As casualties mount from military operations in Afghanistan, it is important for Canadians to have access to all the information available with respect to our involvement. One key piece of information has been lacking from much of this discussion, the proposed construction of a massive natural gas pipeline.
John Foster, lead economist for Petro Canada from 1976-81, authored a comprehensive paper for the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, it was published in June 2008.
“A Pipeline Through A Troubled Land: Afghanistan, Canada, And The New Great Energy Game”
It provides an in depth look into the geopolitical implications of our presence in the region. Statements on Afghanistan emanating from Ottawa focus on the humanitarian side of our mission, while nothing is being said about the implications this pipeline will have. The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India or “TAPI” pipeline is very pertinent to any discussion, as the proposed pipeline route cuts straight through Kandahar province, where Canadians are fighting and dying.
While our national media may not be focusing on this issue, it may very well be a case of news outlets catering to the demands of the Canadian people. The information is available to those willing to seek it out, but I suspect many are simply happy to ignore certain facts. At overpasses along hi-way 401 citizens gather to pay homage to soldiers killed in the service of our nation’s military, and rightfully so. Perhaps this is something Canadians simply prefer to ignore?
Our death toll continues to climb with two more Canadians being killed just yesterday, you can read about it on CBC's website: 2 More Canadian Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan
Any thoughts?
John Foster, lead economist for Petro Canada from 1976-81, authored a comprehensive paper for the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, it was published in June 2008.
“A Pipeline Through A Troubled Land: Afghanistan, Canada, And The New Great Energy Game”
It provides an in depth look into the geopolitical implications of our presence in the region. Statements on Afghanistan emanating from Ottawa focus on the humanitarian side of our mission, while nothing is being said about the implications this pipeline will have. The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India or “TAPI” pipeline is very pertinent to any discussion, as the proposed pipeline route cuts straight through Kandahar province, where Canadians are fighting and dying.
While our national media may not be focusing on this issue, it may very well be a case of news outlets catering to the demands of the Canadian people. The information is available to those willing to seek it out, but I suspect many are simply happy to ignore certain facts. At overpasses along hi-way 401 citizens gather to pay homage to soldiers killed in the service of our nation’s military, and rightfully so. Perhaps this is something Canadians simply prefer to ignore?
Our death toll continues to climb with two more Canadians being killed just yesterday, you can read about it on CBC's website: 2 More Canadian Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan
Any thoughts?
I hope you enjoyed reading my blog and I welcome your comments, I read them all. If you think this piece would be of interest to anyone you’re most welcome to pass it along via email or through a social network like FaceBook, just click on the ‘Share This’ icon below.
Clicking the "Digg" button will take you to digg.com where you can tell others what you liked about this column.
Go To Canadian Soapbox Home
Posts
Seed Newsvine
No comments:
Post a Comment