Conservative government looks to extend on-ground mission against ISIS
With plans of expanding the mission against ISIS, the Conservative government is attempting to play to its strengths of security. So far, the mission has consisted of sending 600 Canadian air force personnel to take part in air strikes against ISIS, and sending another 69 special forces personnel to train Kurdish fighters in northern Iraq. The joint coalition of which Canada is a part has had limited success thus far. Those on the ground have managed to stop the advancement of ISIS fighters and provide air support for Kurdish fighters who have taken back much of the land lost; however, now that the Kurds have successfully taken back their land, there is less motivation for them to continue advancing against ISIS in the rest of Iraq and Syria.
With the Conservative government planning to extend and expand the mission, the party has opened themselves up to a great deal of attacks – pending the success or failure of the mission – from the Liberals and the NDP, both of whom have raised serious questions about the mission. The mission so far has cost over $120 million, as well as the life of Canadian Sgt. Andrew Joseph Doiron, who was reported to have been killed by friendly fire after having been mistaken as the enemy by Kurdish fighters. What started off as a one month mission has lasted six; though the current action is set to end April 7, the passing of an extension could lead to more time on the ground for Canadian forces.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is set to meet with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, and it is believed that they will discuss the situation in the Middle East with ISIS, as well as rising concern over Russia. Though it is important to remember that the coalition against ISIS is not lead by NATO, the advice of the Secretary General will still surely be welcomed.
Though the media frenzy surrounding ISIS has diminished in the past months, there have still been cases of Canadians being radicalized to fight for the group. However, the threat to most Canadians is minimal, especially so long as the passports of those who have left are revoked so they cannot return to Canada to carry out attacks. Many people are losing faith in the mission, and those who were at the greatest risk from ISIS, such as minority groups in the region, have either fled or have already been killed. So long as there is not another impactful terrorist attack like the one in Ottawa or at Charlie Hebdo, ISIS is likely to remain off the minds of most Canadians.