Canada's military-industrial complex

Linda McQuaig

In a defining moment for Canada, Jean Chrétien resisted U.S. pressure and kept Canada out of Iraq.

Now Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion, in another historic moment, has shown that Chrétien's display of backbone was a one-time Liberal offering.

Dion's capitulation to the Conservatives and to the pro-war wing of his own party means that Canada will continue to fight America's war in Afghanistan until 2011 – despite clear public sentiment against the war.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper showed last week how he plans to use this Liberal acquiescence to advance a hawkish agenda that goes well beyond extending the mission in Afghanistan.

A triumphant Harper trumpeted the emerging "bipartisan consensus" on Afghanistan to a gathering of the Conference of Defence Associations, a high-powered military group that would warm the frozen heart of Dick Cheney. Continue reading on the Gaianicity website and then return to post your comments.