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Security and Peace Conference in Halifax

by Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke | November 20, 2009 at 03:03 pm

214 views | 23 Recommendations | 8 comments

Some of the most powerful political and military figures, including Robert Gates, Admiral Mullen, John MacCain and Military leaders from the EU will be descending upon Halifax, Nova Scotia this weekend.

The meeting is poised to discuss both Trans-Atlantic and North American Security. The way ahead in Afghanistan will also be on the agenda.

Canada has long believed and enacted a 3D approach (Diplomacy , Governance, Development and Defence) toward Afghanistan. Canada's contribution in Kandahar Province has been commendable.

There are a number of Forward Operating Bases (FOB) outside of the Kandahar Airfield. These FOBs have provided security to villages and enabled development.

The conference will also deal with the threat of terror both in North America and in EU countries..

John McCain, who is already in Halfax, told CBC Newsnet that it is regrettable that Canada will be withdrawing in 2011. Peter MacKay voiced his opinion that this pointed to the remarkable contribution Canada has made in Kandahar. General McChrystal's strategy is largely what can has been doing all along.

The resolutions coming from this conference should be revealing as to President Obama's direction in Afghanistan.

Some of the most powerful military figures on Earth — people with titles like supreme allied commander — are set to descend on Halifax this weekend.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay says it will be a gathering of a "very exclusive club of countries" having anything but "run-of-the-mill discussions" about global security, nuclear weapons and foreign policy.

While some people dismiss the high-profile military minds gathering in Nova Scotia as war criminals, Halifax Regional Police aren’t expecting trouble.

As host, Mr. MacKay intends to use the conference to highlight Canada’s contributions to global peace and security.

"It is a stepping up of Canada’s presence on the world stage," Mr. MacKay said in an interview from Ottawa this week.

"We’ve never hosted a security conference of this nature in Canada, let alone North America. And I believe this is of great significance."

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Amy Judd

at 15:22 on November 20th, 2009

On the other side of Canada, we are having a security conference for the Olympics

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 15:32 on November 20th, 2009

I guess we're surrounded by security these days:)

Hugh Askew

at 18:48 on November 20th, 2009

Doesn't Canada have any islands down south? These are big shots, should be catchin' some rays, takin' in the sights, etc. Tropics would help them relax. Some seem a little tense.

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 19:12 on November 20th, 2009

I suppose we could use Bermuda, but the Maritimes are just fine. Good for them to learn a little down home culture. HA take a look at the picture I imported. Why would ya want to go to a Southern Island.

Hugh Askew

at 03:15 on November 21st, 2009

Why would ya want to go to a Southern Island? Sunshine? (i saw the picture;)

Just messin' with you, cowboy. Big catch for Canada. Being on their turf gives them a little added clout. Be interesting to see what comes out of it. Obama going to show up?

marianmo

at 19:32 on November 20th, 2009

good story ty

stan squires (not verified)

at 18:55 on November 21st, 2009

I am from vancouver and i wanted to say that this reminds me of the war in viet nam.At that time all the american presidents from Kennedy to Nixon said that they would win the war in Viet Nam.The foreign soldiers in Afghanistan today like the ones that were in Viet Nam don't know why they are there and most of them don't want to be there.The people in Afghanistan knows what they are fighting for.The foreign troops are the enemy just like the taliban.The afghan gov. is corupt and reactionary and it was put in place by the american gov. the same as the south Vietnamese gov.was put in power by the american gov. back in the 60s.I supported the people of Viet nam during the war as well as millions of other people and i supports the people of Afghanistan against all foreign troops there.I would like to see all foreign troops leaving Afghanistan immediately.