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Saturday, December 13, 2025

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Scott Taylor

Scott Taylor is editor and publisher of Esprit de Corps magazine.

Between a rock and a hard place

  • Canada’s latest contribution to a Ukraine aid package will once again reward U.S. firms while the Trump administration is trying to force Ukraine to
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 8, 2025
Defence Minister David McGuinty. The money Canada and allies are donating to the Ukraine war effort is actually being spent in the U.S. to buy the weapons and ammunition that only the Americans can produce in the quantity necessary, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Between a rock and a hard place

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 8, 2025
  • Canada’s latest contribution to a Ukraine aid package will once again reward U.S. firms while the Trump administration is trying to force Ukraine to

Between a rock and a hard place

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 8, 2025
  • Canada’s latest contribution to a Ukraine aid package will once again reward U.S. firms while the Trump administration is trying to force Ukraine to
Defence Minister David McGuinty. The money Canada and allies are donating to the Ukraine war effort is actually being spent in the U.S. to buy the weapons and ammunition that only the Americans can produce in the quantity necessary, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

F-35 fighter purchase takes flak

  • The Air Force brass can’t control public perception and the longer this Gripen versus F-35 debate continues, the more people become aware of the
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 1, 2025
There appears to be some wiggle room for Canada to back out of the full program to buy American jets to replace Canada’s aging fleet of CF-18 Hornets, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sgt. Norm McLean

F-35 fighter purchase takes flak

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 1, 2025
  • The Air Force brass can’t control public perception and the longer this Gripen versus F-35 debate continues, the more people become aware of the

F-35 fighter purchase takes flak

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 1, 2025
  • The Air Force brass can’t control public perception and the longer this Gripen versus F-35 debate continues, the more people become aware of the
There appears to be some wiggle room for Canada to back out of the full program to buy American jets to replace Canada’s aging fleet of CF-18 Hornets, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sgt. Norm McLean

The future fighter debate

  • Saab’s fighter jet offer must be music to the ears of those Canadians who truly want to send a message of patriotic defiance to
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 24, 2025
The fight over who gets to replace Canada’s aging fleet of CF-18 Hornets heated up recently, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sgt. Norm McLean

The future fighter debate

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 24, 2025
  • Saab’s fighter jet offer must be music to the ears of those Canadians who truly want to send a message of patriotic defiance to

The future fighter debate

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 24, 2025
  • Saab’s fighter jet offer must be music to the ears of those Canadians who truly want to send a message of patriotic defiance to
The fight over who gets to replace Canada’s aging fleet of CF-18 Hornets heated up recently, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sgt. Norm McLean

Chief of defence staff in full retreat

  • To try and deny or diminish your own comments once they have been ridiculed in public is not good leadership.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 17, 2025
One has to wonder what sort of advice Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan is getting from her current legion of public affairs experts, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Chief of defence staff in full retreat

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 17, 2025
  • To try and deny or diminish your own comments once they have been ridiculed in public is not good leadership.

Chief of defence staff in full retreat

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 17, 2025
  • To try and deny or diminish your own comments once they have been ridiculed in public is not good leadership.
One has to wonder what sort of advice Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan is getting from her current legion of public affairs experts, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is our military ready to be a half a million strong?

  • Before looking to enlist hundreds of thousands more soldiers, the CAF needs to start taking proper care of those already in uniform.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 10, 2025
Jennie Carignan
Jennie Carignan
Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan recently told MPs that the Canadian Armed Forces is on track to recruit 7,000 personnel this fiscal year, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is our military ready to be a half a million strong?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 10, 2025
  • Before looking to enlist hundreds of thousands more soldiers, the CAF needs to start taking proper care of those already in uniform.

Is our military ready to be a half a million strong?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 10, 2025
  • Before looking to enlist hundreds of thousands more soldiers, the CAF needs to start taking proper care of those already in uniform.
Jennie Carignan
Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan recently told MPs that the Canadian Armed Forces is on track to recruit 7,000 personnel this fiscal year, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The CAF’s emotional apology for racism

  • The general consensus at the Oct. 30 ceremony was that this emotional apology is a starting point, not the closure of an historical chapter.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 3, 2025
Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan delivered the Canadian Armed Forces’ formal apology for racial discrimination and harassment suffered by current and former members of the military on Oct. 30. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The CAF’s emotional apology for racism

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 3, 2025
  • The general consensus at the Oct. 30 ceremony was that this emotional apology is a starting point, not the closure of an historical chapter.

The CAF’s emotional apology for racism

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 3, 2025
  • The general consensus at the Oct. 30 ceremony was that this emotional apology is a starting point, not the closure of an historical chapter.
Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan delivered the Canadian Armed Forces’ formal apology for racial discrimination and harassment suffered by current and former members of the military on Oct. 30. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Room for improvement in the CAF? Yeah, I’ll say

  • There is a time-honoured tradition when it comes to Canada's defence procurement: seeing is believing.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 27, 2025
Jennie Carignan
Jennie Carignan
Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan is doing her best to point to the progress being made, but the fact is that the Canadian military needs nearly everything in their inventory replaced—yesterday, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Room for improvement in the CAF? Yeah, I’ll say

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 27, 2025
  • There is a time-honoured tradition when it comes to Canada's defence procurement: seeing is believing.

Room for improvement in the CAF? Yeah, I’ll say

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 27, 2025
  • There is a time-honoured tradition when it comes to Canada's defence procurement: seeing is believing.
Jennie Carignan
Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan is doing her best to point to the progress being made, but the fact is that the Canadian military needs nearly everything in their inventory replaced—yesterday, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is Canada at risk of being complicit in U.S. military crimes?

