I guess at some point I should stop prefacing my remarks by talking about being a new member on the committee, but I haven't had the privilege of going to Afghanistan as some of you have.
I'm kind of surprised, actually, at the response from members on the other side. As I had a quick review of the Manley report, I was quite impressed with the extensive list of people they met with on the ground over there, not only armed forces officials but Afghan officials, aid groups, and international groups from around the country and around the world participating in the rebuilding over there.
I think we all respect the members of the panel, from three different governments, three different former cabinet ministers and two different senior diplomats. But I think there must be an awful lot about what's going on on the ground over there that would be of value to the committee members to hear. I certainly would recognize that having a joint committee meeting is a bit of a challenge in terms of participation for members, and probably the ones who aren't in senior positions are likely to have a little less time than others in participating. I think on this side there's certainly room to discuss that formula, how that might work.
I would just like to express and appeal to our colleagues to consider that this is an issue that is certainly important for all of us. We're looking forward to the debate. There will be a debate in the House. And more information from people who have been on the ground over there would certainly help to inform that debate and would be of use to all of us, I would think.
I just submit those comments for consideration.