open letter to Canada's Defence Minister

The New York Times followed up today on a report that Germany openly opposed the war in Iraq but secretly helped the Americans.

The United States invasion of Iraq was based on a tissue of lies and layer upon layer of deceit and deception. Obviously the Americans dragged other nations into the dirty mess, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Germany and God only knows who else. Germany was listed in the classified American report as “non-coalition but co-operating”. Egypt and Saudi Arabia were listed as “silent partners”. Britain went in with eyes open, as did Italy, Denmark and other opportunistic governments.

The question before Canadians is this- how are we listed in the U.S. government reports? Are we “non-coalition but supporting”, “silent partners” or “non-co-operating assholes”? The latter would be preferred.

It is incumbent on the Canadian government t to clarify this and other issues relating both to Iraq and Afghanistan so that Canadians can make informed decisions about what direction our country is taking.

We need a full and comprehensive debate on our role in Afghanistan and we need to know the truth about the extent of our co-operation with the Americans- if any – in Iraq. We also need our government to tell us the truth about the extent of our co-operation with the Americans in terms of CIA flights through Canada, carrying prisoners from one country to another.

Mr. Harper ought to go to Kandahar with one purpose in mind. He ought to thank the troops there for their willingness to serve; and then he ought to tell them that they will be returning home as soon as it is logistically possible.