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Originally Posted by Charlatan
The Canadian military has been grossly underfunded for years. The one thing I agree with the Harper government about is increasing military spending (though I am more interested in this increase relating to defending our borders, specifically in the North).
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Oh, I'm not saying that more spending on the military is wrong. With all the budget surpluses we've been having lately, it seems as sensible as any measure, and more sensible than some. Definitely agreed about defending our Northern borders, as well; I'm sure you're well aware of the controversy involving that subject?
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Originally Posted by Charlatan
I am loathe to break up NATO but it seems that some of the partners are taking it for granted. A shake up is warranted.
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Also agreed, but complete dissolution seems like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. The terrorist attacks of September 11 were exactly why NATO was formed in the first place; an attack on one member nation is an attack on all member nations. The biggest problem I see right now is that some of the included parties don't seem interested in fulfilling their commitment. Reform would definitely be in order.
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Originally Posted by Charlatan
I would be happy to keep our combat troops in place as long as needed but increase our presence of non-combat troops (i.e. rebuilding, re-education, etc.).
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I'm not happy to keep our combat troops in place, but I recognize the necessity of it. The question for me is and always has been what course of action will allow us to bring our forces home as soon as possible while still fulfilling our responsibilities? If (and yes, I know it's a big if) other nations were willing to commit more combat forces to Afghanistan, and particularly if other nations were willing to commit to the southern provinces, Canada could redistribute forces to focus on infrastructure, education and training. If the other nations won't commit then we'll have to, but it's definitely not the preferred solution.