Canadians Target of Afghani Suicide Bombing

PEJ News - C. L. Cook - Three Canadian soldiers were injured today, none seriously, when their convoy was rammed by a suicide car-bomber. At least one bystander, a young child, was killed, as was the bomber.

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Canadians Target of Afghan
Suicide Bombing
C. L. Cook

PEJ News
October 5, 2005


If there were any hope Canadian troops would be received in their new home away from the comforts of Kabul congenially by the inhabitants of Kandahar, they were quickly dispelled today with the attack against a three vehicle convoy of Canadian soldiers. The Canadians were lucky, escaping with reported "burns and minor injuries," and were also reported to have returned to duty within hours. The fate less fortunate for the hapless Afghani motorists and pedestrians travelling the same road; at least one is dead, and several others injured.

In the Spring, Canada's Minister of Defense, Bill Graham announced a restructuring of the country's military and its traditional, world famous role as 'peacekeepers.' The redefinition of Canadian military parameters of operationability coincides with the redeployment of troops that have spent the last four years trying to keep the capital city quiet.

By most accounts, they've accomplished this without incurring local resentment common to American missions. The Canadians have been pulling up stakes in the north, and are headed to the heart of Taliban country in the south.

Graham has since been touring Canada, telling eveyone who'll listen to get ready for body bags. That is to say; Canadians not used to Maple Leaf flag and coffin parades of their fellow citizens on their final journey, brought to that pitiful demise through yet another adventure in the service of empire, should get used to the idea.

It's as though no-one remembers what the poppy means.

Today's Canadian Liberal government is setting a century's agenda. Most are clueless about what's going on, let alone the intricacy of the design, or what it will mean for their future and that of the nation. The news has been remarkably yawned over by the renowned pinky pacifist citizenry. That may be attributed to the summer season, where the House of Parliament is turned over to the echoes of its history.

But, the wheels of government grind on, even if unobserved by the House. And, while the Loyal Opposition lolled in sultry hammocks and media Fat Cats vacated Ottawa, Prime Minister Paul Martin and his chief lieutenant, Bill Graham perverted Canada's recognized mission on the World stage as one dedicated to peace and justice.

No longer; Canada is now officially an apposite of Them. That is to say, we are Us. With you, George!

This isn't a necessarily new stance, only one kept on the cuff for the duration of this disaster movie of an administration south of the border. In large part, this is thanks to the masterful policy hypocrisy practiced by erstwhile P.M., Jean Chretien. The Little Guy from Shawinigan's place in the pantheon of fallen Canadian heroes is unrivalled, save for Brian Mulroney. Both served the long-simmering ambition within certain quarters for a North American 'Continentalism.'

Now, with Paul Martin, the millionaire son of a millionaire elite familiar, the final spike is struck to the heart of Canadian sovereignty and values we so treasured for, if nothing else, differentiating ourselves from the behemoth next door.

Mr. Graham's "warnings" are less that than a promise; a promise to bear the bitter fruit of war to this land; a promise to prove the besmirching of Canada's name for years to come.

Whether the minister's profile will rise or fall on that inevitable occasion, remains to be seen.



Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, a weekly public affairs program, broad/webcast fromt the University of Victoria, Canada. He also serves as Senior Editor to PEJ News. You can see the GR Blog here.