and ultimately the public, assign them.

I find it odd that for years now Hillier has been pushing hard for continued military operations in Afghanistan when the mission is clearly a failure and will never succeed. The Canadian public have reservations about this mission and for good reason.

Is all of this so the CF keeps its inflated funding line and that general Hiller keeps his private Challenger jet?

George Van Dyk
said

All our political parties should be united as one on this issue. There should not be the political partisanship that is usually there. We should support our #1 soldier 100%.Let's not send our troops into a conflict with one hand tied behind their backs, having all kinds of scenarios and conditions wether we should stay or not, and if we stay, the time we will be vacating,that puts doubt in the minds of our soldiers as to the support they have at home and the cause they are fighting for, putting them at a greater risk. Without all our support the enemy who follow our strategic plans and the Canadian public appetite for conflict in the media etc. become more aggressive, optimistic and willing to wait it out as they know how divided we are and the time of our sunset strategy. Iam of Dutch descent and our Canadian soldiers were always thought of with the highest respect for integrity courage and resolve during the 1st and 2nd world wars, this suggestion of cut and run with our tails between our legs is not the Canadian style. Let's support them, and this conflict and hour of victory can be added to our rich history.

Wes
said

General Hillier is right. The military does need a clear militarily feasible mandate. However I don't think that a firm quit date in 2011 is a good idea. If we are simply picking dates on a calander we should leave now. The Taliban do watch the news and do enjoy the position of the NDP and Liberals. I am not saying that people like Micheal Ignatief don't want to combat the Taliban. But the CF not being mandated to go out and get the bad guys who are destabalizing the region lets them know that they will have more freedom of movement and operations. Lets be clear on what we would potentially be asking our service men and women to do if our position on this matter is weakened. We will ask well trained and well equiped soldiers to leave home for an extended period of time to put themselves in harms way. While they are in harms way the enemy will have the initiative and decide when and where the battles will be fought. When the enemy is tired or off kilter they will simply cease operations in order to re-group and recruit. Knowing that they will not be vigorously pursued by CF members as they will be in camps teaching lectures. Training the Afghan military and police is a large part of an effective mission, however we can't simply expect to call time out until the Afghans are ready to do everything on there own. I support our troops and I think that they have done an excellent job representing Canada. However if the government is going to give in to oppostion preasure and not make the first priority combating the enemy then they should come home. And I don't mean that we should abandon Afghanistan with the job partially done simply to send troops on some other UN sponsored fools errand in order to further the Liberal cause.

Fraz
said

I have no difficulty with giving the military clear direction and I believe they currently have, but do we have to do it all ourselves? This country has given much over the past few years, we should not be exspected to do more than our military is able to do. The troops have been in and out numerous times and are ready for some R&R. And, for those who keep saying the troops are doing it for us, give your head a shake. They are not doing it for us, they are doing it for another country. Those who say they are doing it for us are trying to sway opinion in their favour, I submit that most people can see through that.

John S.
said

Hillier is one of the most outspoken Chief of Defence Staffs that the Canadian Armed Forces has ever had. The government should give him another four years as CDS. No other military man or woman will be able to replace him once his term is up.

Michael Le Couteur MSCD ret'd
said

Wow, what a completely delusional view of what is required in Afghanistan. Foreign invaders being ousted by what ever means possible. See you in a couple thousand years or bring the troops home when 2011 comes. Do lemmings even realize they are going over a cliff?

Edward in Vancouver
said

DJ, Its not so much the defense staff who needs to highlight Canada's accomplishments, but that of the media. The media tends to focus on the blood and gore, the debate and the casualties that come from Afghanistan. How about the numerous success stories that soldiers come home with? They seem t obe nonexistant because the media does not report on them and we are left with the feeling that its all doom and gloom.

Steve in Fredericton
said

As I fall within Gen Hillier's chain of command, it would be inappropriate for me to comment at length about the Gen's approach to Afgh'tn or his advice to the Federal Gov't... so I simply offer an emphatic YES SIR!

jerry G
said

what is the rush...ah, yes the Taliban are reading our papers and watching our TV from their caves. This is just another effort to just bypass any discussion on why we are there. He is only representing military interests not Canadian interests

Dave in Surrey
said

So we should be dictated to by the Taliban on how we should run our country? Spare us the fear mongering Hillier and do the job you are paid to do, that is run our military in operations that PARLIAMENT tells you to do...

