Operation Iraqi Freedom (Canada vs. US Legislation)
Growing Legislation
At the beginning of this war Canada did not choose to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom but did offer moral support to the US. This showed Canada's autonomy from the US and the other military influences which is something that the nation has long been struggling with. Canada did decide to move in after the invasion to clean up and help the nation grow and become stronger despite the UN and US pushing otherwise. The United States did not change much as far as their military tactics and tradition, being the superpower and controlling the attack and movement. In December 2011 Canada decided to move out of Iraq before the United States because they felt that their job and mission was completed. The United States did pull out after the Obama government took over, but made the decision after Canada did. This war allowed Canada as a nation show autonomy and make their own decisions in Ottawa vs following the leader into war.
War Refugees
When the war started and the USA invaded Iraq in 2003, several soldiers refused to fight in the war and left the country to flee the war. Canada did eventually allow these men to enter the country and stay under refugee status while the US wanted them to return to face prosecution. These refugees caused massive debate on both sides of the border regarding how the men should be dealt with. Under US law deserting the country and war is a criminal offence that us punishable. The fleeing men did obtain refugee status in Canada and concentrated in the Toronto and Vancouver areas.
Contrasting Participation
In 2003, the US and UN heard rumors of possible Weapons of Mass Destruction and cruise missiles and ordered Iraq to comply with the UN under Resolution 1441. They did not comply so CIA operatives moved into the country to try to persuade the Iraqi generals to surrender before an invasion began.
Their efforts failed and the US was forced to begin an invasion into Iraq. Prime Minister Jean Cretcian declared that Canada would not participate in the pending invasion, but would offer moral support for the US and their soldiers. The movement was swift but encountered much more resistance than expected by Iraqi rebels. The US was prepared to go into a full war to restore peace and eliminate the threat of Al-Qaeda troops and missile attacks. The US supplied the majority of troops with the UN with Canada included supplied the rest after the invasion. Canada's number of participating troops was higher than only 3 other nations. After the US invaded Iraq the Canadian peacekeeping forces moved in to the area and began to rebuild the nation and withhold the Al-Qaeda rebels. Canada contributed by using their forces to train the Iraqi police and military to deal with threats better on their own. Canada also contributed approximately $300 million towards this training effort.
While Canada was helping to train the nation and participating behind the front lines for the most part, president Bush sent their men into the front lines which resulted in a total loss of 4484 American lives. The US invaded the country on threat of WMD's that did not materialize and Canada only moved in to help the country, not on concerns of a potential attack from a program that ended in 1991.
Their efforts failed and the US was forced to begin an invasion into Iraq. Prime Minister Jean Cretcian declared that Canada would not participate in the pending invasion, but would offer moral support for the US and their soldiers. The movement was swift but encountered much more resistance than expected by Iraqi rebels. The US was prepared to go into a full war to restore peace and eliminate the threat of Al-Qaeda troops and missile attacks. The US supplied the majority of troops with the UN with Canada included supplied the rest after the invasion. Canada's number of participating troops was higher than only 3 other nations. After the US invaded Iraq the Canadian peacekeeping forces moved in to the area and began to rebuild the nation and withhold the Al-Qaeda rebels. Canada contributed by using their forces to train the Iraqi police and military to deal with threats better on their own. Canada also contributed approximately $300 million towards this training effort.
While Canada was helping to train the nation and participating behind the front lines for the most part, president Bush sent their men into the front lines which resulted in a total loss of 4484 American lives. The US invaded the country on threat of WMD's that did not materialize and Canada only moved in to help the country, not on concerns of a potential attack from a program that ended in 1991.