Diplomat fires back over Afghan detainee torture

Former Diplomat Richard Colvin shot back at critics on Wednesday in a 16-page letter to the Special Committee on Afghanistan, which said the torture warnings he received came from credible sources.

CTV News Channel: Tom Clark from Ottawa

The host of CTV's Power Play weighs in on the damage Richard Colvin's letter could impose on the government and whether Canadians are concerned about the torture allegations.

Power Play: Liberal MP Bryon Wilfert

The Vice Chair of the Special Standing Committee on Afghanistan discusses Diplomat Richard Colvin's letter that responded to the challenges to his credibility.

CTV News Channel: NDP reacts to Colvin rebuttal, part one

Members of the NDP respond to a 16-page point-by-point critique of claims by federal officials that they were unaware of alleged torture by Afghanistan's notorious intelligence service written by Richard Colvin and released on Wednesday.

CTV News Channel: NDP reacts to Colvin rebuttal, part two

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Intelligence officer and ex-diplomat Richard Colvin arrives at a commons special committee on Afghanistan hears witnesses on transfer of Afghan detainees on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009. (Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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Selected Comment

We have signed international treaties and there is Canadian law that says we are not allowed to hand over prisoners if they are going to be tortured or suspect that they will be. This is not about supporting the troops. Its about making sure our involvement in Afghanistan abides by our laws and does not involve breaking the law to get our ends. If we hand over people to be tortured we are in fact a party to the torture and just as guilty as the person who did the beating. Glad to hear that our troops took people back in to custody when they saw what was going on!! Actions and thinking like that on the ground will be the way to wining in Afghanistan and not by brutal torture.

joe

Diplomat fires back over Afghan detainee torture

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Diplomat fires back over Afghan detainee torture

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Wed. Dec. 16 2009 8:13 PM ET

In a 16-page letter addressed to the Special Committee on Afghanistan, dated Wednesday, Colvin writes that some of the evidence presented before a parliamentary panel has been "inaccurate or incomplete."

"This supplementary written evidence to the Committee aims to clarify some of these issues," he wrote.

Canadian officials in Afghanistan sent seven reports during 2006 regarding detainee treatment, he claims, including one that repeatedly used the word "torture."

Additional reports from American and UN officials highlighted the risk that Afghan prisoners were being subjected to torture.

All of that information "had no visible impact on Canadian detainee practices," Colvin alleges.

He confirms he did not raise concerns about detainee abuse when Defence Minister Peter MacKay visited Afghanistan in 2006. But Colvin said he had only been in the country for 10 days at that point, and was unaware of the situation.

Responding to accusations that he was isolated from Afghan society and had to rely on second- or third-hand information, Colvin wrote that he travelled to several provinces, including Kandahar, and left the heavily protected embassy in Kabul "an average of twice a day -- probably 500 times in total."

Colvin also challenges claims by Conservative MPs that allegations of prisoner abuse were Taliban propaganda. Many of the prisoners in question were poor and illiterate, and not capable of mounting a sophisticated propaganda campaign, he wrote.

The letter referred to documents Colvin had already submitted to the committee, CTV's Roger Smith said.

"Really he's just pointing to information in his previously submitted documents and making arguments to defend himself against this attach from government ministers and generals," Smith said.

Colvin, who was once Canada's No. 2 official in Afghanistan, told the Commons committee last month that he warned the government in 2006 and 2007 about detainee abuse, but was ignored and told to edit his reports from the field.

The Harper government has repeatedly attacked Colvin's credibility in Parliament. More than 100 former ambassadors have signed a letter of protest over Colvin's treatment.

Comments are now closed for this story

Whitehorse Will
said

Conservative SupporterThe difference is that while our troops are serving their country honourably and some are paying the ultimate price, the values that Canadians hold dear are being betrayed by their politiical masters who are breaking both Canadian and international laws and then lying and stalling a legitimate parlimentary process that has been mandated by parliment to get to the truth of the matter. I assure you that it is not only "Left Wing Loonies" who are concerned with the disgraceful way the current government has acted on this issue but serious and thinking Canadians from all political backgrounds. There is a reason Canadians proudly wear the maple leaf when they travel and it's disgusting to see one government risk all the good the maple leaf stood by their short term political idealogy.

An Afghan Veteran
said

Ok, I'm sick and tired of people "crying and whining" about our gov't to come clean about this whole dumb situation. I've been to Afghanistan not once, but twice!!! Both times I was there, all detainees were treated humanely and with TOTAL respect!!! I honestly don't know why you people don't believe our leaders over this. You want more proof... GO THERE AND SEE FOR YOURSELVES!!!We are the best military in the world and all you naysayers should open your eyes and SEE THAT!!!

