Well Canada has finally come out in support the the Libyan rebels. I have called on our government for weeks to take a firmer stance against Gadhafi and today they actually did it. Why should this action take so long? It is true that we don't know too much about the rebels and I am sure there is some elements of Al-Qaeda, but if we want to broker a better peace and understanding between the west and the Muslim world I think we need to show our support for those fighting for democracy.
Al-Qaeda is going to try their best to set up shop in all these countries but what the Western world needs to understand is that these people are fighting for freedom, they in fact are fighting for what we take for granted. Al-Qaeda stands for the exact opposite, they oppress, take away rights and allow for great instability. This is not what these groups want and I feel that they will take the fight to Al-Qaeda when needed.
By showing out support for the freedom fighters we will gain a lot of respect within the Muslim community, we are showing them that we are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with them as they fight for their freedom. The west for too long has watched these dictators ruin their countries, and allow for very little human rights, we must take the stand now and hope that is will be the tipping point to allow for a mutual respect between the West and the Muslim world.
Now Canada, on to Syria!
Canada backs anti-Gadhafi rebels, pledges aid for Libyan rape victims
CAMPBELL CLARK
OTTAWA— The Canadian Press
Canada has recognized the council of Libyan rebels as the “legitimate representative” of the Libyan people, joining an international move to legitimize the nascent organization as a government-in-waiting in Libya.
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said he will try to engage in direct talks with the rebels’ National Transition Council of Libya. He announced the move at the kick-off of a day-long debate on extending Canada’s role in the international military mission until the end of September.
His speech was aimed at meeting opposition concerns in a bid to win support for a vote expected on Tuesday night. Mr. Baird also announced Canada will contribute $2-million for humanitarian aid in Libya, with a portion to go to victims of sexual violence – a nod to the NDP’s call for Canada to do more to address the use of rape as a weapon of war.
Opposition parties have called on the government to step up diplomatic and aid efforts, to add to the military role.
The Canadian move to recognize the Libyan rebel council as the “legitimate representative” of the people is a step short of recognizing them as the legitimate government of Libya – just as four European nations have already done.
Many other allies have taken a similar step to Canada to bolster the council’s role, and make them a central player in any talks seeking some kind of settlement to end the talks.
Although Defence Minister Peter MacKay said last week the goals of the mission cannot be met as long as Moammar Gadhafi remains in power. Mr. Baird has since Sunday worked to downplay that line – that the goal of the mission is to change the Libyan regime – in a bid to keep unanimous support in the Commons.
In reality, the mission has moved to heavy airstrikes on Tripoli in a bid to push Colonel Gadhafi out, but Mr. Baird returned to the line used in the early days of the mission: that the goal of the military mission is to protect civilians, but the political goal is to see the Libyan strongman go.
In the Commons Tuesday morning, the Foreign Affairs Minister stressed the goal “is to protect civilians” but that “it goes without saying that at the political level ... most actors believe Col. Gadhafi must go.”
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said he will try to engage in direct talks with the rebels’ National Transition Council of Libya. He announced the move at the kick-off of a day-long debate on extending Canada’s role in the international military mission until the end of September.
His speech was aimed at meeting opposition concerns in a bid to win support for a vote expected on Tuesday night. Mr. Baird also announced Canada will contribute $2-million for humanitarian aid in Libya, with a portion to go to victims of sexual violence – a nod to the NDP’s call for Canada to do more to address the use of rape as a weapon of war.
Opposition parties have called on the government to step up diplomatic and aid efforts, to add to the military role.
The Canadian move to recognize the Libyan rebel council as the “legitimate representative” of the people is a step short of recognizing them as the legitimate government of Libya – just as four European nations have already done.
Many other allies have taken a similar step to Canada to bolster the council’s role, and make them a central player in any talks seeking some kind of settlement to end the talks.
Although Defence Minister Peter MacKay said last week the goals of the mission cannot be met as long as Moammar Gadhafi remains in power. Mr. Baird has since Sunday worked to downplay that line – that the goal of the mission is to change the Libyan regime – in a bid to keep unanimous support in the Commons.
In reality, the mission has moved to heavy airstrikes on Tripoli in a bid to push Colonel Gadhafi out, but Mr. Baird returned to the line used in the early days of the mission: that the goal of the military mission is to protect civilians, but the political goal is to see the Libyan strongman go.
In the Commons Tuesday morning, the Foreign Affairs Minister stressed the goal “is to protect civilians” but that “it goes without saying that at the political level ... most actors believe Col. Gadhafi must go.”
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