Trudeau Changes Strategy, Underestimates ISIS

By: Laura Steiner

As of February 22, there will no longer be CF-18’s taking part in the coalition fight against ISIS.  It was announced yesterday Canada’s role would shift to training, and humanitarian aid.  Our troops would according to the release be “dedicated to supporting coalition partners at various headquarters.”  That includes helping Iraqi forces.  An aerial refueling craft, and surveillance aircraft would remain in the area.

Leaving the aerial refueling plane is a half-measure.  It’s as if we’re saying the bombing is good as long as we’re not doing it.  If Trudeau really believed the jets should go, take everything out.  Why are they taking the jets out? I have yet to hear a coherent explanation as to why the jets are bad.  Before committing to the policy change, he owes us that, at least.

Experts say the war in Afghanistan has given Canadian troops the training, and experience in this type of warfare making them perfect for their new role.  The flip side of this is that experience came with the cost of 159 lives over the decade-long mission.  Are we ready for another mission similar to that without much of a cooling-off, reassessment period?  Are we financially ready to live up to the costs of this promise for any length of time?

I think Trudeau underestimates what a blight ISIS is on everyone including Islam.  How much fear, and anger the group inspires in Muslims.  I was talking to a Muslim source for a story  over the phone, and they wouldn’t even say the word.  Other Muslims resort to calling the group Daesh, which, is an Arabic word that can be used to mean: to trample or trampling on something.  The name fits perfectly.

I did a recent interview with a Syrian refugee family who are new to Canada.  The father spoke limited English but one thing he said was that there was no Syria. It seems like Trudeau is standing down from a fight against a group of bullies who can destroy countries, and displace thousands of people.  Canada always stands up to bullies.

The Liberals, and Conservatives agree Canada should be fighting ISIS.  Trudeau could break this promise without losing much in the way of political capital.  In fact I think he would be applauded for his wisdom.