  • The recent U.S. navy attacks on shipping off the coast of Venezuela have raised concerns at DND headquarters in Ottawa. 
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 20, 2025
Canada has partnered with the U.S. on Operation Caribbe, a counter-narcotic effort in the Caribbean, since 2006. DND photograph by 12 Wing Imaging Services

Is Canada at risk of being complicit in U.S. military crimes?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 20, 2025
  • The recent U.S. navy attacks on shipping off the coast of Venezuela have raised concerns at DND headquarters in Ottawa. 

Is Canada at risk of being complicit in U.S. military crimes?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 20, 2025
  • The recent U.S. navy attacks on shipping off the coast of Venezuela have raised concerns at DND headquarters in Ottawa. 
Canada has partnered with the U.S. on Operation Caribbe, a counter-narcotic effort in the Caribbean, since 2006. DND photograph by 12 Wing Imaging Services

Accountability needed after forged documents used to smear journalist and compromise House committee

  • Now that documents used to allege that David Pugliese is a Russian spy have been debunked as forgeries, the Public Safety and National Security
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 13, 2025
Defence reporter David Pugliese, left, was left to defend himself after former Conservative cabinet minister Chris Alexander lobbed now-debunked allegations at an October 2024 House committee meeting that he was a foreign spy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and screenshot courtesy of ParlVu

Accountability needed after forged documents used to smear journalist and compromise House committee

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 13, 2025
  • Now that documents used to allege that David Pugliese is a Russian spy have been debunked as forgeries, the Public Safety and National Security

Accountability needed after forged documents used to smear journalist and compromise House committee

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 13, 2025
  • Now that documents used to allege that David Pugliese is a Russian spy have been debunked as forgeries, the Public Safety and National Security
Defence reporter David Pugliese, left, was left to defend himself after former Conservative cabinet minister Chris Alexander lobbed now-debunked allegations at an October 2024 House committee meeting that he was a foreign spy. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade and screenshot courtesy of ParlVu

Canada’s moves on procurement overshadowed as the U.S. prepares for war against its citizens

  • As important as Canadian defence issues might seem, what happens south of our border will have a far greater impact on our future as
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 6, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump told a group of assembled generals that their country was ‘under invasion from within’ on Sept. 30. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube/PBS NewsHour

Canada’s moves on procurement overshadowed as the U.S. prepares for war against its citizens

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 6, 2025
  • As important as Canadian defence issues might seem, what happens south of our border will have a far greater impact on our future as

Canada’s moves on procurement overshadowed as the U.S. prepares for war against its citizens

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 6, 2025
  • As important as Canadian defence issues might seem, what happens south of our border will have a far greater impact on our future as
U.S. President Donald Trump told a group of assembled generals that their country was ‘under invasion from within’ on Sept. 30. Screenshot courtesy of YouTube/PBS NewsHour

The Canadian Armed Forces is a shrinking tribe

  • With only roughly one in 684 Canadians serving in the regular forces, thinking that the country could mount any meaningful deployment to either Ukraine or Gaza
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 29, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke at the High-Level Segment of the International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement on the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York on Sept. 22. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC

The Canadian Armed Forces is a shrinking tribe

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 29, 2025
  • With only roughly one in 684 Canadians serving in the regular forces, thinking that the country could mount any meaningful deployment to either Ukraine or Gaza

The Canadian Armed Forces is a shrinking tribe

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 29, 2025
  • With only roughly one in 684 Canadians serving in the regular forces, thinking that the country could mount any meaningful deployment to either Ukraine or Gaza
Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke at the High-Level Segment of the International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement on the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York on Sept. 22. Screenshot courtesy of CPAC

CAF leadership lacks courage

  • It's the responsibility of military brass to pound on the desks of their political masters to address shortcomings in the institution. Instead, they sugar
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 22, 2025
Canadian soldiers take part in Exercise Resolute Warrior in Latvia in 2024. A House of Commons committee recently heard that the Canadian Army does not have enough vehicles to support the forward deployed NATO mission in Latvia and conduct a similar-sized training exercise in Canada, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Department of National Defence/Cpl. Marc-André Leclerc

CAF leadership lacks courage

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 22, 2025
  • It's the responsibility of military brass to pound on the desks of their political masters to address shortcomings in the institution. Instead, they sugar

CAF leadership lacks courage

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 22, 2025
  • It's the responsibility of military brass to pound on the desks of their political masters to address shortcomings in the institution. Instead, they sugar
Canadian soldiers take part in Exercise Resolute Warrior in Latvia in 2024. A House of Commons committee recently heard that the Canadian Army does not have enough vehicles to support the forward deployed NATO mission in Latvia and conduct a similar-sized training exercise in Canada, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Department of National Defence/Cpl. Marc-André Leclerc

Future planning needed amid Canada’s defence budget boost

  • If we truly wish to provide a deterrent to Russian aggression, we need to learn from the ongoing war in Europe.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 15, 2025
Members of a CH-147F Chinook medical team with Operation Presence in Mali in 2018. With 14 CH-147F Chinooks remaining in RCAF service, Canada possesses a considerable aviation asset, but one suited to wage a counter-insurgency against a poorly equipped foe, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Canadian Forces Combat Camera/MCpl. Jennifer Kusche

Future planning needed amid Canada’s defence budget boost

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 15, 2025
  • If we truly wish to provide a deterrent to Russian aggression, we need to learn from the ongoing war in Europe.

