Extending the Afghan Mission

Admittedly, I have very mixed feelings about an extension of Canada's mission in Afghanistan beyond 2011.  My feelings are not just as a casual observer, but with a good friend heading to the conflict who will be serving in a very dangerous role before the year's end.  If something were to happen to him, I'm not sure that I could honestly say that the cause was worth his life, or the life of any other Canadian solider.

This is due to the lack of long term commitment that has been put forward by President Obama.  If we're being realistic, we must admit that unless the United States is fully committed to a democratic Afghan state, it will not happen.  Once the US pulls back, I doubt that Hamid Karzai and his allies will be able to ensure continued free elections, prevent the Taliban from re-taking major territory throughout the country, and ensure that terrorist groups do not re-establish themselves with bases of operations.

It grieves me to say this because Canada has spent significant blood and treasure trying to ensure that Afghanistan has a better future that includes human rights, freedom, democracy, and economic development.

Defence Minister Peter McKay should be announcing Canada's decision to extend a non-combat role for Canadian forces to train Afghan army and police beyond 2011. Certainly, this would be a better choice than an extension of our current highly dangerous combat role.

Being pragmatic, it is difficult to believe that other NATO forces in Afghanistan are willing to "see it through" considering their lack of commitment to real combat operations in the past and the uncertain commitment articulated by President Obama.

The corruption, violence, backwardness, and sicknesses of Afghanistan has been revealed.  With every battle won by coalition forces, it is difficult to truly say that the enemies of democracy have been dealt a serious blow.  Indeed, with help from Pakistan, Iran, Yemen, and other Islamic states funding terror directly or indirectly, it is doubtful that a long term solution can be achieved without a massive troop build up akin to what was undertaken in WWII and major states vanquished in the name of freedom and democracy.  But this is something the populace of the West has no stomach for.

So what can we do?  We should up the stakes for what would happen in the event of a Taliban or Al Qaida resurgence.  Attacking the west must be something that would be unspeakable horrific for our enemies.  But, with leaders like Obama who think that everything can be negotiated away, this won't happen.  Our weakness and apologetic mindset could be our undoing in the future.

How can we champion freedom if we continually apologize for it?  How can we promote democracy if we undermine it at home?

God's speed to our troops, may they all come home safe.  We will never forget their sacrifice.