Catherine
said

Why are the Libs and Dippers so aggressive on this torture stuff? The Canadian military and the Canadian diplomats DID NOT do the torturing!!! The simple fact here is Afghans torture their own kind!What is their solution to this? Creating a Canadian prison? Or sending them to a Canadian version of Gitmo? Or how about just pulling out now and then Canadians can let Afghans do whatever the h*ll the Afghanis want to with their own citizens.'Layton and Iggy and their minions are really starting to grind on my nerves. All they do is whine and whine and whine.

simon
said

Part II: General Protection of Prisoners of War[edit] Article 12Prisoners of war are in the hands of the enemy Power, but not of the individuals or military units who have captured them. Irrespective of the individual responsibilities that may exist, the Detaining Power is responsible for the treatment given them. UNQUOTE. Now, ..... LET IT BE CLEAR. The conservative government keep saying that this investigation puts the military in danger. Article 12 Clearly protects the soldier, the platoon leader, or the General. It is the Government that is in danger of being in contempt of the Geneva Convention. NOT the Military! Harper ducks behind the military to avoid Questions...

Garry in NS
said

There is an unwritten rule within the Public Service and the Military that if you want to speak out against the government of the day, you resign then do it. You do not do it while so employed. In hindsight, the PM should have fired him the moment he opened his mouth.

Retired Soldier in Kingston, ON
said

Memo to Richard Colvin and the Official Opposition:Basically you people have no credibility unless, like our brave junior ranks in uniform, you actually got out of that protective cocoon called Base Kandahar and spent more than 72 Hrs at a stretch outside the "wire" actually interacting with villagers / Afghans or Taliban while in the line of fire !The arm-chair critics and media who are grand-standing here at home reference this "issue" should first remember that our current government they are fond of critizing has done more for the military, ethics and voters in general in the past 25 years than any Liberal government in the post-Vietnam era!Kindly cease and desist this political posturing; its making patriotic voters across the country visibly nauseous!Pro Patria!

Kevin in Onoway
said

I suggest all of you read the the Geneva Con. It states that the responsibility of prisoners rests with the controlong force regardless of who captures them. Only with proof can the capturing force take them back. This is what our guys/girls did. To blame anyone, Lib, PC, or otherwise for the treatment of prisoners of war is blatent ignorance!

Alan In Alberta
said

We do not have any real control on what happens behind closed prison doors. How may people have been saved by what goes on after the doors are shut.

CMQ in NB
said

Ok, it's Christmas break.... all the politicians are gone except for the mudslingers..... can we at least have a break on this issue too.... please find something new or something else to report on.... That would be a lovely Christmas present!!!!!!! Even the dead horse would like a break!!!!!

Rob
said

For all the doubters and Conservative supporters here:1) It is against the Geneva Convention to hand over prisoners to other authorities if you know they will be tortured. If Canada knew the torture was happening, and continued to hand prisoners obver anyway, then Harper and Mcckay can be tried and convicted of war crimes.2) My point above is the reason why the government is trying so hard to dis-credit Mr. Colvin. Think about it./. why would Mr. Colvin go thru all this trouble if it wasn't true? What would he have to gain? I believe Colvin 100%, and think there needs to be an independant inquiry into this whole matter. If Colvin is found to be correct, and the Government has continued to hand over detainees to the Afghan authorities, knowing they were being tortured, then they should be tried for war-crimes and locked up!

mahanna ali
said

i have read a few news articles pertaining to this subject and in response to a handful of ensuing comments i will have to say that no,there are not an overwhelming amount of canadians that are overly concerned about this - that the opposition is basically beating a dead horse.you people are aware that the supreme court threw this case out about a year and a half ago due to no substance...and it appears that there is still none...ie - colvins testimony was basically hearsay based on second / third person "observation" .the only ones still bleating about this are the opposition and their conservative hating (sore loser) supporters...well as you can see they have no real power , today they are crying the blues because the conservative mp's didn't show up for their little witch hunt party...personally i say good for them..but that's just me. don't worry about our capable government - harper is a pro at dancing around their shannigans , last year at this time he almost single handedly made toast of the "coalition" - paroguing parliament was an excellent move and the governor general didn't waste any time agreeing and consenting....on another note , this "conservative supporter" that keeps posting is not a conservative at all...obviously a harper hater who is using dark sarcasm...whether he realizes it or not he is making some good points in their favour...however , from a conservative standpoint , don't take his postings seriously - he is speaking on behalf of the (liberals?) or whoever......by the way current opinion polls remain unwavering in support of our government

reece
said

"How is the Canadian Charter of Rights exportable? If they were in the US, they would be working under the United States rights and freedoms, not Canada's. In Afganistan, they try and work as closely to the Canadian Charter of Rights as possible but in the end, Canadian Forces personnel are subject to that countries laws." - - - - So I suppose we will soon be stoning to death our detainees? I don't really know where you are going with this argument or if you even know what point you are trying to argue. If our forces were in Saudi Arabia, will we be beheading suspects too? Or would we merely turn our suspects over to their gov't for orderly beheading. Our rights and freedoms is something we cherish and carry with us anywhere we go. Our soldiers represent a civilized society and are ambassadors to everything we believe in - they serve as an example to the Afghans of what it means to be Canadian. Maybe it's to heavy a thought for you to grasp?