Future planning needed amid Canada’s defence budget boost

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 15, 2025
  • If we truly wish to provide a deterrent to Russian aggression, we need to learn from the ongoing war in Europe.
Members of a CH-147F Chinook medical team with Operation Presence in Mali in 2018. With 14 CH-147F Chinooks remaining in RCAF service, Canada possesses a considerable aviation asset, but one suited to wage a counter-insurgency against a poorly equipped foe, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Canadian Forces Combat Camera/MCpl. Jennifer Kusche

A thin façade of combat capability

  • If your military cupboard is hurting, you can’t throw a coat of fresh paint on a disabled tank and pretend all is good for
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 8, 2025
It’s understandable that the military brass at Camp Adazi would try to impress Prime Minister Mark Carney, but it’s putting lipstick on a pig, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of X

A thin façade of combat capability

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 8, 2025
  • If your military cupboard is hurting, you can’t throw a coat of fresh paint on a disabled tank and pretend all is good for

A thin façade of combat capability

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 8, 2025
  • If your military cupboard is hurting, you can’t throw a coat of fresh paint on a disabled tank and pretend all is good for
It’s understandable that the military brass at Camp Adazi would try to impress Prime Minister Mark Carney, but it’s putting lipstick on a pig, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of X

Are we offering human bait in Ukraine?

  • Canada would need to acquire modern battlefield necessities before it can send any soldiers into Ukraine.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 1, 2025
Mark Carney
Mark Carney
If Prime Minister Mark Carney intends to actually put Canadian boots on the ground in Ukraine, he needs to make some tough decisions, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of X

Are we offering human bait in Ukraine?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 1, 2025
  • Canada would need to acquire modern battlefield necessities before it can send any soldiers into Ukraine.

Are we offering human bait in Ukraine?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 1, 2025
  • Canada would need to acquire modern battlefield necessities before it can send any soldiers into Ukraine.
Mark Carney
If Prime Minister Mark Carney intends to actually put Canadian boots on the ground in Ukraine, he needs to make some tough decisions, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of X

The hits keep coming for the CAF

  • If soldiers do know what the Nazi salute symbolizes and do it anyway, then they have no business wearing a Canadian uniform.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 25, 2025
Due to alleged soldier misconduct, Canada’s military has received three black eyes in rapid succession, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Brian Lindgren

The hits keep coming for the CAF

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 25, 2025
  • If soldiers do know what the Nazi salute symbolizes and do it anyway, then they have no business wearing a Canadian uniform.

The hits keep coming for the CAF

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 25, 2025
  • If soldiers do know what the Nazi salute symbolizes and do it anyway, then they have no business wearing a Canadian uniform.
Due to alleged soldier misconduct, Canada’s military has received three black eyes in rapid succession, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Brian Lindgren

The case for making national service mandatory

  • If one-year military engagements were part of a mandatory youth national service program, there would be a steady flow of new recruits for the
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 18, 2025
A 12-month stint of required youth service with the military could be a much-enhanced version of the current Naval Experience Program, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Braden Trudeau

The case for making national service mandatory

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 18, 2025
  • If one-year military engagements were part of a mandatory youth national service program, there would be a steady flow of new recruits for the

The case for making national service mandatory

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 18, 2025
  • If one-year military engagements were part of a mandatory youth national service program, there would be a steady flow of new recruits for the
A 12-month stint of required youth service with the military could be a much-enhanced version of the current Naval Experience Program, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Braden Trudeau

It’s time to strike back at Trump’s tactics

  • Now that U.S. President Donald Trump has indeed whacked Canada with a whopping trade tariff, perhaps it's time to make sure that economic pain
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 11, 2025
There are downsides to cancelling the remainder of the F-35 purchase and operating a mixed fighter fleet into the future, but the savings may balance out, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Master Sgt. John R. Nimmo Sr.

It’s time to strike back at Trump’s tactics

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 11, 2025
  • Now that U.S. President Donald Trump has indeed whacked Canada with a whopping trade tariff, perhaps it's time to make sure that economic pain

It’s time to strike back at Trump’s tactics

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 11, 2025
  • Now that U.S. President Donald Trump has indeed whacked Canada with a whopping trade tariff, perhaps it's time to make sure that economic pain
There are downsides to cancelling the remainder of the F-35 purchase and operating a mixed fighter fleet into the future, but the savings may balance out, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Master Sgt. John R. Nimmo Sr.

The Armed Forces’ selective accountability

  • Two senior officers have already been sanctioned in the early days of the Blue Hackle Mafia affair, which contrasts oddly with previous military scandals.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 4, 2025
Heads have begun to roll in the ‘Blue Hackle Mafia’ scandal, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Facebook first published by The Ottawa Citizen

The Armed Forces’ selective accountability

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 4, 2025
  • Two senior officers have already been sanctioned in the early days of the Blue Hackle Mafia affair, which contrasts oddly with previous military scandals.

The Armed Forces’ selective accountability

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 4, 2025
  • Two senior officers have already been sanctioned in the early days of the Blue Hackle Mafia affair, which contrasts oddly with previous military scandals.
Heads have begun to roll in the ‘Blue Hackle Mafia’ scandal, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Facebook first published by The Ottawa Citizen

Sniffing out alleged terrorists in the military’s ranks

  • This is exactly what the hard-pressed CAF did not need at this juncture—another bad news story to throw on the pile.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 28, 2025
The RCMP arrested four men on July 8 who were allegedly involved in activities intending to forcibly take possession of land in the Québec City area. Military-style training in which the accused took part. Photograph courtesy of the RCMP

Sniffing out alleged terrorists in the military’s ranks

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 28, 2025
  • This is exactly what the hard-pressed CAF did not need at this juncture—another bad news story to throw on the pile.