We seem to have 3 groups in the world who see democratic debate as a 'weakness'... Them being the Taliban, Canadian Military and the Conservatives... If we lose the right to democratic debate in Parliament about our military, Hillier is right, we should just go home because we have lost... Democratic debate is our greatest strength, and to lose that we are in trouble...

Stephen
said

How sad is it that Canada cannot provide the additional 1,000 troops.

Peter
said

I hope our politicians hear the general, rethink their behaviour, and support our men in uniform.

Allan Eizinas
said

Hillier is a loose canon that should have been muzzled years ago. When he was first appointed, it was on his original recommendation that we had enough troops to complete the Afghanistan mission that we committed to this human meat grinder.

He was wrong then and he is wrong now. We are stretched to the limit and with Kosovo, Darfur and Kenya, just to name a few, we have become a one conflict nation with nothing left. Leave it to him and conscription is next.

In our form of democracy, the elected civilians create policy and the military quietly follows that policy � that is its role.

If Hillier has something to say let him quit and run for government. Even better � why do we not just retire him and allow him the freedom to run for government?

Brad B
said

DJ, I understand what you are saying, but sometimes it's not the Defence staff that are seeing all the positive accomplishments. I think if you want to see/hear of the accomplishments, it should also come from the Aid, Humanitarian and Reconstruction agencies; let them show what they have been able to accomplish BECAUSE the troops are there. I hear from some military friends about what is going on, but you're right...everyone in the news seems to sidestep the question, or answer with vague generalities.

corvus
said

Mr Hillier doesn't seem to understand how democracy works. Debating issues such as these IS democracy. Mr Hillier is entitled to his opinions but if he wants to make policy he should run for elected office. Our leaders never address the chronic corruption in Afghan politics and ignore the harsh religious laws being imposed by people we're supporting. Mr Hillier is saying that an intense political debate is a sign of weakness, excuse me Mr Hillier but that's democracy and if you're going to bring it to a foreign land from a muzzle of a gun you should understand and respect the way it's supposed to work.

Former Army Officer
said

Hillier's comments are nice but we are not talking about how brave our troops are or how good of a job they are doing. That is a given. The core message is: let's rotate the troops. This is a NATO misson and like it or not the reason we are there is that we didn't want to be in IRAQ. Canadian troops are brave, but why should we continue to be cannon fodder for NATO.

shawn
said

Once again someone shows why the WORLD loves and respects CANADA!!! The Taliban will only wait and muster more bombs and guns if they believe we will leave sooner than later. Do we want to be perceived as the country, yes the blame will fall upon us, that lets the Taliban create their own Darfur? Drive the Taliban out of existence, hand the control back to the Afghan people, and feel proud of the accomplishment. Remember the sacrifices of our forces, support them, console them, and remind them that they are the real heroes of the world, just like the Canadian troops did in WWII in Holland, France, Belgium and many others. The sacrifices are great, the rewards greater, and ultimately the world will be a better place to live.

John
said

Gen Hillier is far too polictical for me. He should be prosecuting the mission like a soldier must and not get ready for his next career as candidate for member of parliment. If he wants polictics he should take off the uniform now.

Raymond
said

Get down off your high horse Hillier. Remember you take orders from civilians not give them.

ArmyWife
said

I agree with DJ. It's time for someone to allow the military to share all of the accomplishments and advancements of the past six years. I'm sick of seeing nothing but negativity in the media. I know that amazing things are happening in Afghanistan thanks to Canadian soldiers, and it's time other civilians did too.

Tim
said

As much as I admire Gen. Hillier he is crossing a democratic line by attempting to change the consensus of a democratic parliament. His job is to obey orders or resign. That's the only way it can work.

Hillier for Governor General
said

Hillier for Governor General when his term as CDS is up. Any seconders?