David from Saskatoon
said

I'm a Harper supporter, heck, I like coming on here and heckling "the left" as much as the next guy. But this situation isn't a partisan issue, it's a matter of simple right and wrong. Every level-headed Canadian wants to get to the bottom of this situation. The reputation of our troops and our country is on the line.

Rob
said

Why does it matter that detainees were abused after being handed over??? Let me educate you. It is against the Geneva Convention to knowingly hand over prisoners of war to any authority known to practice torture methods, or who are known to be torturing detainees. That means that Canada would be breaking the "Laws of War". That could land Mr Mckay and Mr Harper in prison for war crimes!That's why it matters.

Richard L. Provencher
said

When are we going to see the end of this sad story? This latest salvo sounds like he's preparing to sue somebody. Re peasant farmers getting into the mish-mash; who else but poor illiterate folks allow themselves or their own family to take the risk of planting road bombs, or being a suicide bomber? Everyone in the theater of war is at risk, either as a victim or a combatant. I suggest we buy all the land, then rent it back to the farmers to plant the crops which we will then buy and give to those in refugee camps. After all, when you count the massive amount of weaponry used, lives lost, etc. this may be a much more realistic and cheaper solution.

justcitizen
said

This is not about torture this is about rule of law. That's why our military is getting killed over there. So, if you don't care, explain which part don't you care. Or is it as simple as "good guys" and "bad guys"?

lloyd macilquham
said

All those outraged by the actions* of Harper, MacKay, O'Connor, Baird, Hawn, and all the Con's, after learning about the Colvin Letter raise your hand . . . Let's see: . . . one, two, three . . . 12,890,532 . . . 33,311,389 . . . oh come on Steve, don't be shy, you're going to have to raise your hand a bit higher . . . that's it. There seems to be approximately 144 people in Canada who haven't put their hands up - I wonder what that could mean.* the outrageous "actions" are referring to those of Harper, MacKay, O'Connor, Baird, Hawn and all the Con's - putting our men and women in uniform in harm's way by potential exposure to possible war crimes allegations and prosecution at the International Criminal Court in the Hague and even with respect to domestic Canadian law, in regards to the transfer of Afghan detainees to the Afghan authorities; and, the ensuing cover-up and viscous character assassination of anyone who dares to stand up to them

reece
said

"1) Is it legal for the Canadian government to have and administer a Canadian prison for detainees on Afghan sovereign soil?? If Yes, are Canadian citizens prepared to approve and spend the additional funding required for more manpower and infrastructure in Afghanistan?"Answer to Q1: Yes, because without us they collapse. That's a no brainer.Answer to Q2: YES!, our soldiers honour is at stake and our values. Aren't we all a bit tired about supporting a thug? "Saddam was a thug but was our thug" (Rumsfeld). Yeah, well, we know how that little experiment went with all the American soldiers dead today. As an ex-soldier, and more as a Canadian, these politicians should stand for an hour of silence for all the crap they put us through. 1 minute? You deserve 1 hour...in fact, don't talk too much after that.

Conservative
said

@LaneYou claim that the Geneva Convention does not apply to Taliban detainees because they do not wear uniforms etc. But in fact, article five states that all POw's are to be considered as covered by the Convention until a tribunal has ruled on their status. This was admitted by G.W. Bush's own legal team. Look it up. That means that Taliban prisoners captured by Canadian soldiers are to be treated as covered by the Convention. And that means that Canadian soldiers are required by the Convention not to turn them over to any other group if there is any suspicion that they might be mistreated. So much for 50%of the posts on this board.

It Matters
said

To Conservative Supporter. You ask what does it matter if the Canadian troops knew about the torture? It matters in that it is part of the Geneva convention, that any country that hands over detainees to another government which participates in torture of these detainees is therefore in conflict of this convention. This is a matter that could bring the Canadian troops as well as the government before the world judicial system for crimes against humanity.

Westcoaster
said

Karen in Toronto wrote:"Nobody cares? Go and read the message boards on the Globe and Mail and CBC websites. There are over 600 messages supporting Colvin."Let's see, 600 out of 33,000,000 Canadians who see things differently -- doesn't sound like a lot of people to me.

A disgusted Canadian
said

The first letter by a Conservative supporter says what difference does it make if some are tortured? If this is the type of supporter keeping Harper in power then God help this country if that man ever gets a majority. We will then be no better than any other dictator with such callous and cynical attitudes. It is easy to see how truly terrible things can be done by so-called "civilized" Canadian citizens such as this Conservative supporter.

The Other Lowell in BC
said

contrary to popular conservative belief, canadians do care whether the actions of their military in a foreign conflict contributed to the torture of innocent civilians and/or prisoners of war. Colvin is right that an illiterate and uneducated taliban would hardly be mounting some propaganda campaign. More than likely is scared out of his mind dealing with the afghan police and what canadians think is the last thing on his mind. I am not sympathetic to the taliban or their unorthodox ways of conducting a war. I find them to be cowards, not able to confront their enemy and hiding behind human shields. No way to fight a battle. Canada went under the guise of fostering the development of a society that believed in democratic and human rights. Turning a blind eye to torture tactics surely does not fall under that mandate.