Sniffing out alleged terrorists in the military’s ranks

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 28, 2025
  • This is exactly what the hard-pressed CAF did not need at this juncture—another bad news story to throw on the pile.
The RCMP arrested four men on July 8 who were allegedly involved in activities intending to forcibly take possession of land in the Québec City area. Military-style training in which the accused took part. Photograph courtesy of the RCMP

Standing on ceremony

  • With the current state of the Canadian Armed Forces, perhaps it is time to drop the historical re-enactment duties.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 21, 2025
Members of Lord Strathcona's Horse spent 10 days as the King’s Life Guard. Using regular force and reserve combat soldiers to parade in period costume is no longer necessary, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of CBC News

Standing on ceremony

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 21, 2025
  • With the current state of the Canadian Armed Forces, perhaps it is time to drop the historical re-enactment duties.

Standing on ceremony

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 21, 2025
  • With the current state of the Canadian Armed Forces, perhaps it is time to drop the historical re-enactment duties.
Members of Lord Strathcona's Horse spent 10 days as the King’s Life Guard. Using regular force and reserve combat soldiers to parade in period costume is no longer necessary, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of CBC News

Raising hackles: why can’t the CAF help stepping on their own dicks?

  • Protecting the military’s reputation should never take priority over actually handling an issue, like that of the service members involved in a Facebook group sharing
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 14, 2025
The self-proclaimed ‘Blue Hackle Mafia’ Facebook group posted images of male soldiers in uniform exposing their genitals, others posing naked with Canadian Forces weapons, or simulating sexual acts with each other in uniform. Photograph courtesy of Facebook first published by The Ottawa Citizen

Raising hackles: why can’t the CAF help stepping on their own dicks?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 14, 2025
  • Protecting the military’s reputation should never take priority over actually handling an issue, like that of the service members involved in a Facebook group sharing

Raising hackles: why can’t the CAF help stepping on their own dicks?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 14, 2025
  • Protecting the military’s reputation should never take priority over actually handling an issue, like that of the service members involved in a Facebook group sharing
The self-proclaimed ‘Blue Hackle Mafia’ Facebook group posted images of male soldiers in uniform exposing their genitals, others posing naked with Canadian Forces weapons, or simulating sexual acts with each other in uniform. Photograph courtesy of Facebook first published by The Ottawa Citizen

Is the CAF past the point of no return?

  • Perhaps the Liberals need to do more than make promises of massive budget increases if there are too few personnel left in uniform to
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 7, 2025
Senior leadership may be accurate in assessing a seven-year window to recover the military. However, in what universe can that be considered a plan, asks Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Brendan Gamache

Is the CAF past the point of no return?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 7, 2025
  • Perhaps the Liberals need to do more than make promises of massive budget increases if there are too few personnel left in uniform to

Is the CAF past the point of no return?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 7, 2025
  • Perhaps the Liberals need to do more than make promises of massive budget increases if there are too few personnel left in uniform to
Senior leadership may be accurate in assessing a seven-year window to recover the military. However, in what universe can that be considered a plan, asks Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Brendan Gamache

Investing in critical minerals would be a win-win for Canada

  • An investment in tungsten production could benefit all of our NATO allies, allowing them to source Canadian rather than Chinese tungsten.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 30, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, with U.S. President Donald Trump at the recent G7 Summit in Alberta. Carney has indicated that defence infrastructure investment could include things like the development of Canada's critical minerals, notes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Government of Canada

Investing in critical minerals would be a win-win for Canada

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 30, 2025
  • An investment in tungsten production could benefit all of our NATO allies, allowing them to source Canadian rather than Chinese tungsten.

Investing in critical minerals would be a win-win for Canada

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 30, 2025
  • An investment in tungsten production could benefit all of our NATO allies, allowing them to source Canadian rather than Chinese tungsten.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, with U.S. President Donald Trump at the recent G7 Summit in Alberta. Carney has indicated that defence infrastructure investment could include things like the development of Canada's critical minerals, notes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Government of Canada

Time to walk the walk

  • A clear way to demonstrate to Canadians that he is not simply posturing would be for PM Mark Carney to cancel the remaining F-35 order.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 23, 2025
There's an ongoing review of Canada’s acquisition of 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen

Time to walk the walk

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 23, 2025
  • A clear way to demonstrate to Canadians that he is not simply posturing would be for PM Mark Carney to cancel the remaining F-35 order.

Time to walk the walk

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 23, 2025
  • A clear way to demonstrate to Canadians that he is not simply posturing would be for PM Mark Carney to cancel the remaining F-35 order.
There's an ongoing review of Canada’s acquisition of 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen

Carney’s CAF spending spree

  • Unfortunately, the one resource which the military is critically lacking is something that cannot be easily bought: trained personnel.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 16, 2025
A bigger paycheque may cause some existing soldiers to stick around, but simply wearing a uniform does not provide relief for the burnt-out personnel who are trades qualified, and in high demand for operations, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician

Carney’s CAF spending spree

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 16, 2025
  • Unfortunately, the one resource which the military is critically lacking is something that cannot be easily bought: trained personnel.

Carney’s CAF spending spree

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 16, 2025
  • Unfortunately, the one resource which the military is critically lacking is something that cannot be easily bought: trained personnel.
A bigger paycheque may cause some existing soldiers to stick around, but simply wearing a uniform does not provide relief for the burnt-out personnel who are trades qualified, and in high demand for operations, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician

How soon should we expect this ‘immediate’ military overhaul?

  • The defence minister said the feds will take ‘immediate and decisive action to rebuild Canada's defence capacity’—but announced nothing further.
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 9, 2025
David McGuinty
David McGuinty
In Europe, Defence Minister David McGuinty backed away from the word ‘immediate,’ noting the federal government will have more to say ‘very soon’ about its plans, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

How soon should we expect this ‘immediate’ military overhaul?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 9, 2025
  • The defence minister said the feds will take ‘immediate and decisive action to rebuild Canada's defence capacity’—but announced nothing further.

