For the past week the world has been transfixed by the horrifying terrorist attacks by Islamic extremists in Paris. The bloody day that claimed the lives of more than 130 people and left hundreds more injured seems to have bolstered efforts by security agencies and militaries to take the fight to ISIS fighters.
Other attacks in Lebanon, Nigeria and the confirmation that an explosive brought down a Russian passenger jet in Egypt have seemingly galvanized much of the world against a common enemy.
As with most radical attacks, the Paris bombing also released misdirected hatred. Muslims in Canada fell victim to physical violence, mosques were attacked and graffiti telling people – many who were born and raised in this country – to go home. Those actions ignore the fact hundreds of thousands of Muslim people have been the target of terrorist attacks. Some were even among the victims in Paris. It also ignores the efforts Muslim fighters are putting in against ISIL and the anti-radicalization efforts the Muslim communities across this country have employed to curb recruitment and homegrown attacks.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has come under fire in the aftermath of the Paris attack for what many view as a soft response. At the G20 summit, he focused more on economy and climate change than the off-schedule dialogue from many leaders regarding terrorism’s threat around the world. He also stayed committed to his pledge to bring 25,000 refugees to Canada and his election promise to end our nation’s contribution to coalition airstrikes in Syria and Iraq in favour of increased training.
Trudeau says he has an obligation to stick to the mandate he was given by Canada. Although the Liberals’ 39 per cent of the popular vote is hardly a majority, both the NDP and the Liberals campaign promises included a change to Canada’s role against ISIL. With that in mind, it would seem nearly 60 per cent of Canadians supported a change in Canada’s role militarily in the Middle East.
In the aftermath of the Paris attacks, a new Mainstreet/Postmedia poll suggested the opposite. Conducted on Nov. 16, the poll, which surveyed 2,718 Canadians, stated 60 per cent of Canadians support continued bombing and 70 per cent support training. When asked to choose between one or the other, 38 per cent selected bombing and 28 per cent said training. The remainder of respondents were split between being unsure, an undefined role and not being involved.
That same poll a split in support for Canada’s refugee plan with 53 per cent of respondents against the resettlement and 42 per cent in support. A large portion of those surveyed – 63 per cent – said they feared there might be a terrorist attack in their area.
While it is vital Canada stay committed to the fight against ISIL, it is also important Canadians do not give in to fear, which is exactly what terrorism aims to accomplish. Turning against Canadian Muslims or denying compassion to refugees only furthers tensions and promotes violence and fear in a time when people should be united against a common threat.
While we would never advocate Canada take shortcuts that would compromise national security, with both CSIS and the RCMP expressing confidence that the government’s refugee screening plan is sound, it is possible we could use goodwill as another tool in the battle against ISIL.