Frank Buchan
said

True or not, it is hard to put any faith in a man who claims moral outrage for events in 2006, when he basically did nothing for 3 years. Actual moral outrage requires pretty much immediate action. Would someone in the media at least ask why now? What changed to make him shrill about this now? The answer to that question will probably be more telling than repeating the same unconfirmed reports endlessly. And for those blaming Conservatives for this, it was the Liberal party that put us in Kandahar in the first place -- so, if this is true, they knew early on, probably more than those who followed. No one has clean hands.

trunorth
said

B-O-R-I-N-G! Move on, already!

celia
said

Whatever my political affiliations, I applaud Mr. Colvin's candidness and his desire to get the truth out. I think his actions were highly necessary, in light of the spin that was placed on his testimony by both the media and the Harper government. Thank you, Mr. Colvin, for speaking out despite the potential ramifications to you personally.

Jim Bob
said

Here are some important questions that need to answered and addressed:1) Is it legal for the Canadian government to have and administer a Canadian prison for detainees on Afghan sovereign soil?? If Yes, are Canadian citizens prepared to approve and spend the additional funding required for more manpower and infrastructure in Afghanistan?? Is Parliament prepared to do the same 2) If the answer to Question 1 is No, detainees captured during firefights can be detained for so many hours after capture; what is done with detainees captured if no transfers are made due to issues of possible torture by Afghan nationals? Are these detainees (suspected Taliban ) released back into the general Afghan population to continue the Taliban campaign against the NATO Coalition forces and current Afghan political & economic stabilization plans ??It appears that the rights of the Taliban and associated groups are more important than the general population of Afghanistan who want peace and economoic growth. Canadian Values & Morals are not always understood or accepted by other developing countries. As these other countries have their own culture and vaues, are they wrong for not accepting Canadian Values & Morals??Just some points to consider.

Leventis
said

Today the CONs are abusing the human rights of Afgans; tomorrow they will be abusing the human rights of Canadians...oops; they already are (Khadr, Haji, women's advocacy...)

Helen Madill
said

Let me get this straight. Taliban terrorists from Afghanistan and in afghanistan murdered our soldiers, some got caught and "maybe" one was turned over to their own authorities. What should our troops done? Sent them to Canada to apply for refeugee status?This is a non issue in my opinion and maybe we should ask the families of our murdered and injured soldiers how they feel.

Kevin in vic
said

How is the Canadian Charter of Rights exportable? If they were in the US, they would be working under the United States rights and freedoms, not Canada's. In Afganistan, they try and work as closely to the Canadian Charter of Rights as possible but in the end, Canadian Forces personnel are subject to that countries laws.If you spit on the sidewalk in Singapore you are liable to get caned. Drug possession is an automatic death sentence, regardless of where you are from.So how, once again, are Canadian laws, rights and freedoms, exportable?

Old Ted
said

I think that all the idiots who put a political spin on everything should be loaded up and shipped to Afghanistan. I'm sure that they could talk to the taliban and al qaeda and have things sorted out in no time. You live here in such an insulated oasis of peace, that you have no clue as to how the rest of the world lives. Personally, I'd be using terrorism to fight terrorism. Nothing else seems to work.

Dukeboy
said

Allan Eizinassaid Fortunately for Colvin, the Harper government had recently passed whistle blower protection legislation. This means that Colvin will be listened to and lauded by the Harperites for his truthfulness and not being intimidated by government hacks. Perhaps not. Contrary to what you said, Mr Colvin is not a whistle blower!! He was subpoenaed to testify before both committees and was under oath in both. He must be believed as he would know what his punishment would be to his professional career if he did not tell the truth!!

S Gallard
said

Colvin is another typical chairborne commando govt type trying to make sure his voice is heard. if he had the real moxie to make any change in this world he would join the fighting with those doing the real hard work to bring some peace to Afghanistan. funny how he says one thing and so many others in the chain say he is wrong. operational concerns have to come first not political bs to protect our troops.

Humanbean
said

It is so sad to see that humanity is dying in this great country. This isn't about politics, religion or race, it's about people. It's heart breaking reading some of these comments...

Dukeboy
said

This government has continually lied about every subject since takinmg office 4 years ago so why should we believe them now! I would rather believe someone who has everything to lose including his professional career and nothing to gain but his standing in the community and being a GREAT Canadian!! We support you Mr Colvin and we call on this faux PM to initiate a public inquiry without further ado! No more obfuscation of the truth or delaying and hiding!

Doug@Alberta
said

I firmly agree with many in this posting who have said, WHO CARES. These criminals were detained and turned over to the country they are fighting against. The Afghans should make their own decissions on what laws etc apply on their soil. This is not Canada. our troops are not being accused of any misdeads upon prisoners. These prisoners should be grateful they are alive and were not shot. We as a country and our army did our jobs, took prisoners, turned them over..DONE DEAL. Surely the bleeding hearts in this country dont expect to transfer them here for house arrest. If so, JAck and IGGy should make some room for extra guests. Lets move on, finish our job and come home. Let the Afhgan army and police end all their violence towards them the way they need to accomplish it. Colvin should go live with his taliban friends and see how he is treated.