How soon should we expect this ‘immediate’ military overhaul?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 9, 2025
  • The defence minister said the feds will take ‘immediate and decisive action to rebuild Canada's defence capacity’—but announced nothing further.
David McGuinty
In Europe, Defence Minister David McGuinty backed away from the word ‘immediate,’ noting the federal government will have more to say ‘very soon’ about its plans, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
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Now is not the time for a game of chicken with Russia

  • OTTAWA—On Dec. 16, there was a meeting in Brussels between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior officials at NATO headquarters. Zelensky was there to
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 21, 2021
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, left, and NATO Secretary General Jen Stoltenberg met Dec. 16, reaffirming Ukraine’s invitation to join the organization. Flickr photograph courtesy of NATO

Now is not the time for a game of chicken with Russia

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 21, 2021
  • OTTAWA—On Dec. 16, there was a meeting in Brussels between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior officials at NATO headquarters. Zelensky was there to

Now is not the time for a game of chicken with Russia

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 21, 2021
  • OTTAWA—On Dec. 16, there was a meeting in Brussels between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior officials at NATO headquarters. Zelensky was there to
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, left, and NATO Secretary General Jen Stoltenberg met Dec. 16, reaffirming Ukraine’s invitation to join the organization. Flickr photograph courtesy of NATO

Afghanistan committee set to probe the wrong issue

  • OTTAWA—Last week, the House of Commons passed a Conservative motion to establish a committee to investigate Canada’s handling of what has been dubbed the
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 13, 2021
The new committee will look at Canada’s failure to have a plan in place to evacuate those Afghans who had assisted Canadian troops during their decade-long participation in that conflict, but that’s not all MPs should look at, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Genevieve Lapointe

Afghanistan committee set to probe the wrong issue

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 13, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Last week, the House of Commons passed a Conservative motion to establish a committee to investigate Canada’s handling of what has been dubbed the

Afghanistan committee set to probe the wrong issue

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 13, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Last week, the House of Commons passed a Conservative motion to establish a committee to investigate Canada’s handling of what has been dubbed the
The new committee will look at Canada’s failure to have a plan in place to evacuate those Afghans who had assisted Canadian troops during their decade-long participation in that conflict, but that’s not all MPs should look at, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Genevieve Lapointe

A rebrand could help military shed inglorious past

  • OTTAWA—As Canadians become more “woke,” we are seeing a growing trend to rename streets and buildings, along with the removal of statues dedicated to
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 7, 2021
Members of The Royal Canadian Dragoons conduct patrols at Garrison Petawawa on March 24. Many of the names currently used for military units are so long out of date as to be laughable and arguably misleading. Our armoured units have tanks or reconnaissance vehicles, they do not ride horses, yet they bear names like Dragoons, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Sarah Morley

A rebrand could help military shed inglorious past

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 7, 2021
  • OTTAWA—As Canadians become more “woke,” we are seeing a growing trend to rename streets and buildings, along with the removal of statues dedicated to

A rebrand could help military shed inglorious past

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 7, 2021
  • OTTAWA—As Canadians become more “woke,” we are seeing a growing trend to rename streets and buildings, along with the removal of statues dedicated to
Members of The Royal Canadian Dragoons conduct patrols at Garrison Petawawa on March 24. Many of the names currently used for military units are so long out of date as to be laughable and arguably misleading. Our armoured units have tanks or reconnaissance vehicles, they do not ride horses, yet they bear names like Dragoons, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Sarah Morley

Is it time to trim the CAF’s senior officer fat?

  • OTTAWA—On Nov. 25, the Trudeau government put its best spin on a very delicate situation by officially announcing that General Wayne Eyre is Canada’s
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 1, 2021
General Wayne Eyre was named the new permanent chief of the defence staff on Nov. 25, ending questions over the future of his predecessor, but raising new ones about why Canada has so many generals and admirals, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Is it time to trim the CAF’s senior officer fat?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 1, 2021
  • OTTAWA—On Nov. 25, the Trudeau government put its best spin on a very delicate situation by officially announcing that General Wayne Eyre is Canada’s

Is it time to trim the CAF’s senior officer fat?

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 1, 2021
  • OTTAWA—On Nov. 25, the Trudeau government put its best spin on a very delicate situation by officially announcing that General Wayne Eyre is Canada’s
General Wayne Eyre was named the new permanent chief of the defence staff on Nov. 25, ending questions over the future of his predecessor, but raising new ones about why Canada has so many generals and admirals, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Righting a racist wrong long overdue

  • OTTAWA—The Canadian military’s changing policies, regulations, and culture are reflective of the shift in our societal values. For instance, the current explosion of sexual
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 23, 2021
Black soldiers load Canadian Corps tramways with ammunition in July 1918. In recent years there has been a deliberate effort to celebrate No. 2 Construction Battalion’s contribution to the war efforts as some sort of success story, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Library and Archives Canada

Righting a racist wrong long overdue

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 23, 2021
  • OTTAWA—The Canadian military’s changing policies, regulations, and culture are reflective of the shift in our societal values. For instance, the current explosion of sexual

Righting a racist wrong long overdue

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 23, 2021
  • OTTAWA—The Canadian military’s changing policies, regulations, and culture are reflective of the shift in our societal values. For instance, the current explosion of sexual
Black soldiers load Canadian Corps tramways with ammunition in July 1918. In recent years there has been a deliberate effort to celebrate No. 2 Construction Battalion’s contribution to the war efforts as some sort of success story, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Library and Archives Canada

