Former PM Jean Chrétien Says Canada ‘All In’ on Iraq Mission

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien has alleged that although Canada has assured new engagement in Iraq to be a non-combat mission, it can be on the hook even for providing more support. In his remarks, Chrétien alleged that “they are part of it. It is a done deal. They said yes to the coalition and they sent soldiers.” 

Chrétien commented on Harper government’s decision to send 69 special operations soldiers to northern Iraq as part of a coalition of nations fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, also known as ISIS. According to the government, the soldiers will exclusively provide advising role to Iraqi forces who are fighting to beat back the extremist organization. Although Ottawa has categorically stressed that they will not be involved in combat, Chrétien thinks the arrangement seems “unusual,” explaining that “I hope they did not make a mistake. They are part of it. You know, I find it a bit unusual that they are part of it and then they say we’re not quite part of it.”

Chrétien stressed that “the other side knows we are part of it. Of course if they refuse to act, the partners will say you are not keeping your word,” highlighting that “you cannot be a little bit in it. You’re in it or out.” Chrétien compared Harper’s decision to that of American war in Vietnam, alleging that “you have only to [look at] the way the Americans got involved in Vietnam. They started with a few advisers.”

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