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| Issue 021/2005 |
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Canada's Bridge to Kandahar Amid considerable public discourse about Canada's new role in Afghanistan -- and the risks associated with the mission -- I feel that, as Minister of National Defence, I must comment on some of the public statements to ensure that Canadians know why our presence in Afghanistan is in our national interest and why it reflects Canadian values. Canada has been significantly involved in Afghanistan since 2001, when the federal government deployed the Canadian Forces there in the immediate aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Our forces have remained in Afghanistan since then to help bring peace, stability, hope and opportunity to a people oppressed and deprived of basic human rights for decades. This reflects Canadian values, and our contribution to date has been recognized by the Afghan people and by our allies in the field. Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah have often spoken of their appreciation, and that of the Afghan people, for the professionalism and cultural sensitivity our troops show to the needs of the Afghan people. But there's no doubt that our new mission in Kandahar differs from our current operation in Kabul. It will require a more combat-ready approach (and Kabul has by no means been risk-free). Southern and southeastern Afghanistan are dangerous: The Taliban, al-Qaeda and other extremist groups continue to try to destabilize the area through violence and to prevent the return of civil order and civil life. Canada, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Afghan government agree that these insurgents must be defeated and the Kandahar region stabilized and rebuilt if Afghanistan is to become a peaceful country. As they move into southern Afghanistan, our forces will face a dangerous, experienced enemy in very hostile terrain. They will be called on to meet this threat with courage, professionalism, cultural sensitivity, negotiation abilities and, ultimately, combat skills. It also bears mention that the mission in the Kandahar region, while more likely to involve open combat with a determined foe than Kabul, is not a departure from our past role in Afghanistan. Canadian Forces personnel served in Kandahar in 2002; many will be returning to a region they know. And Canada's goal remains the same: to work with the international community and the Afghan people to re-establish a civil society, thereby enhancing global security. This will be advanced by the Afghan parliamentary and provincial elections in September (facilitated by NATO forces, including Canadians). The Provincial Reconstruction Team we are establishing in Kandahar will bring Canada's "3D" approach (defence, diplomacy and development assistance) to bear in the region, providing increased security, aid and governance guidance. The task force of about 1,000 troops we will deploy in February will help extend the Afghan government's authority over the southern part of the country. We will also be assuming command of the multinational force in Kandahar for a period of time. All these operations fulfill Canada's foreign policy goals. Much has been made of recent comments by the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier, regarding this mission. Some characterize his remarks as a change from the traditional Canadian approach. Nothing could be further from the truth: Gen. Hillier's comments accurately characterize a difficult mission in a dangerous region. He has my unqualified support as he prepares our troops for this challenging task. Defeating terrorism and rebuilding failed states requires determination, complex solutions and a clear understanding of the risks. The professional competence, operational experience and cultural sensitivity of our troops position Canada to make an important contribution to the rebuilding of Afghanistan. Fundamentally, that is why the Canadian Forces have been in Afghanistan for more than three years, and are now undertaking new missions in that country. Bill Graham is Minister of National Defence. |
