The Report of the Independent Panel chaired by John Manley is now, and will continue to be, a pivotal statement in governmental debate and decision-making. There is widespread unity in Canada, including the government, the military, the public, and now the Manley Panel, that the overall goal of our presence in Afghanistan is to bring peace and better living conditions to one of the poorest and most fragile nations in the world. As the Manley Report says, (more…)

by Robert Parkins
published in Vanguard Magazine, January-February, 2008

When the prime minister seeks advice on military intervention or diplomatic initiatives, the experts of two departments are at his disposal. But when he wants an advocate for peace, where in government does he turn?

“At the macro level, when the prime minister needsadvice when making policy or program choicesaround peace, there is a big vacuum,” Bill Bhanejalaments. “There is no strategic focus for peace ingovernment.” (more…)