Steve
said

Gen Hillier is speaking clearly, plainly and truthfully. Once the government of the day commits its forces on behalf of the state it behooves those political representatives to throw their support behind the troops to achieve the mission they have been given. It bears noting that it was the Liberal government that made the intial commitment, and now that party, in opposition, has served to undermine its forces in the field.
While Gen Hillier may be saying things they (the opponents of the mission) do not wish to hear, the simple fact is that this nation made a commitment and needs to see this through. Yes, we need more NATO support. Yes, things have not always gone swimmingly well. Yes, we have lost precious lives. But in the end, we are striving to make a difference. We are working to make Afghanistan a better place, and most importantly, we are standing up for the very values we purport to hold so dearly.
So I say to the Bloc and the NDP and those Liberal MPs who continue to prevaricate over this mission...see the big picture, acknowledge what this country is doing on the world stage, and get behind this effort. Do not show weakness when the troops deserve your strength and support!

John T
said

Uh-oh, did Rick raise his hand and get personal permission from Harper before speaking out?

If not, he's gonna get in trouble.

Not now, of course. Harper is trying to convince Canadians that he is a swell guy and can play in the sandbox with others - the same deceptive ruse he used during the Conservative merger and again on the burger flipping circuit before the last election.

But when he gets a chance Harper will bite General Hillier's head off like he has done to too many good public servants.

Wayne
said

I am 100% behind our troops and the extended mission to 2011. Hillier makes me proud to be canadian.

AP
said

If the mighty Russian Army couldn't tame the Afghans, what do Canadian expect to accomplish except to devastate more Candadian families? Most Canadians are peacemakers and think it is not our place to be there. Blessed be the peacemakers.

Go Army!!
said

Gen Hillier is a bright, articulate leader of the CDN forces who is resistant to political pressure.

Unfortunatly, today's statement to parlement is politically (conservative pressure?) motivated at the recent (positive!) comprimises between the liberals and the conservatives.

Shame on you Gen Hillier, your credibility is at stake.

Focus on doing your job. Provide leadership, advocate for troops, perform the mission with the tools provided.

James in New Brunswick
said

Unfortunately, the average Canadian can't think of a good reason why we should be in places like Afghanistan.

The kind of power that comes from violence and culturally based hatred that is the basis for the conflict is so foreign to our experience as to be totally inconceivable. Yet, much of the world today still lives by the axiom that might makes right and to think otherwise is naive in the extreme. So, what is Canada and the rest of the world going to do? Do we let the mighty prevail over the weak or do we do the right thing and defend them until they can defend themselves? Is Canada part of one world or simply a nation in isolation, oblivious to the needs of others? Do we stop caring Dec 2011? Wars may end but suffering goes on.

Adam
said

This man continues to prove himself one of the most valuable assets our country has to offer. I applaud his willingness to stick his neck out for what is right - the same thing the troops under his command are doing. I hope (yet doubt) our politicians have the wisdom to learn from him.

James
said

Hillier's summation of the situation, albeit correct in regards to the insurgents and our accomplishments, is not the issue.

This is a NATO mission, and we are there as part of NATO. It is not a Canadian mission.

However, due to a lack of committment/political will on the part of some of our NATO allies, we are being asked to do this part of the mission on our own.

Given Gen. Hillier's summation, we are between a rock and a hard place should NATO not respond. Either we continue in the unacceptable position of carrying the load or we pull out leaving the insurgents free rein.

Les Brost
said

Is this the same Rick Hillier who was going to go lead the charge to Afghanistan to "kill the detestable scumbags and cowards"? Politicians should do politics, and generals should do military leadership. General Hillier does the country a disservice when he confuses the two roles.
TOPD

Gregory Boudreau
said

I like what Gen. Hillier said, it would really show our troops that we as a country are behind them. It is nice to see a millitary leader not afraid to speak the truth. too many of our Generals in the past were just "yes men".
Bravo Zulu

Phil
said

"Taliban are watching the political debate in Canada for signs of vulnerability and will strike if they sense weakness"

How true! Anyone sympathetic to their cause living legally in Canada as an immigrant has simply to pick up a phone and call relatives in Afghanistan or Pakistan and just gossip about what is seen on TV every day, with no chance of them being charged with supplying information to the enemy.

The worst offenders are the politicians who demand that "the public's right to know" supercedes mission security. They get their face time on TV and in the newspaper while telegraphing Canada's intention to the enemy - and the Taliban is the enemy. To Jack Layton and all the others of his ilk: read Sun Tzu. Knowledge of your enemy's thinking wins wars.

