Thank you, General, for being with us.
I have two questions. I will ask them both, and then you can answer.
The first question is with respect to the comments you made about the army being stretched, and how you intend to use more reserve personnel if you can get your hands on them. I have a very specific question. When the extension of the mission to 2009 was introduced in the House, we were not given any forewarning, other than 48 hours or 96 hours, I believe. Were you? Were you or your predecessor in this position consulted to determine whether or not you could meet the changing needs, particularly of the army—the infantry and the like—if the mission was extended to two years, with combat being at the centre of it? That's the first question.
The second question is with respect to the reduced number of IEDs and attacks and the like, which is a good thing. My question is this. General Howard said there could be several reasons why this is happening. It could be the winter. It could be, according to him, the recent defensive stances of the forces, which he mentioned early on in his presentation—I'd like to know what that means, as I wasn't able to ask that question—and perhaps partial success in Panjwai.
The question I also have is whether or not it is related to the change in the focus of the mission. Despite what General Howard said, I've never heard of ADZs, and I've been defence critic for several months. I've been reading up on and following all of the comments that have been made in the press. Is this related? Is the reduction in the number of attacks, a reduction that is actually welcomed, related to a change in the focus and in the practice of the military on the ground? Are there fewer patrols? Are there fewer patrols in different areas where there were more patrols before? Are we seeking or hunting Taliban less than before? Have we changed the focus of the mission? If so, on whose orders? That's the question. If we have changed the focus, that would be great. I'd welcome that, but the question is very important.
Thank you.