Jack Layton, the leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, advocates bringing home the 2,300 Canadian troops on duty in Afghanistan. His case strengthened on September 4 when U.S. military planes again assailed Canadian soldiers, their allies, with “friendly” fire. In the latest mishap, one soldier died, with dozens injured.

The U.S. military, much like George W. Bush, the country’s president, shows a tendency to bungle, fumble and stumble, often doing more harm than good. Washington’s foreign-policy goals in the Middle East appear dubious, and its progress even more so.

As Layton says, Canadian soldiers arrived in Afghanistan four years ago intent on peacekeeping and reconstruction. Little of that has happened recently.

Canada could set a sterling example and best support its soldiers by bringing them home. They’ve served valiantly, but no mission lasts indefinitely. In conveying such a decision, Prime Minister Stephen Harper would please his countrymen by distancing his policies and ideas from those of the muddled Bush.

After years of misguided foreign policy, the U.S. should stand alone. Withdrawing support for military misadventures would make Canada no less a friend to the Americans. Buddies give sage advice and take appropriate actions at the proper times. The latest friendly-fire debacle gives Ottawa’s decision-makers a suitable occasion for decisive action.

Layton knows this. If only Harper did too.



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