The challenge for the government is maintaining support for a conflict when people don't perceive a threat ? of a failed state falling into the hands of extremists, for instance ? particularly as Canadian deaths are rising, says Delaney.
It may well be that the key to bolstering Western resolve is another terrorist attack like 9/11 or the London transit bombings of two years ago, he says.
"If nothing happens, it will be harder still to say this is necessary."
