By STEVEN CHASE, Toronto Globe and Mail
Canada, Russia angle for valuable rights to the North Pole
Canada's mapping of the Arctic is pushing into territory claimed by Russia in the high-stakes drive by countries to establish clear title to the polar region and its seabed riches.
Survey flights Ottawa conducted in late winter and early spring went beyond the North Pole and into an area where Russia has staked claims, a Canada Department of Natural Resources official said.
Soviets' experience in Afghanistan holds insights for today
The Canadian military has been studying the Soviet debacle in Afghanistan for clues on how to prevent similar mistakes as NATO tries to beat back a persistent insurgency and ready the country's weak but pro-Western government to assume greater control.It began a research project in 2006, a year in which fighting intensified in the war against the Taliban.
Canada plays oil card in NAFTA spat
OTTAWA -- Americans' privileged access to Canada's massive oil and gas reserves could be disrupted if Washington cancels the North American Free Trade Agreement as Democratic presidential candidates threaten, Canadian Trade Minister David Emerson warned.

