AfPak: The Frontier Post notices the Conference of Defence Associations

And more in Canada. Just in case you have not been convinced that events in Canada are followed closely in the North-West Frontier Province and Baluchistan--and across the border in Afstan (the story is actually an unacknowledged reprint of a Globe and Mail piece):

US not to press Canada on Afghanistan

...Alain Pellerin, executive director of the Conference of Defence Associations, said he believes the Tories have no wish to reignite debate over Afghanistan by publicly discussing the size and scope of the post-2011 mission. “I guess because they don’t want the Afghan mission to come back on the front burner ... until it’s required. They’ve got enough problems with the budget and whatever,” he said. “It’s a question of timing, I guess. They’ve just gone through an election. The Prime Minister said we’re leaving in 2011 and now is not the time to go public and say we are reconsidering our position.” Pellerin said he thinks Ottawa will ultimately be able to sell the idea of keeping troops in Afghanistan to support goals the Harper government has outlined, including development and training. He doesn’t envision combat soldiers remaining though. “I would not be surprised if we remain there in Kandahar with a robust presence beyond 2011,” Mr. Pellerin said. “I could see a possibility of a ... force of 1,000 to 1,500 remaining on the ground to do what the Prime Minister said needs to be done.”.. [What about the Air Force?]