This is what is going on. As the Liberal leadership candidates are beginning to stake out contrary positions on Afghanistan PM Harper is forcing them to get their positions on record. Now it won't work (yet) for candidates like Bob Rae, Gerard Kennedy and Martha Hall Findlay but it makes it interesting to see what Joe Volpe does with this. And how this affects the Liberal race from here. h/t Warren Kinsella
I just found this as well.
...The vote could be an enormous challenge for the Liberals, in particular. It was their party that approved the mission in the first place, but its leadership candidates are divided on the deployment. MP Joe Volpe has said Canada should return to its predominantly peacekeeping duties in Kabul, rather than continue engaging in combat in Kandahar. Other contenders such as Stephane Dion, Gerard Kennedy and Bob Rae have called for a better explanation of the mission's goals and timeframe. MP Michael Ignatieff, meanwhile, is seen as the most bullish on remaining in Afghanistan.
Comments (2)
That article came out before they announced the vote. Note how it doesn’t mention the vote at all.
However, you’re right, this is what its all about. Right now, the other parties are able to condemn every action in Afghanistan and blame the CPC. They do this without being officially opposed. Now they’re being forced to take a side in the issue.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Liberals (who sent them there in the first place) intentionally split their vote and blamed the leadership race. The NDP will vote against, most likely the Bloc too, but the motion will barely pass with partial Liberal support. My official prediction. That way, they can still blame the CPC, but at least they won’t be able to whine for a vote anymore.
Posted by Luke | May 17, 2006 9:46 AM
Posted on May 17, 2006 09:46
From the article: (Volpe) believes there was a change in the mission at the behest of U.S. President George W. Bush.
Wouldn’t he be close enough to Paul Martin to just ask him if that’s the case?
Posted by Matt | May 17, 2006 2:42 PM
Posted on May 17, 2006 14:42