Remembering if it was all in vain

  • OTTAWA—This year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies took on a slightly more sombre tone than in years past. It is always a sorrowful occasion, particularly for
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 15, 2021
Governor General Mary Simon speaks with veterans at the National War Memorial on Nov. 11. This year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies mark the first time that Canadians have had to mourn fallen soldiers who died in the service of Canada—but because NATO lost the war and the Taliban prevailed, those lives were lost in vain, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Remembering if it was all in vain

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 15, 2021
  • OTTAWA—This year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies took on a slightly more sombre tone than in years past. It is always a sorrowful occasion, particularly for

Remembering if it was all in vain

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 15, 2021
  • OTTAWA—This year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies took on a slightly more sombre tone than in years past. It is always a sorrowful occasion, particularly for
Governor General Mary Simon speaks with veterans at the National War Memorial on Nov. 11. This year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies mark the first time that Canadians have had to mourn fallen soldiers who died in the service of Canada—but because NATO lost the war and the Taliban prevailed, those lives were lost in vain, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Canadian soldiers, Libyan people failed by order to break eggs in Libya

  • OTTAWA—Last week, seemingly in advance of Remembrance Day commemorations, the Embassy of Canada in Egypt tweeted a Veterans Affairs Canada message, which depicted Canadian
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 8, 2021
An air weapons system technician completes the arming procedure on a CF‑188 Hornet before it takes off from Trapani, Italy, as part of Operation Mobile on March 21, 2011. DND photograph by Cpl Marc-André Gaudreault

Canadian soldiers, Libyan people failed by order to break eggs in Libya

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 8, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Last week, seemingly in advance of Remembrance Day commemorations, the Embassy of Canada in Egypt tweeted a Veterans Affairs Canada message, which depicted Canadian

Canadian soldiers, Libyan people failed by order to break eggs in Libya

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 8, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Last week, seemingly in advance of Remembrance Day commemorations, the Embassy of Canada in Egypt tweeted a Veterans Affairs Canada message, which depicted Canadian
An air weapons system technician completes the arming procedure on a CF‑188 Hornet before it takes off from Trapani, Italy, as part of Operation Mobile on March 21, 2011. DND photograph by Cpl Marc-André Gaudreault

New defence minister has massive problem to tackle—but there’s hope

  • OTTAWA—In naming his new cabinet, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has finally relieved long-serving minister of national defence Harjit Sajjan of his embattled portfolio. Since
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 1, 2021
The fact that Anita Anand is a woman potentially sends out the signal to CAF survivors and victims of sexual misconduct that the government is finally serious about tackling the current crisis, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

New defence minister has massive problem to tackle—but there’s hope

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 1, 2021
  • OTTAWA—In naming his new cabinet, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has finally relieved long-serving minister of national defence Harjit Sajjan of his embattled portfolio. Since

New defence minister has massive problem to tackle—but there’s hope

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 1, 2021
  • OTTAWA—In naming his new cabinet, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has finally relieved long-serving minister of national defence Harjit Sajjan of his embattled portfolio. Since
The fact that Anita Anand is a woman potentially sends out the signal to CAF survivors and victims of sexual misconduct that the government is finally serious about tackling the current crisis, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

The attack against the Canadian military is coming from within

  • OTTAWA—On Feb. 7, 1981, a Soviet Navy Tupolev-104 passenger plane crashed immediately after taking off from the Pushkin airbase near St. Petersburg. All 50
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 25, 2021
Retired chief of defence staff General Jonathan Vance, left, his successor Admiral Art McDonald, and former vaccine-rollout leader Major-General Dany Fortin have all undergone investigation because of allegations of sexual misconduct or other dubious actions, which they have denied. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and photograph courtesy of Twitter

The attack against the Canadian military is coming from within

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 25, 2021
  • OTTAWA—On Feb. 7, 1981, a Soviet Navy Tupolev-104 passenger plane crashed immediately after taking off from the Pushkin airbase near St. Petersburg. All 50

The attack against the Canadian military is coming from within

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 25, 2021
  • OTTAWA—On Feb. 7, 1981, a Soviet Navy Tupolev-104 passenger plane crashed immediately after taking off from the Pushkin airbase near St. Petersburg. All 50
Retired chief of defence staff General Jonathan Vance, left, his successor Admiral Art McDonald, and former vaccine-rollout leader Major-General Dany Fortin have all undergone investigation because of allegations of sexual misconduct or other dubious actions, which they have denied. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade and photograph courtesy of Twitter

Ride out of Iraq now instead of flogging the dead horse of a mission

  • OTTAWA—On Sunday, Oct. 10, Iraqi citizens went to the polls to elect a new Parliament. Given that this coincided with Thanksgiving, it is no
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 18, 2021
Among Operation Impact’s objectives is to ‘help Iraq to achieve long-term success in keeping its territory and people secure.’ It’s a noble gesture, writes Scott Taylor, but it’s time to bring our troops home—the Sadrists can prop up their own leader without our assistance. Photograph courtesy of the Department of National Defence

Ride out of Iraq now instead of flogging the dead horse of a mission

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 18, 2021
  • OTTAWA—On Sunday, Oct. 10, Iraqi citizens went to the polls to elect a new Parliament. Given that this coincided with Thanksgiving, it is no

Ride out of Iraq now instead of flogging the dead horse of a mission

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 18, 2021
  • OTTAWA—On Sunday, Oct. 10, Iraqi citizens went to the polls to elect a new Parliament. Given that this coincided with Thanksgiving, it is no
Among Operation Impact’s objectives is to ‘help Iraq to achieve long-term success in keeping its territory and people secure.’ It’s a noble gesture, writes Scott Taylor, but it’s time to bring our troops home—the Sadrists can prop up their own leader without our assistance. Photograph courtesy of the Department of National Defence