Jackman
said

Listen to your military commanders, they have nothing to hide, this guy is just another money grabbing lying lawyer beating on the drum.

Laura Langstaff
said

Well if Colvin wasn't telling the truth, and if the general had not provided an about face on his testimony, then why were the Cons a no-show at the committee meeting looking into this matter? They are lying through their teeth, they will continue, until we the people stop the legacy of lies, lack of transparency, lack of accountability, and the complete distortion of democracy by the Cons. I support Colvin as he struggles to share the truth, which is a commodity the Cons avoid at all costs.

CAF MWO
said

Another non news item that the Liberals, NDP, BLOQ and the bleeding heart reporters will try to use, to make a mountain out of a mole hill. This is not new information and changes nothing. No one cares if those taliban terrorist that killed our troops, have been abused by their own people. Our troops had no part in it, get over it and let hear some really news. Merry Christmas to all of our Troops that are deployed.

Kingston.s
said

Is there more to our presence in Afghanistan than is made obvious by our conservative leaders? If not, why can they not tell the truth like real men do? The answer is simple, hold on to power at all costs, mislead the general public ; they are fairly simple minded and will believe anything we say. After all it's for the good of the country... (hi hi hi we got them good! Lay it on thick boys!)What will it take for us to wake up?

Karen in Toronto
said

Nobody cares? Go and read the message boards on the Globe and Mail and CBC websites. There are over 600 messages supporting Colvin.

Fred - Brandon MB
said

I guess we just have to accept that Colvin is correct, and everybody else is wrong. I don't think so. At the end of the day, this is not an issue that will evoke much emotion from the average Canadian, other than annoyance that the integrity of our military is being questioned by some pencil-pushing pipsqueak.If I have a choice between believing the testimony of two Generals and one diplomat(?), I will choose the Generals every time.

RobertsoninAntigonish
said

For all you folks who insist that no-one cares - check your favourite polling source. You are heavily outnumbered by Canadians who do care. By definition such polls are broadly representative of all of Canadian society, not just "Toronto media elites". You and your immediate circle =/= all Canadians.

Wby do most Canadians care? Because they understand that the conduct of our military campaign matters. It matters to our troops, it matters to the Afghans we are trying to help, and it matters because it is Canadian law (not just some namby-pamby lefty-pinko political correctness, whatever you want to believe). It also matters because we're fighting a counterinsurgency, and all serious military doctrine says that you can't win counterinsurgencies if you lose the civilian population. Hearts and minds isn't just a clich�.

For those still arguing that these were just bad people who deserved to be tortured, well, you are simply not part of any Canada that I belong to. Canada fought wars to defeat people who think like that.

For those claiming that it doesn't matter because Canadians aren't accused of doing the torturing, see above. Canada is better than this. And our own laws require us to live up to our ideals.

For those who claim that Colvin is a Taliban dupe or a Liberal appointee on a mission , please do yourself a favour and read his letter, along with the letter signed by 100+ former ambassadors criticizing the government's attacks on Colvin.

Rick AB
said

We should of built a super max prison over there and housed our worst enemy in fighting history. Put them in air conditioned cells. With clean running water and toilet facilities. A choice of three selections at mealtime. Provide personal hygiene products. And finally a place of worship so our enemy can pray to their gods to wipe us out..........Keep up the good fight my brother's and sisiter's!

Lane
said

For those of you who cite the Geneva Convention: It does not apply in this case. That is not to say anyone should be tortured, but if you're going to cite a legal document you should be aware of what it says. The Geneva Convention applies to lawful combatants, and in order to qualify as a lawful combatant, you have to wear a uniform, report to an identifiable chain of command, bear arms openly, represent a recognized state authority, etc. The Taliban and al Qaeda fit none of these criteria. They are not combatants or prisoners of war - they are merely criminals.

Frank (London)
said

conservative supporter wrote: Mr. Harper is right not to want an investigation into these issues. We don't need to know what's going on to know what's right, do we? What a naive way to believe in governement. I'd like to think the majority of Canadians would want to hear the truth, and not goose step their way into oblivion, marching blindly behind Harper and Mackay!

Lane
said

Perhaps there is an honest difference of analytical interpretation. In any case, Colvin is contradicted by everyone else who testified before the committee. He whines about other people questioning his testimony, but then he himself "lashed out Wednesday at government ministers and military commanders" who had testified. Why is it OK for him to question the credibility of every other witness, but not vice-versa? It seems to me that there has never been any evidence that Canadian-transferred detainees were tortured. And when there has been credible suspicion that that has happened, the military has always done the right thing - ie. suspending transfers and even taking detainees back. So why must the opposition continue to try to score political points with this non-issue?

PV
said

"Many of the prisoners in question were poor and illiterate, and not capable of mounting a sophisticated propaganda campaign". So if you're poor and illiterate, if someone tells you to lie, you are too dumb to understand that? Get real. If they can carry a gun, they can lie. That doesn't mean they lied, but don't make such ridiculous statements. In any event, they should just come clean and get it over with. The more the gov drags this out, the bigger a story (and quagmire) it becomes.

