ISIS Mission: Canada extension-signals year-long commitment?

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ISIS mission: Canada extension could signal year-long commitment

[ http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/isis-mi ... -1.2997425

Current mission to Iraq expires in April, but could possibly expand to Syria

By Murray Brewster, The Canadian Press Posted: Mar 16, 2015 4:50 PM ET| Last Updated: Mar 16, 2015 7:25 PM ET

The federal cabinet is poised to decide on extending the combat mission against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and should it be approved, several defence sources say it likely would involve a commitment of more than six months, possibly up to a year. Defence Minister Jason Kenney wouldn't indicate on Monday which way the debate is going, but said a verdict will come in the very near future and that "we're considering various options." He said it is a matter of looking at what meaningful contribution Canada can make to degrading the capability of extremists to wage their bloody campaign. [ . . . ]

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Iraq mission extension, expansion motion to go to House next week

[ http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/iraq-mi ... -1.2999936 ]

Stephen Harper won't say whether expanded Canadian mission would include Syria

CBC News Posted: Mar 18, 2015 12:40 PM ET| Last Updated: Mar 18, 2015 12:40 PM ET

Prime Minister Stephen Harper says the government will present a motion in the House of Commons next week to extend and expand the current military mission in Iraq.

But while he mentioned expanding the current mission, Harper wouldn't say whether that would include going into Syria.

Canada has contributed special forces operators and an air mission in the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, also known as ISIS.

Harper noted the current motion of support from the House doesn't close off the possibility of fighting in Syria.

More to come