Yes, I'll jump to the recommendations.
What is necessary now is to strike a fair balance in order to achieve these objectives and to attempt to improve the fate of the Afghans.
If I must stick to essential recommendations, I would say that the task for Canada is, first, to ensure it obtains significant military support in Kandahar from one or more other countries. I believe that things are already being done to that end at the present time.
Second, there must be a plan for a gradual reduction of Canadian troops in Afghanistan to achieve a sustainable level and to allow the Canadian government a reserve for other crises or needs.
Third, efforts must be rebalanced for the benefit of the diplomacy and development pillars.
Fourth, it must be ensured that civilian authority is preeminent over the military apparatus. As I've already noted, measures have already been taken in that direction.
Fifth, we must be transparent and provide full and relevant information to the Canadian public.
Sixth, provision must be made to require the Canadian government to hold debates in the House in the event of any significant troop deployment overseas.
Seventh, internationally, the Afghan government must be required to meet its obligations in the areas of human rights, freedom of the press and freedom of association and to fully shoulder its responsibilities to its population.
Eighth, support must be provided for the appointment of a senior international officer responsible for both the UN and NATO missions.
Ninth, pressure must be brought to bear for the UN mission in Afghanistan to clearly assume leadership of international efforts, thus restoring the precedence of political rather than military management.
Lastly, it must be ensured with U.S. authorities that anti-terrorist activities do not undermine other missions in Afghanistan.