Albert Hannon
said

To be silent when you know torture is being used is the same as committing the crime yourself and our government seems to be been aware of abuses from 2006 forward.

Westcoaster
said

I can see why Colvin would want to continue this story; he has been challenged on some of his claims and he needs to respond to the challenges. But I think it's a little risky for the opposition parties to continue, because it's beginning to look as though they are more interested in scoring political points than in improving the life of Afghanis.

joe
said

Allan Eizinas
said

Fortunately for Colvin, the Harper government had recently passed whistleblower protection legislation. This means that Colvin will be listened to and lauded by the Harperites for his truthfulness and not being intimidated by government hacks.Perhaps not.

Steph
said

Here is an idea: I would like the bleeding hearts Liberals, NDP and company to officially take over the custody of all Afghans prisoners at their own expenses. From there they would be able to get more info on the situation in Afghanistan, perhaps even reform them to become law abiding citizen. As a sponsor for those prisoners they would be morally and legally responsible for their actions if they do relapse. It would then become the burden of the Libs and company to prove that the Conservatives were so wrong about the Afghans prisoners situation..... Go ahead I dare anyone to give me a thumb down.....Steph

Chris in Ontariariari-Oh!
said

John,N.S. You must not have read recent report's in the new's regarding how the Afghan's are handling prisoner's as there was an item where an Afghan official stated that they were not sending their prisoner's back to Khandahar for incarceration and processing because they would only end up back fighting them the next day.He stated they were not just innocent farmer's but Taliban and terrorist's and that they were executing them. But because of the widespread corruption they were bribing their way out of jail and back onto the battlefield only to attack and kill more civilian's and soldier's.There was also an article in which the Red Cross stated that they were finally able to see Taliban prisoner's after negotiating for three year's but were only allowed to see three Afghan soldier's they had captured but were not allowed to report on their condition or status.You need to take a look at the bigger picture here as we are beating up our military's reputation and our government when there are a lot of other thing's at play that affect our operation over there.These people play by a more basic set of rule's and are not accustomed to the nicety's our more cultured ,civilized democracy provide.At a time of conflict as we are now faced with some of the nicety's need to be put on hold for the greater good.It's time to move on.

The Man
said

Far be it from me to point fingers, but isn't this just as much a Liberal problem as a Conservative one? I'm sick of all the Liberal commenters with their holier-than-thou attitudes, when their government was in on this as well.

reece
said

"4) We can encourage change but cannot dictate to another soverign government how to run their own country.. the caveat to this is .... Afghanistan must listen to the ISAF and Canadians if we are to stay and help them establish peace and security."Yeah we can. We aren't there dying so that we can replace one evil regime with another no matter how snappy Karzai looks with his hat. His admin is made up of drug lords and simple thieves. Is that what our soldiers are dying for? To protect a corrupt and evil regime?

charlie
said

Well, Colvin has nothing to lose now - he has shot his bolt and it really missed any target worth hitting. Might as well re-package the issues, try to persuade folks there is something new here, and get back into the press - who like any controversy, even a manufactured one. There is no story here except for the "dead horse" issue the Opposition is trying to flog back to life. Give it a rest, beating the dead horse cannot give it life. Move on. Note to the Opposition: spend some of that energy you are using to try to make the Government look bad on supporting the troops. If you have any ideas on how this could have been handled better, absent the hand-wringing cries for an Inquiry, I have yet to hear them!

raj
said

are we talking 5 months, is that it? they took 5 months to stop this.Oh yes, we need to pour millions into a public enquiry- not!!!!

Mac
said

It is unfortunate the way this has been handled....1) Colvin is NOT a whistleblower - he was REQUIRED to appear before the Committee

2) Minister Mackay -should have responded "I will get to the bottom of this and report back as soon as possible". Many in this have done a "knee jerk reaction" which is unfortunate and now the reality and seriousness of the situation is lost in the rhetoric.

3) Armchair experts sitting back 12,000 miles away NOT in a war zone are being judgmental (that is us, the public and MPs on the Committee.

4) We can encourage change but cannot dictate to another soverign government how to run their own country.. the caveat to this is .... Afghanistan must listen to the ISAF and Canadians if we are to stay and help them establish peace and security.

simon
said

Diplomat Richard Colvin lashed out Wednesday at government ministers and military commanders who have attacked his credibility and challenged statements he made about Canada's handling of Afghan detainees. LASHING OUT like this just before Harper PROROGUES Parliament will surely cost him his job !!! Colvin should know ....... The CONservatives Cannot Handle the TRUTH !

ken
said

Something tells me the commenter named 'Conservative Supporter' is anything but; they certainly don't espouse small-c conservative ideals; the comment is a little too self-unaware. Seems like a plant to me.

John James Walker
said

Christopher Dawson, a well noted English historian once expressed "As soon as men of good will decide that ALL means are permitted to fight an evil; then the evil they do [by using every possible means] becomes indistinguishable from the evil they are trying to get rid of". Seems that had the Conservatives simply admitted at the time hey there's a problem and we will take action rather than continually denying the problem...this would have been much better for all concerned.

