Canada must look out for the Shia minority in Afghanistan

Re Suicide attack on Shiite mosque in Afghanistan kills 47, Oct. 15

The suicide explosion this last Friday in the Lady Fatima Mosque in Kandahar, Afghanistan, has taken 47 lives and injured many more. This act of terror comes on the heel of another terrorist explosion only one week earlier in Kunduz that killed at least 50 and injured over 150. That explosion also targeted the Shia minority population during the Friday prayers.

Canada has an opportunity and responsibility to act.

First, Canada can increase the number of Afghan refugees it takes, particularly from the vulnerable Shia minority.

Second, Canada must ensure much-needed aid reaches the Afghan people, but bypasses the Taliban.

Third, Canada can work multilaterally to recognize and counter the threat of terrorism facing the Shia minority.

Ali Manji, Thornhill