Media, politicians share blame for not explaining new mission in Afghanistan: Desmond Morton

With mounting casualties, Conservatives resist calls for debate, but promise to keep Canadians informed about mission's progress.

Some federal opposition politicians are pushing for a debate on the military operation already underway, but at least one leading military expert is pointing the finger at the national media for failing to highlight the dangers of the government's decision to change Canada's mission in Afghanistan.

"I think there's been a colossal media failure," said McGill University history professor and military expert Desmond Morton. "There...