What they are saying: Conservative cover-up failing.

The Harper Conservatives, who said they were going to put accountability above all else, is finding itself isolated in hiding behind redacted documents and stalling at boycotting parliamentary committees. A wide array of commentators and columnists from across the spectrum are saying the time for cover-up is over.

Here’s what they are saying:

“[The Conservatives have] tried to evade, duck and otherwise hide from the obvious fact that everyone and her brother … knew about the propensity of Afghan authorities in Kandahar to torture prisoners.” - Editorial, Globe and Mail, 17 December 2009

“Honesty would have ended the Afghan prisoner abuse controversy now testing the ruling party's commitment to accountability and the Prime Minister's campaign to neuter Parliament. Instead of candour, Harper hung the Conservative defence on the suspect argument that there is no proof Afghans tortured Canadian prisoners. That was foolish.” - James Travers, Toronto Star, 17 December 2009

“There must be ‘zero tolerance’ toward prisoner abuse and torture if coalition forces in Afghanistan are to maintain credibility in the war-torn country.” - ISAF Commander, U.S. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, as quoted in the Toronto Star, 17 December 2009

“The Conservative government's handling of the detainee issue reflects poorly on its trustworthiness, managerial competence and ability to apply Canadian values abroad.” - Editorial, Globe and Mail, 17 December 2009

“I'm finding myself increasingly on the side of the NDP's Paul Dewar … maybe there should be a federal inquiry after all.” – Columnist Terry Glavin on his blog ,16 December 2009

“So watch the government's behaviour in the months to come. If it keeps obstructing documentation, boycotting committees or even proroguing Parliament, those will be the sure signs Richard Colvin's one-man battle to free the truth is triumphing over a government cover-up.” - Don Martin, National Post, 17 December 2009

“Mr. Harper will have one additional opportunity to do the right thing when Mr. Colvin responds in writing to the testimony of Mr. Hillier and senior Foreign Affairs officials. Let's hope he takes it and calls for a judicial inquiry.” – Norman Spector, Globe and Mail, 16 December 2009