Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
There is a difference between what is happening today and the war occupation let by the Russians that was somewhat Imperialist. Throughout the country, they were perceived as people who had come to dominate, to take natural resources, and so on. I found in Afghanistan that the people are still giving the international community the benefit of the doubt. They realize that this is not a war of occupation. However, I realized that they wanted changes to their living conditions, which are unacceptable. The riots in Kabul lead me to believe that there is a problem. The Afghans realize that people want to help them, but they are not seeing any changes to their living conditions. Everything is in ruins as before, they have no more food than they did before, they still have problems with water, and they are wondering what the international community is doing for them.
I also realize that as far as security is concerned, it is being played out as we speak. These people want to live the peaceful life they have never known. In some villages, they wonder if they should side with the Taliban to ensure their protection, or with the coalition forces to ensure their security. Meaningful results must be delivered as quickly as possible.
What worries me the most is the pitiful state of the current government. It will say that Karzaï is the mayor of Kabul, nothing more. He has no credibility in Kandahar or elsewhere. At NATO, where the situation in the country is being monitored, they appear to be moving towards a kind of tutoring system for elected officials. Their parliament is very basic, and I was very surprised by that. Mind you, I was very impressed—Ms. Black, you will be happy to learn this— by the women. Twenty seven per cent of the members of parliament are women. I had an opportunity to meet a couple of them. I can assure you that they know where they are going. They will, however, need the third D, diplomacy, and some tutoring.
I was surprised when Mr. Karzaï told me that, when he wanted to write a letter to a head of State, he had to do it himself, because no one around him was able to do it. That is serious. Discussions have begun on tutoring. It is not about imposing anything on them. I am one of those who will contact a member of parliament there and offer advice. This is a good avenue for the Canadian government to explore. It could ensure that all members of parliament there are able to carry out their duties, thereby saving the government's credibility. These people have just been democratically elected. If everyone loses confidence in their government, then we will have to start over from scratch. What do you think about the idea of tutoring, that is being talked about these days in Europe or elsewhere?