Granting support

Looks like I'm not the only one who thinks Canada should stand by a guy like Bert Tatham. Glad to see a man like BGen Grant is willing to step forward on this issue:

Brig.-Gen. Tim Grant says the 35-year-old Vancouver resident, sentenced Tuesday in Dubai to four years imprisonment for drug possession, gave Canadian Forces "critical information" during his year in the country.

Mr. Tatham worked, in the 12 months up to mid-April, as a member of the Afghan government's Poppy Elimination Program in the southern province of Kandahar, managing an Afghan team in such projects as helping farmers find alternative crops.

"While Canada does not conduct counter-narcotic operations in Afghan-istan, Mr. Tatham was our link to understanding poppy growth, harvesting, trade activities and the government of Afghanistan's eradication activities in Kandahar Province," Brig.-Gen. Grant, who took command of Canada's 2,500 troops in Afghanistan last August, writes in a letter of reference.

"This assisted us in several areas, including where operations were being conducted so as not to interfere with our security, development or governance activities."

Most of Canada's offensive operations take place in Kandahar as Canadian troops and other international forces battle the Taliban.

Brig.-Gen. Grant says Mr. Tatham, an expert in satellite-imagery interpretation, even "detailed cartographical products," which Canadian Forces used in Afghanistan and Canada.

Brig.-Gen. Grant also described Mr. Tatham as a "liaison and adviser" who conducted "extensive co-ordination" with Canadian troops as he "worked alongside" them.

Here's hoping the reference letter helps.