I'm glad such politicians were not around in WWII: such posturing would have meant that I would probably be living in a Nazified Britain instead of a free Canada. The people of Afghanistan deserve those same freedoms I now enjoy - including the freedom to shoot off my mouth and make a fool of myself. They will not get it if some of our politicians inform the enemy of our every move so they can avoid our attempts to neutralize them and use that same information to effectively place IED's - the principal cause of Canadian deaths in Afghanistan.

Silence is golden. Keep the silence so our troops can do the job knowing that our side is not supplying the enemy with useful information.

Sunny
said

A majority of Canadians do not support staying in Afghanistan. The elected MPs should seek the opinion of their constituents and vote the will of the people that they represent.

Under the Conservatives the Defence budget rose by 40-45% to increase military presence and hardware. That money could be spent to provide much needed services in a slowing Canadian Economy.

Raj
said

So much for saying that Harper muzzles him. I think behind the scenes, they all get along well. The media hate when that happens.
Hillier makes good sense, lets hope Layton listens to him.

Lillian
said

I agree with DJ. We do need General Hillier or someone in authority to inform the public of all the progress that has been made in Afghanistan. And I add, please pray for and support our troops.

Dave
said

Nice fearmongering tactic. Bravo.

Shamaro
said

General Hillier is a true blue Canadian Hero. He has served his country proudly and with distinction. I believe thta all policiticians (including Jack Layton) should stop and listen to this man before making a hotly debated political decision, I think that politicians should show him that much respect at least. General Hillier for PM!!

A combat soldier who's fought there
said

If there is anyone that needs to slap Dion and Layton in the face and tell them to wake up to the fact that the military needs to continue combat operations in Afghanistan its Hillier.

John Dickey
said

Hillier, It is as good as it gets until 2011, If the alliance supports the Canadian stance then our troups will get all the action they can handle. The Government will have to revisit the situation in 2011 whether it wants to or not.
Forget getting support from the NDP or the Quebec party as the have their head buried in the sand.
The people support our troops no matter what the polititions say!!

John

Bill Der Builder
said

It shows again that our troops are doing an excellent job. Having found and dealt with six Taliban leaders.
Why quit now? I agree with Hillier, we need a firm committment and our troops need to know this, so that they can give it their 100%.
When the soldiers know that there is division amongst our leaders, how can they fully concentrate on their job?
Please, give solid support to our troops, not half hearted.

Gordon Clarke
said

The NDP and Liberal position on Afghanistan i.e. withdraw - encourages the Taliban to commit more terror bombings.

The Taliban aren't stupid and therefore are targeting Canadians in the hope that political pressure at home will force Canadian troops to leave.

Said another way. The NDP/Liberals are aiding and abetting the death of canadian soldiers.

Grant
said

It's the lukewarm politicians that keeping breathing life into the Taliban. As long as we seem uncommitted to the mission, the Taliban keeps seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Telling them we will be there until Dec 2011, and that another country will take our place after that, sends a clear message to the Taliban. "We will not weaken". Too bad the Liberals keep weakening our mission, which gives hope to the Taliban.

A soldier
said

Quote "He also says that his troops need a robust mandate that goes beyond self-defence and allows them to go out and find insurgents."
Does not soud like what the Cons and Libs agreed to!

Greg from Kitchener
said

I totally agree with Hillier, we need to stay until the job is done. Afghanistan needs us and Nato, everything we have done, would be destroyed. This is sickening to know that we have a pull out date.
We might as well say We surrender to the Taliban, and leave, because thats what it looks like.
The liberals and NDP always say there party respects Womens rights and the rights of all people.....what do you say to those Woman and children in Afghanistan Mr Layton and Dion?? you going to give up on them?
I am on Canada's side.. the side that says we will help people around the world to live a better life no matter what the cost.
What Nato should do,( they do have the numbers) is through in a force of soldiers planes and tanks, of great numbers, drive out the talaban secure the border.. no more if this couple of hundred of troops.. we need a big force, like WW2.

DJ
said

We need Hiller or someone else from the defence staff to highlight the positive accomplishments we have made. When we see and hear of real progress it makes the decision to continue easier.

Ian
said

How refreshing to have a Canadian military leader unafraid to speak openly and honestly. One of the brightest stars this country has seen in years. I for one hope he stays around for a while.
Thank you Mr Hillier.

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