A peek into global combat

Somewhere in the Arabian Gulf : When the opportunity came for me to be embedded with the Canadian Navy as they patrol the Gulf, it was hard to turn down.

This would be an inside look into how a coalition of countries aims to stop terrorism from its seams.

The concept is simple. Terrorists need funds. Selling illegal drugs is despicably profitable. As international waters in the region are highly unregulated, it would be a highway of transport.

My goal on going with the Canadian Navy was to see how the process unfolds, even when I am still not able to define a terrorist.

For four days, I was living on a floating Canada, with all the stereotypical characteristics - kind, apologetic, maple-syrup-eating, hockey-loving Canadians.

I was shocked by the openness of the navy from allowing me to roam throughout the ship to not shying away from the most ethical challenges they face.

This wasn't some secret operation where the navy shadowed me to ensure I only heard what they wanted me to hear; I guess when your hands are clean, you have little to hide.

What fascinated me most was their ability to turn from the humorous Canadians into a force not to be reckoned with when a situation arises.