Canadian Forces Afghanistan

Canadian Forces Afghanistan mission began soon after the attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.

In February 2002, a battle group from the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry was sent to Kandahar. It worked with the United States military and other forces in attacks against elements of the Taliban in the southern regions of the country as part of the United States led Operation Enduring Freedom.

From August 2003 to December 2005, Canada's military personnel were largely based in Kabul, as part of the International Assistance Force which had the aim of providing intelligence and security for the rebuilding of "the democratic process," which eventually led to elections in the Fall of 2005.

Canadian Forces' continued deployment to Afghanistan has come under much debate in Canada. Canada has maintained a force of some 2200 soldiers and has suffered some 100 killed in action.

A heated debate arose within Parliament, among Canadians, on the future of the Canadian Forces Afghanistan mission. Should troops be pulled out in February 2009 or should they stay? If they stay what should their focus be?

Prime Minister Stephen Harper called for an independent panel to study the questions and recommend a way forward. Former Deputy Prime Minister John Manley led the group.

The Manley panel's report recommended that Canada's military should remain in Afghanistan beyond February 2009 on two conditions:

One is that an additional battle group of about 1,000 soldiers should be assigned to Kandahar.

Second that the government secure new, medium-lift helicopters and high-performance unmanned aerial vehicles for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance before that date.

The non-binding report also said Canadian Forces Afghanistan must place greater emphasis on diplomacy and reconstruction and shift gradually from combat to training Afghan forces.

Canada has provided some limited humanitarian aid, usually about $10 million a year, to Afghanistan even prior to 2001. Canada re-established formal diplomatic relations with the new Afghan government on Jan. 25, 2002, and re-opened its embassy in Kabul in September 2003.

Stability, by training the Afghan National Army and Police as well as members of the government and judicial system.

Development, by providing education, basic services and employment opportunities.

Humanitarian assistance and services for refugees.

Security along the border with Pakistan, particularly the Federally Administered Tribal Areas which are regarded by the military as a base of operations for the Afghan insurgency.

Democracy, by supporting democratic institutions and processes.

Political reconciliation with former insurgents.

Despite their good intentions, Canadian Forces Afghanistan are finding it hard to bring about the stability and reconstruction they have hoped for due to the insurgence of violence by the Taliban, the corrupt government and the failed elections of 2009.

Can anyone bring stability, freedom and peace to Afghanistan? Probably not as long as there are men who would rather fight and cause dissension than to live in peace.

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