Between 1956 and 1992, Canada was often the single largest contributor of UN peacekeepers. Since the late 1990s, however, Canada has virtually disappeared from peacekeeping. Professor Michael Byers presents the case for re-engagement.
Canadian special forces soldiers are already deployed in Mali protecting Canadian diplomats, but according to the government they are not on a “combat” mission.
Will Canadian special forces soldiers be sent to Mali? Prime Minister Harper has clearly stated that his government is “not considering” a “direct” military role in the current conflict. But can his words be trusted?
The Harper government is moving toward more direct military involvement in Mali. What is your opinion about events in Mali and Harper’s response? Leave your comment.
The West’s intervention to overthrow Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi in 2011 was one of the triggers of the current war in Mali, and as Canada’s role in Mali slowly grows, the danger of being drawn further into a spreading West African conflict also grows.
Prime Minister Harper announced on Monday that Canada would assign one RCAF C-17 transport aircraft to provide logistical support to the French military intervention in Mali for a period of one week.
