Canadian navy's role in war on terror to expand
ctv.ca
CTV News has learned that Canada's role in the Persian Gulf will be dramatically expanded. Some believe this could be the first step in the country's contribution to an American-led attack against Iraq.
"In Vietnam this used to be called mission creep," CTV's Craig Oliver said. "Canada's naval role in the Gulf is changing in a way that may become irreversible if the Americans go to war with Iraq. If that happens, we are totally integrated into the American command there, suddenly this becomes absorbed into the war."
CTV reports that Washington and Ottawa agreed last Friday that a senior Canadian officer will command the allied task force in Operation Enduring Freedom in the waters of the Persian Gulf.
At the moment, Canadian warships are operating in the Persian Gulf as part of the war against terror. More details about this story will appear in The Globe and Mail on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Jean Chretien has said Canada is willing to lend military support to a U.S.-led coalition -- if such action is sanctioned by the UN. On Monday, the prime minister said he still hopes diplomatic efforts can head off a second Gulf War.
Former prime minister Brian Mulroney is among those who have sharply criticized Canada's current public position. Oliver said involving the Canadian navy in the Persian Gulf will likely allow Ottawa to deflect some heat.
"It would look like we were doing something, but It would be disguised since really we would not be, as one diplomat put it -- as having to face the unpleasantness of having to kill Iraqis," Oliver said.
Last November, the United States reportedly asked Canada to provide its crack special forces unit, Joint Task Force 2, as well as other military support in the event of a military strike in Iraq.
A published report said Washington sent a diplomatic note asking whether Ottawa can contribute ships, light armoured vehicles and JTF-2 special forces to a possible military strike on Iraq.
The request was made in a letter from U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. It specifically expresses interest in Canada's Coyote light-armoured vehicles, which were used with great success in Afghanistan.
The American request of military support was just one of about 50 such requests made to its allies.
Experts say one of the biggest challenges with providing support in Iraq would be getting equipment on the ground. One option would be for Canada to rent a strategic lift plane from the Ukraine or Russia.
Analysts believe the air force would likely send a small contingent of CF-18 fighters, while the navy could offer up to three vessels currently patrolling the Persian Gulf as part of Canada's contribution to the war on terrorism.
During Operation Apollo, Canada deployed 800 soldiers to Afghanistan for six months as part of the war against terror.
During the 1991 Gulf War, about 4,500 Canadian Forces personnel participated. A squadron of 26 CF-18 warplanes provided cover for allied shipping and carried out bombing raids on targets in Iraq during the 43-day war.
Canada's contribution also included 12 Hercules transport planes, two destroyers, a supply ship and a field hospital. There were no Canadian casualties.
RUSSIA: Warships Head for the Persian Gulf
strategypage.com
March 1, 2003: Two destroyers and a supply ship are on their way from Vladivostok to the Persian Gulf. |
