International terrorism

The beginning of this century coincided with the objective necessity of the revision of the military policy in Canada. The catalyst for this process were the events of September 11, 2001. Given the great interdependence in all areas of Canada with its southern country, it was obvious that the terrorist attack on the United States very strongly affects all aspects of Canadian life, including its policy in the field of defense and security.

Canadian Guide was not immediately forcing the revision of military policy (such a review is traditionally expressed in the publication of the Ministry of National Defense of the appropriate instrument is the White Paper on Defense). As the Minister of National Defense, Art Eggleton, speaking November 9, 2001, in the Parliament, the review of military policy will be implemented only after reducing the terrorist threat.

Beginning of 2002, when major combat operations in Afghanistan have already been completed, the Canadian government has begin to prepare a new White Paper on Defense. “ At February 21, 2002, Eggleton has officially announced that the government starts a radical revision of military policy” (Hoveyda, Fereydoun). The main consider in the preparation of a new White Paper is given to issues such as opportunities, availability, and structure of the armed forces, and how much money Canadians able to spend on the military.

Although the political decision has been made, it was only the beginning of the prepare stage . “ The relevant research and study of military experts offer began. Also, it takes into account the opinion and the Canadian citizens” (Spitzig, Amanda). This process could not be too fast, and because the prime of the Canada most be understand the political orientation of the Unit State To reflect the new threats, the primarily international terrorism, the White Paper on Defense in 2005 announced a new approach to the defense of Canada.

By analogy with the US Department of Homeland Security in Canada was created by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), performs the same function. Much attention has been paid for the capacity of the country’s intelligence. As stated in the White Paper, ” the government should improve the collection, analysis, use and sharing of information, especially regarding the huge volume of air, land and maritime traffic in the area of our jurisdiction.

As part of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service was created interdepartmental Threat Assessment Center, which was supposed to flow all information about threats to Canada, and transmit the information to who need. And extends the personal capabilities of the Canadian Communications Security Bureau agents in conducting electronic intelligence. A more significant contribution to protecting Canada and resist the terrorism had to make and the armed forces.

About the new strategy, they already put some specific targets in front of them: firstly, to increase cooperation with civil authorities to prevent serious threats to Canada; Secondly strengthen measures to ensure the sovereignty and security of Canada and the air and sea space around it, including the Arctic; thirdly increase the efficiency in the collection, analysis and use of information obtained from the sea, land, air and space surveillance systems; fourthly enhance the presence of the armed forces within the country, at the same time improving the possibilities of transferring them to where they are needed.

Canadian Special Operations Forces Command has a pronounced anti-terrorist orientation. It includes a “ special counter-terrorism unit (JTF-2), a special company of experts in the field of nuclear, chemical and biological protection, and a squadron of helicopters to provide air support operations” (Hoveyda, Fereydoun). The responsibility is not limit for the different area, different time.

Creation of a rapid reaction battalions envisaged as part of the overall increase in the number of Canadian Forces. “ It is expected to create four such battalions. These elements will be located at strategic sites – in Common, Trenton, Bagotville and Goose Beye to ensure the presence of the armed forces and their possible use in the event of natural disasters or terrorist acts. ” (Kitchen, Veronica and Karthika Sasikumar).

October 7, 2001, then Prime Minister Jean Chretien announced that Canada would provide military air, land and naval forces to the international force formed to combat terrorism. “ Considering the concern of the United States after September 11, 2001, the possibility of infiltration by terrorists on US territory from neighboring Canada, Ottawa agreed to sign in December 2001, with its southern neighbor, the Declaration on the smart border” (Jacoby, Tami Amanda).

The declaration annexed Action Plan of 30 points. All points have been grouped into four blocks: (1) safe movement of people; (2) safe movement of goods; (3) protection of objects of transport infrastructure (airports, ports, bridges, tunnels, pipelines and electric lines, which link the United States and Canada; (4) strengthening coordination and exchange of information in the implementation of these objectives. But these measure american side feed is not enough.

After September 11, The Canada already increased pressure from the United States, so the government of Canada would have to substantially increase military spending and adopted a more active part in the defense of the continent. “ Non-participation of Canada in the US-British military operations in Iraq and the failure to support created by the United States missile defense sharply strained relations between the two countries” (Jacoby, Tami Amanda).

Many Canadian scholars and officials noted the Premier of the country had gone too far in this regard. As stated in the report of the Canadian Institute for Defense and International Relations, ” Canada should take more account of strategic considerations and be more selective in the open expression of disagreement with the United States, and it should limit these controversial issues that directly affect Canadian interests. ” (Jacoby, Tami Amanda).

Currently, Ottawa fight against international terrorism is based on the ” Operation Athena. ” As part of this operation since August 2003, there are Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan, which are part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) is a multinational force under the command of NATO, deployed under a UN mandate in Afghanistan to help stabilize the situation in the country and the creation of all necessary conditions for the normal functioning of the Afghan government and various international organizations.

The shift from ” personal security” to ” responsibility to protect” was directly related to the Canadian Forces. The core concept of the military in Canada has been the use of military force against terrorism. SO from the logical that the ” failed states” are not only called White Paper, including new threats to the country along with international terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), but it is marked as the primary threat.

Canada’s military leaders of these countries the government is unable to exercise the political power, to ensure the safety and meet the minimum basic requirements of the population. As noted by the White Paper, we will help to establish stability in these countries, we will not allow the proliferation threat and deprive terrorists of support. From other way. this measure will make a contribute to reducing the likelihood that terrorists will reach shores and threaten Canadians directly.