Keeping it under wraps always seems to go wrong

  • OTTAWA—Last week, Ottawa Citizen reporter David Pugliese broke the story that Major-General Peter Dawe had been quietly assigned a new post and brought back
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 11, 2021
The sign offs by General Wayne Eyre, acting chief of the defence staff, left, and Lieutenant-General Frances Allen, vice-chief of the defence staff to quietly return Major-General Peter Dawe, right, to a new role involving responses to the various reviews looking into sexual misconduct in the Armed Forces was yet another entirely avoidable black eye for the CAF senior command, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and photograph courtesy of NATO

Keeping it under wraps always seems to go wrong

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 11, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Last week, Ottawa Citizen reporter David Pugliese broke the story that Major-General Peter Dawe had been quietly assigned a new post and brought back

Keeping it under wraps always seems to go wrong

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 11, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Last week, Ottawa Citizen reporter David Pugliese broke the story that Major-General Peter Dawe had been quietly assigned a new post and brought back
The sign offs by General Wayne Eyre, acting chief of the defence staff, left, and Lieutenant-General Frances Allen, vice-chief of the defence staff to quietly return Major-General Peter Dawe, right, to a new role involving responses to the various reviews looking into sexual misconduct in the Armed Forces was yet another entirely avoidable black eye for the CAF senior command, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photographs by Sam Garcia and photograph courtesy of NATO

Unpunished psyops scheme a blow to CAF credibility

  • OTTAWA—Last week, the Canadian Armed Forces were pummelled with yet another self-inflicted wound to their public trust. The Ottawa Citizen reported the stunning news
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 4, 2021
The initiative to train public affairs officers on behaviour-modification techniques was the brainchild of now retired Brig.-Gen. Jay Janzen, who was at the time the senior officer in the public affairs branch. Photograph courtesy of NATO/SSgt Ian Houlding GBR Army

Unpunished psyops scheme a blow to CAF credibility

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 4, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Last week, the Canadian Armed Forces were pummelled with yet another self-inflicted wound to their public trust. The Ottawa Citizen reported the stunning news

Unpunished psyops scheme a blow to CAF credibility

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 4, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Last week, the Canadian Armed Forces were pummelled with yet another self-inflicted wound to their public trust. The Ottawa Citizen reported the stunning news
The initiative to train public affairs officers on behaviour-modification techniques was the brainchild of now retired Brig.-Gen. Jay Janzen, who was at the time the senior officer in the public affairs branch. Photograph courtesy of NATO/SSgt Ian Houlding GBR Army

Truth and reconciliation holiday a chance to untangle unexamined family ties

  • OTTAWA—The current sense of national shame began on May 28 with the media reports of some 200 unmarked graves discovered on the grounds of
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 29, 2021
Pupils of Mohawk Institute are pictured in Brantford, Ont., in September 1934. Scott Taylor writes that he now knows that under the terms of the 1885 Indian Act, it would have been mandatory for his grandmother Pauline to attend the Mohawk Residential Institute at Brantford until the age of 16. Photograph courtesy of Library and Archives Canada

Truth and reconciliation holiday a chance to untangle unexamined family ties

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 29, 2021
  • OTTAWA—The current sense of national shame began on May 28 with the media reports of some 200 unmarked graves discovered on the grounds of

Truth and reconciliation holiday a chance to untangle unexamined family ties

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 29, 2021
  • OTTAWA—The current sense of national shame began on May 28 with the media reports of some 200 unmarked graves discovered on the grounds of
Pupils of Mohawk Institute are pictured in Brantford, Ont., in September 1934. Scott Taylor writes that he now knows that under the terms of the 1885 Indian Act, it would have been mandatory for his grandmother Pauline to attend the Mohawk Residential Institute at Brantford until the age of 16. Photograph courtesy of Library and Archives Canada

AUKUS alliance could mean it’s time for a NATO rethink

  • OTTAWA—At the United Nations’ general assembly in New York, U.S. President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and U.K Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 27, 2021
If a nuclear-powered submarine pact by U.S. President Joe Biden, left, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and U.K Prime Minister Boris Johnson can undermine NATO ally France, maybe it is time for Canada to rethink our own membership in NATO? Photographs courtesy of Flicker and Wikimedia Commons

AUKUS alliance could mean it’s time for a NATO rethink

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 27, 2021
  • OTTAWA—At the United Nations’ general assembly in New York, U.S. President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and U.K Prime Minister Boris Johnson

AUKUS alliance could mean it’s time for a NATO rethink

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 27, 2021
  • OTTAWA—At the United Nations’ general assembly in New York, U.S. President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and U.K Prime Minister Boris Johnson
If a nuclear-powered submarine pact by U.S. President Joe Biden, left, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and U.K Prime Minister Boris Johnson can undermine NATO ally France, maybe it is time for Canada to rethink our own membership in NATO? Photographs courtesy of Flicker and Wikimedia Commons

Canadian track record for wars won as poor as for wars lost

  • OTTAWA—With the Taliban firmly back in control in Afghanistan, many Canadian veterans of that war are conflicted in their emotions. They question the sacrifice
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 20, 2021
After the NATO-assisted Libyan rebels toppled and executed president Muammar Gaddafi, the Harper government proudly staged a patriotic victory parade, complete with an RCAF flypast on Parliament Hill on Nov. 24, 2011, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Canadian track record for wars won as poor as for wars lost

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 20, 2021
  • OTTAWA—With the Taliban firmly back in control in Afghanistan, many Canadian veterans of that war are conflicted in their emotions. They question the sacrifice

