Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Afghanistan Could Sunder Canadian Government

PM Harper aims to extend combat mission

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 6, 2008 8:53 AM CST

(Newser) – Canada could face an early election if a political gamble by PM Stephen Harper over the country's role in Afghanistan fails, the Globe and Mail reports. Harper's Conservatives will introduce tomorrow a motion to extend Canada's presence in Afghanistan, and Harper warned an opposition leader that it will be a confidence motion—meaning defeat could spell doom for Harper's government.

There are strong divisions among the opposition Liberals: New York Times writer-turned-MP Michael Ignatieff insists Canada should stay on in Afghanistan, but Liberal leader Stéphane Dion is adamant the country should stand down. If the Liberals defeat the government over Afghanistan, the result could be unwelcome: Harper's Tories could be returned to power, this time with a majority.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in the House of Commons.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in the House of Commons.   (Associated Press)
Liberal Leader Stephane Dion speaks in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario Wednesday Nov. 28, 2007.  (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Fred Chartrand)
Liberal Leader Stephane Dion speaks in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario Wednesday Nov. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Fred Chartrand)   (Associated Press)
Canadian Liberal leader Stephane Dion speaks to the media following a meeting of the national liberal caucus in St. John's, N.L. Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/CP, Jonathan Hayward)
Canadian Liberal leader Stephane Dion speaks to the media following a meeting of the national liberal caucus in St. John's, N.L. Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/CP, Jonathan Hayward)   (Associated Press)
Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper responds to reporters' questions at a news conference in Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 28, 2008 regarding Canada's mission in Afghanistan.  (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Tom Hanson)
Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper responds to reporters' questions at a news conference in Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 28, 2008 regarding Canada's mission in Afghanistan. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Tom...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

US, Afghanistan, Taliban: Secret Talks Under Way

Taliban: Prince Harry Shouldn't Kill

CIA Fills Void in Iraq, Afghanistan

US Eyes Switch to Special Ops in Afghanistan

Afghan Civilian Deaths Hit New High


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne