Here are some quotes from voters who took part in the Canadian Press-Broadcast News poll that chose the war in Afghanistan as Canada's top News Story for 2006:
"Canada's role in the war in Afghanistan has been a top story throughout the year. Whereas other stories have come and gone, this one continues and will remain a top story next year as well.'' -- Mel Rothenburger, managing editor, Kamloops Daily News
"Nothing divides and unifies at the same time like war.'' -- Sheldon MacLeod, news director, CKBW, Bridgewater, N.S.
"The debate over your nation's role in war is no longer theoretical. We are no longer debating U.S. foreign policy from afar. This year Canadians witnessed and wept as coffins bearing the remains of Canadian soldiers landed on tarmacs across the country. Life and death and war is again a reality for Canadians and the divisions emanating from the conflict are real.'' -- Jim Poling, managing editor, Hamilton Spectator
"The war in Afghanistan has provided human tragedy after human tragedy, as the death toll mounts. While a far cry from the deaths in Iraq for U.S. soldiers, the Canadian count is worrying Canadians and challenging our image as peacemakers in a troubled world. Have we overreached? Is the mission winnable? How much are we in for, and why aren't our NATO allies making the same sacrifices? The stories range from emotional to global and leave more questions than answers, while promising to do so for the long-term ahead.'' -- Fred Kuntz, editor-in-chief, Toronto Star.
"Most Canadians support the troops. However, many question why we seem to be fighting without the support of bigger NATO countries in a mission that is under the NATO umbrella.'' -- Peter Lapinskie, managing editor, Pembroke Daily Observer