Cel Martin
said

There are rules in war for prisoners (yes it was used during WW 2) and Canada broke them. time the government owned up to it instead of this campaign they are waging againt a diplomat. I've read all the red neck comments, gee I thought we were better brought up but it appears not to be. Time to give up Harper, your people miss-managed this one.

Ryan from Edmonton
said

Fred?!? How can you say this? He's not supposed to say anything when he sees laws being broken? Wouldn't a better Canada be a place where people stand up for the truth and are NOT punished for it? Is he gonna make money for crushing his career or is he taking a stand for what he knows is right?

Conservative supporter?!? So we should shoot farmers in the head because they MIGHT be bad guys? What about a trial? What about law? What if I call you a bad guy. Should you have a say? What if our democracy is new....should you have less rights then? If some farmer is told to pick up a rifle or they'll shoot his family is he a bad guy and deserves to be beaten in some back room or should we be finding the ring leaders behind the scene?

Put yourself in his place for 1 second.

What is the point of freedom if no one is allowed to depend on it. Oh it's Thursday...laws don't count on Thursdays, so sorry. Please go over there for your beating...but don't worry it's not Canadians that will be doing to the beating so it doesn't really count.

The rule of law is for everyone, not just when it's convenient. How can you expect people to change when they aren't given a reason to believe, to trust or to care.

How is this supporting troops? Our troops would be horrified by the suggestion that they don't risk their lives daily protecting laws/rights/freedoms for everyone including the people they are there protecting.

Dayton
said

Colvin is God's gift to the MSM which would otherwise have been a dull day or month on the hill. A side from the letter have we learned anything in the last month we didn't already know? Did Canadian's torture anyone? This is just another distraction to all the Harper accomplishments of the last year eh?

Arthur Heale
said

Colvin's career is now DOA. Who in the civil service will blow the whistle now? The Conservatives brought in the Accountability Act, which was supposed to guarantee that civil servants could blow the whistle without repercussions, and prevent things like Sponsorship 2. Now what? After Colvin, we have to conclude that no matter how much theft a civil servant sees going on, or no matter how much wrong-doing they discover, they will follow Mr. Mackay's "implicit suggestion " and just keep their mouths shut. How will this make Canada a better place to live? How is it that accountability only lasted until it became inconvenient? If civil servants can't raise the alarm from time to time, who will?

Doug F. Grassie
said

Why do we care more for the people we are fighting against then the CANADIANS that being tortured and in prison around the world. Who are we looking after!!!!!!! That is not why my son is in the military he wants to protect CANADIANS first.

Rick in NB, Ste Marie
said

@Gord Robson, The new reformed conservatives will not allow the release of said documents. Don't you listen to your hero Harper. He wouldn't even let the MPCC read them. Quit trying to blame the blamless and hang the dogs that are preventing this inquiry. That's right your hero is calling the shots.

Dave
said

What a crock. Here we have TERRORIST's killing innocent children, women, and men, destroying villages, torturing people who don't follow the Taliban way, and we have to WORRY about what RIGHTS they have?????? Give be a break. Where do these stupid bleeding hearts like Colvin, come from? Our troops are risking everything to help the people have a democratic country. Terrorist are NOT entitled to have RIGHTS. Colvin needs to grow up and see the world the way it really is. The Liberals and NDP of course are not helping matters either. They need to grow up too.

bella
said

What has this gov't got to hide? If it wants to be open and transparent like they claim, then in fairness, they should release this documents to the MP's on the committee uncensored. End of story. It is painfully obvious that this government is doing anything and everything it can to discredit Mr. Colvin for political motivation only and not based on facts.

JayinStoon
said

It would really help if people understood the Geneva Convention before making such obviously ignorant statements. Prisoners of war, "shall at all times be humanely treated, and shall be protected especially against all acts of violence or threats thereof and against insults and public curiosity." That's what this is all about, has always been about, and will be about in the courts if the Conservative Government doesn't pretend this isn't happening and actually RESPONDS to what the facts seem to be presenting.

Chris
said

All that I can say si we are over there fighting the fight, at the same time we ARE obligated by our Rules of Engagement (R.O.E) from both the UN and NATO that state, we are to hand over all detainees to the proper locale authorities. As far as anyone is concerned that is it, we make sure they are safe and if there are problems we seek advice through the proper chain of command, NAOT / UN and they will take care of said problem

MARG MM
said

If it wasn't for their desperate attempt to regain power, the Liberals wouldn't even be concerned about the detainees.After all they were in power when this all started, and in fact it was their rules that were in place at the time.Did we here anything about it then--NO. When the Conservatives found out about alledged torture, they put rules in place to prevent it. One has to wonder what the Liberal motive is now. I guess they just can't stand to not be the ruling party. As to the NDP, they will be apart of anything that will give them air time. And of course we all know the media love this!!!!!

