War on Terror, Insurgents, and Canada Should Leave NATO

Dr. Tony Simmons, Athabasca University, responds to several comments concerning the "War on Terror" and what constitutes an insurgent, and offers a solution that Canada should get out of NATO. This was recorded at a teach-in on Canada's role in Afghanistan on May 30, 2007.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• canada
• afghanistan
• insurgen
• war
• on
• terror

[GONAVY76]

Sounds like a Brit pretending to be a Canuck???

[mixedblessing]

He's from Ireland.

[fizzypopism]

I agree with him completely. While I don't like the idea of international competition (who cares if Norway is better than us? The issue is we're lacking, not that Norway is doing wonderfully).

I believe we can progress as into a better Canada, a decent Canada.

[fizzypopism]

@Bound4War But NATO was founded on 'keeping the Americans in, the Russians out and Germans down". It was a defensive organization that turned into this world cop. We only have room for one international organization for peacekeeping, and that's the UN.

NATO is American imperialism.

[Bound4War]

although the members of NATO are a little confusing SOO many countries are in it. even Turkey, yes thats right Turkey is a member of NATO, like wtf?

[Bound4War]

leave NATO?! why the fuck would we do that. if you're part of this world than fucking act like it and thats why Canada is in NATO and yes i agree with the missle defences. america wants to put in poland and the checz theres no reason for that other than to poke at russia's sides. (usa says its to protect against "rogue states" like iran and north korea)

[babicma]

Your opinion, that Canada should pull out would not benifit either Canada or its influence on the world stage. All that would do is isolate Canada as it sat in its corner of the world pointing its finger at 25 other nations who would have a voice.

[babicma]

Dr. Simmons, what would be the benifit of Canada "reviewing and then pulling out of NATO" as you say. You have the right you your own opinion, but I believe that if Canada and Canadians are interested in having a voice, of which yours is included, do you think it would be better that Canada stay within NATO and use its voice and vote within the Military Committee to stand up for what Canadians believe NATO should or should not do.

[babicma]

You must remember that 9-11 was an attack on a NATO nation and NATO nations are obliged to defend each other in case of attack. Canada is one of those nations.

[babicma]

Its not that NATO has globalized on its own will. It is terrorism that festers and finds a home in failed states such as Afghanistan that has "called" NATO to go beyond its traditional area of operation to meet this threat that has become "globalized".