It is my turn to welcome you, Minister. In your opening remarks, you said that you were seeking advice from the people at this table. I am going to use this opportunity to give you two pieces of advice related to priorities 4 and 5.
Priority 4 has to do with border concerns. It seems to me that in the near future—and this is also the case for the Americans to some extent—we will not be able to separate the problems in Afghanistan from those in Pakistan. We know that Taliban forces often retreat to Pakistan. It is not mentioned in the report. I know that the report covers January, February and March. It seems to me that the will of the Pakistani government has shifted considerably in terms of addressing the Taliban issue.
In the information you provided, there was little mention of the Swat Valley offensive, which is winding down. The Pakistani army is launching another front in Bannu. The desire of Pakistan's government to deal with the Taliban once and for all is clear. I see that as a very important development. In the next report, you should focus on priority 4. I would also like to hear your thoughts on what happened.
As for priority 5, which has to do with governance, Hamid Karzai's selection of Mohamed Qasim Fahim as his lieutenant or running mate is a problem in my eyes. I am not sure whether you know that man, but I can tell you that he is a bloodthirsty killer. He is a Tajik warlord, who has yet to dismantle his army despite the government's numerous requests to that effect. He is even suspected of kidnapping foreigners for ransom.
I would like to know whether the Canadian government has discussed this huge problem with President Karzai and his government officials. This situation would lead Afghanistan into a very dark period. I want to hear your opinion of Mohamed Qasim Fahim. No doubt, you will say that they have to make these kinds of decisions for themselves, but this nomination has sparked major debate and strong reactions.