Portes
said

You need a public enquiry do you Liberals. I suppose that you were clean and squeaky, suppose that your former PM'S are inplicated in this as well, what so you say then?. I believe that it is just another diplomat trying to get higher on the ladder. There is something that is not coming out. Mr. Harper would not be silent otherwise as he is known for his outspoken nature. I don't think this guy even knew what was going on, I think he was too busy with his desk job and listened to rumors rather than going out and finding out for himself.

allan
said

I think Colvin is stroking his own ego, and I would be willing to bet that there is already a book deal in the works.

johnbwhite
said

I care. Anybody who doesn't care supports the heinous crime of torture by default...only evil people could be in favour of such dastardly deeds!

Albertaboy111
said

"He had an "obligation" to commit career suicide?"Yes he did. He had an obligation to do his duty and report what he saw. If those reports were illegally ignored he had a duty to tell the Canadian people what he knew. That is called morally upholding your responsibility. Especially if ignoring what might happen to yourself.

Wayne in HRM
said

Colvin is a respected diplomat who had no reason to lie. Harper is not a respected PM and has all the reason not to reveal the truth, and MacKay wouldn't reveal the truth if his life depended on it. But of course this means nothing to the Cons who will continue to belittle and disrespect Colvin to the bitter end. Hopefully that end is soon and to us Canadians, it would not be bitter but a time to rejoice the demise of the ideologically defunct Conservatives.

daveyboy
said

You almost hope for a natural disaster to get the media off this mute topic.

G. W. Shrub
said

We need a public inquiry! Harper, MacKay and the entire lot of politicos in this government can't be trusted and should not be given any benefit of the doubt. Fool me once, shame on you ... and can't get fooled again.

montrealer
said

NOT that I am happy about people being tortured, but I really think this issue, combined with the Environmental approach of the current government is shedding light on how the Conservative party approaches Democracy. they are completely incompetant and time will only show how bad it really is. From the cabinet minister documents being left behind on several occasions all the way to ignoring reports of torture (at the very least it deserves attention) shows how incompetant this governement is. Don't they realize that the safety and well being of our troops rests on gaining the confidence of the "regular" afghan citizen.My grandfather was in Italy when the americans invaded, and to this day he actually states that the germans treated the locals (not the military or local militias, my comment pertains to peasents and farmers) better than the americans. He still hates americans because of the way they treated the regular people. FOR OUR TROOPS SAFETY AND OUR REPUTATION, someone in this government needs to muster the courage to stand up to Harper and his croonies!!

Rick @ Ottawa
said

I'm so sick of hearing about this issue. The majority of Canadians that I have spoken to simply do not care.Enough Already!!!

Albertaboy111
said

I'm so glad that we live in such a country as Canada. We actaully have a system in place where our laws can be upheld despite what anyone tries. We can always get to the bottom of things. Just think, in China the words more to come would definatly not been at the bottom of this story. And Harper also wishes the words more to come were not at the bottom of this story. Makes you wonder what kind of country he wants to make Canada. If these allegations are true (which is becoming more and more likely) Mr. Colvin is a national hero in my eyes. Putting his love for his country and what he believes in above all else, regardless of the consequences to himself.

David - Ottawa
said

Poroguing the parliament, turning a blind eye to torture, dismissing wistleblowers at AEC, increasing CO2 production.A clear majority of Canadians find the behavior of this conservative government reprehensible, and I'm encouraging everyone to remind the conservatives that they do not represent the will of Canadians, and they will be blamed for the damage they are doing to our country.

Joanne from Barie
said

ugh............when will this end?Nobody cares! I repeat, NOBODY CARES!!We are there to fight the bad guy, and these were the bad guys .........please, lets move on!

MIKE
said

Seems like he is just trying to create a name for himself.

Mike BC
said

He's already been discredited by the government, and has his own agenda. Move on.

CraigW
said

If everyone would just come clean on this, everything would blow over in no time. This is hardly a national security issue anymore as the government says that nothing wrong is happening anymore. Unfortunately, everyone is playing politics instead of holding themselves accountable.

Rick in NB, Ste Marie
said

I wonder what kind of childish schoolyard tactics the new reformed conservatives will use today. At first the commenters were making their party look weak. Now its just repeating the same old rants.

Michael, Cambridge ON
said

Good! Keep up the fight to get truth out and don't let backward conservative prevent you from doing that! Our finest soldiers died for better Afghan and truth will help and keep it up for these soldiers who fought for these people's freedoms!

Conservative Supporter
said

What difference could it possibly make whether these people who were detained and tortured were illiterate peasants or Taliban? Our troops didn't do the torturing, so why does it matter if they knew about it, or if the government of Canada knew about it? We have to support our troops, not some loonie left wing notion of "civil rights". We are in Afghanistan to protect that fledgling democracy, and if it means we have to "detain" and "interogate" some farmers, so what? How are our troops supposed to defend people's freedom and rights otherwise? Left wing loonies are always contradicting themselves by assuming that notions of civil liberties here in Canada can be exported to Afghanistan. Mr. Harper is right not to want an investigation into these issues. We don't need to know what's going on to know what's right, do we?