Canadian track record for wars won as poor as for wars lost

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 20, 2021
  • OTTAWA—With the Taliban firmly back in control in Afghanistan, many Canadian veterans of that war are conflicted in their emotions. They question the sacrifice
After the NATO-assisted Libyan rebels toppled and executed president Muammar Gaddafi, the Harper government proudly staged a patriotic victory parade, complete with an RCAF flypast on Parliament Hill on Nov. 24, 2011, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

Public narrative of victory in Afghanistan contributed to Canada’s lacking response

  • OTTAWA—Last week, the former Hamid Karzai International Airport was back in business under the new moniker of Kabul International Airport (a.k.a. KIA). The first
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 13, 2021
The Kabul International Airport, pictured in 2009. We can only pray that this new incarnation of the Taliban remains a kinder, gentler version of itself and that airlifts to safety replace vengeful bloodletting, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Jim Kelly

Public narrative of victory in Afghanistan contributed to Canada’s lacking response

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 13, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Last week, the former Hamid Karzai International Airport was back in business under the new moniker of Kabul International Airport (a.k.a. KIA). The first

Public narrative of victory in Afghanistan contributed to Canada’s lacking response

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 13, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Last week, the former Hamid Karzai International Airport was back in business under the new moniker of Kabul International Airport (a.k.a. KIA). The first
The Kabul International Airport, pictured in 2009. We can only pray that this new incarnation of the Taliban remains a kinder, gentler version of itself and that airlifts to safety replace vengeful bloodletting, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Jim Kelly

Afghanistan’s fate was there to see, but no one bothered to look

  • OTTAWA—Now that the last U.S. air force plane has departed the Hamid Karzai International airport in Kabul, western analysts and pundits remain shell shocked
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 6, 2021
Then-Canadian ambassador Chris Alexander’s inaccurate view that Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum was a remnant of Afghanistan’s past revealed just how little the youthful ambassador grasped the complexity of the Afghan political landscape, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times file photograph

Afghanistan’s fate was there to see, but no one bothered to look

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 6, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Now that the last U.S. air force plane has departed the Hamid Karzai International airport in Kabul, western analysts and pundits remain shell shocked

Afghanistan’s fate was there to see, but no one bothered to look

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 6, 2021
  • OTTAWA—Now that the last U.S. air force plane has departed the Hamid Karzai International airport in Kabul, western analysts and pundits remain shell shocked
Then-Canadian ambassador Chris Alexander’s inaccurate view that Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum was a remnant of Afghanistan’s past revealed just how little the youthful ambassador grasped the complexity of the Afghan political landscape, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times file photograph

It gets worse than the Taliban

  • OTTAWA—The deadly terrorist attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul on Aug. 26 was yet another serious blow to American martial pride as
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 30, 2021
There’ve been tough words, but as the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan now consists of nothing more than a desperate rear-guard securing the soon to be renamed Hamid Karzai International Airport, U.S. President Joe Biden’s only hope of punishing the culprits behind the Aug. 26 airport bombing will require the Taliban’s co-operation. Screenshot courtesy of CNN

It gets worse than the Taliban

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 30, 2021
  • OTTAWA—The deadly terrorist attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul on Aug. 26 was yet another serious blow to American martial pride as

It gets worse than the Taliban

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 30, 2021
  • OTTAWA—The deadly terrorist attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul on Aug. 26 was yet another serious blow to American martial pride as
There’ve been tough words, but as the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan now consists of nothing more than a desperate rear-guard securing the soon to be renamed Hamid Karzai International Airport, U.S. President Joe Biden’s only hope of punishing the culprits behind the Aug. 26 airport bombing will require the Taliban’s co-operation. Screenshot courtesy of CNN

The collapse no one and everyone saw coming

  • OTTAWA—It has been just over a week since the Taliban shocked the world with their blitzkrieg speed overthrow of the Afghan regime. The first
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 24, 2021
No one can ever question the courage of the average Afghan fighter. Afghanistan has shed a lot of blood over the centuries to earn itself the moniker ‘the graveyard of empires,’ writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of France24

The collapse no one and everyone saw coming

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 24, 2021
  • OTTAWA—It has been just over a week since the Taliban shocked the world with their blitzkrieg speed overthrow of the Afghan regime. The first

The collapse no one and everyone saw coming

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 24, 2021
  • OTTAWA—It has been just over a week since the Taliban shocked the world with their blitzkrieg speed overthrow of the Afghan regime. The first
No one can ever question the courage of the average Afghan fighter. Afghanistan has shed a lot of blood over the centuries to earn itself the moniker ‘the graveyard of empires,’ writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of France24

Reliance on ‘strongmen’ a weak strategy to repel Taliban

  • OTTAWA—At the time of writing, Afghan government security forces had completely collapsed without a fight and Taliban forces in Afghanistan were in control of
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 16, 2021
Afghan president Ashraf Ghani was appealing to ‘regional strongman’ Atta Muhammad Noor, pictured second from the left, to help prevent the fall of Mazar-i-Sharif, as part of his last-ditch appeal to help repulse the Taliban advances, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph by ISAF Public Affairs

Reliance on ‘strongmen’ a weak strategy to repel Taliban

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 16, 2021
  • OTTAWA—At the time of writing, Afghan government security forces had completely collapsed without a fight and Taliban forces in Afghanistan were in control of

Reliance on ‘strongmen’ a weak strategy to repel Taliban

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 16, 2021
  • OTTAWA—At the time of writing, Afghan government security forces had completely collapsed without a fight and Taliban forces in Afghanistan were in control of
Afghan president Ashraf Ghani was appealing to ‘regional strongman’ Atta Muhammad Noor, pictured second from the left, to help prevent the fall of Mazar-i-Sharif, as part of his last-ditch appeal to help repulse the Taliban advances, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph by ISAF Public Affairs

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