In a shrewd, albeit calculating, move on Friday Harper appointed a five person panel to explore our future role in Afghanistan at the end of the current February 2009 mission mandate. The panel is to be headed up by John Manley, former deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs during Jean Chretien’s time in office. While not officially in political life anymore, Manley remains a staunch Liberal.

Harper claims that his decision to appoint a panel to examine our role in Afghanistan is an attempt to remove the partisan politics from the issue. It’s a move that is not unwelcomed and is in all likelihood overdue. The opposition parties for the most part appear to have determined their stand on Afghanistan based on being opposed to Harper rather than what is good for Canada and our world commitments.

While all options are on the table, the panel is being asked to consider four possible outcomes as a base:

  • Continue training the Afghan army and police so Canada can begin withdrawing its forces in February 2009
  • Focus on reconstruction and have forces from another country take over security in Kandahar
  • Shift Canadian security and reconstruction effort to another region in Afghanistan
  • Withdraw all Canadian military except a minimal force to protect aid workers and diplomats

The panel is to prepare a report for the end of January 2008, giving it just over three months to get its work done. In considering their options the panel is to consider four other parameters:

  • the sacrifices Canadians have made to date in Afghanistan
  • the potential for deterioration in security and development
  • Canada’s obligations to NATO and the United Nations
  • the implications for Canada’s international reputation

The other members of the panel include: former federal Cabinet Minister Jake Epp, former Clerk of the Privy Council Paul Tellier, former Canadian Ambassador to the United States Derek Burney, and Pamela Wallin, former Canadian Consul General in New York City.

Harper describes his choices, “These individuals represent a wealth of experience in foreign affairs and each one of them has demonstrated their commitment to Canada through years of public service,I have no doubt they will examine the issues honestly, fairly, and expertly, and offer wise, impartial counsel that will help Parliamentarians and all Canadians choose the right course for Canada in Afghanistan.”

While he’s right in his statement to a degree, I suspect the choices also reflect a level of kindred spirit with Harper on the issue. I personally welcome any move that can serve to ratchet down the politics of the issue and bring some attention to the pros and cons in a meaningful manner. The selection of a high profile Liberal to lead the panel will give Dion some pause before he rejects their report out of hand, he needs to pull his head out of the fog of academia.

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