WASHINGTON, October 7 (RIA Novosti) - Canadian government should provide full information about duration and objectives of the country's military mission participation in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group in Iraq, Benjamin Zyla, an Assistant Professor at the School of International Development and Global Studies at the University of Ottawa, told RIA Novosti.
"The House of Commons holds the 'power of the purse' and thus authorizes the spending for such an operation. In return, it should be given full information about the extent of the operation, that is how many planes and special forces operators are deployed, where exactly, its duration, and clear objectives," Zyla said Monday.
As Canada's parliament begins its vote on whether to commit to a six-month long airstrike mission in Iraq, Zyla argued that the operation could benefit the country both politically and militarily.
"Politically, Canada lends international support and justification for the US-led coalition of the willing and thus helps to alleviate the suspicion that the US acts unilaterally out of pure self-interests," the expert said, adding that the move would also help Ottawa strengthen relationship with Washington.
"Militarily," he continued, "the United States, asking Canada for these capabilities, is significant, because it shows that America trusts Canada with having and operating these capabilities."
Although Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper claims that the mission would only last half a year and not be prolonged, Zyla stated that the Canadian leader has not yet outlined a clear exit strategy.
"The government should also lay out the rules of engagement for this operation and deliver a so-called exit strategy of how and when to pull back," he concluded.
Canadian Prime Minister's plan involves the deployment of over 600 troops and CF-18 fighter jets to attack the IS extremists in Iraq.
The IS group has proclaimed a caliphate on the controlled areas across Iraq and Syria back in June. Since August, Washington has been carrying out airstrikes against the insurgents and extended them to Syria the following month.
