Hamin Karzai Speaks to Parliament

Evidently, Prime Minister Harper needed a hand to convince Canadians of their mission in Afghanistan. Karzai was willing to extend one.

Afghanistan asked for Canada's help - in whatever limited form. They appreciate the blood and sacrifices spilled in their name. They are also asking Canadians to remain vigilant and strong. They want us to stand side by side with them. This is not an interventionist mission or project. In many ways it's a human one. We are not there are salespeople but as friends.

With the Taliban re-surging and the country still in a precarious state, perhaps Karzai's words can at least push the Bloc and NDP back in their cold wooden seats. Frankly, we shouldn't have needed him to explain what is at stake.

There are some who cling to the notion that fighting terrorism is a smokescreen for a multitude of unspecified reasons. I think it's more simple than this position implies.

We apply a post modern world view on an issue that does not comprehend it. When we talk and debate among ourselves this sort of world view makes sense. But what happens when they are used in a different setting? They become incompatible and collide with an existing world outlook far behind that's what. Hence, we are unable to comprehend that terrorism is real. So, we go around with the comfortable notation that this is a 'so-called war on terror.' Rather than a real one.

No. It's real. Time to exit and adjust our perceptions to hard realities before it's too late. We can always revert back.

Karzai and Iraq are real entities facing massive odds. They truly stand at the cross roads of world history. This is a region in the midst of radical changes and challenges. They need a hand. Forget WMD. Forget Bush. Forget conspiracy theories. Clinging to this only compounds our cynicism. Look forward. See the possibilities.

Canadians have a chance to help form a country with a possible new lease on life. They have a chance to have a real concrete say on how things develop there and by extension how we diffuse the powder kegs that light terrorism. Yes, the odds are against Afghanistan but we should not give up. Too often the West has turned their backs or a blind eye when they were needed most.

For our part, Canada has a chance to put our money where our mouths are. Harper is offering a chance to return to the table of great nations. He's at least considering the option of making Canada a leader among middle-powers. A status we lost some time ago.

The question is do we want it back? Or do we want bounce around the insular provincial halls of Parliament forever?