Question for Canadians. Do you think Canadian soldiers should pull out of Afghanistan or not?

Question

Do you think that Canadas involvement is purly political or comes from a sense of wanting to make the world a better place?

Answer 1

There are several reasons why we are out there.

First, there is the NATO commitment. We were there originally in 2002 to support the Americans. Now, we are there under NATO for the Provincial Reconstructions Teams and the International Security Assistance Force. None of that OEF stuff. That is the American mission, primarily in the East of Afghanistan.

Second, we are there because President Hamid Karzai is asking us to stick it out. We're helping out in the South, even if it might not look like it to the untrained, uninformed eyes of civilians. There is one reason that the illegal armed factions have stepped up their attacks against the Canadians: we are winning, and scaring the living daylights out of them. I mean, when they start digging in for a conventional war, you know that an insurgency is one the rocks.

Third, we can't pull out until the job is done. We are committed at least to 2009, possibly even longer. But our desired end-state is that Afghanistan will be a secure, self-governing country free from warlords, drug kingpins, Taliban extremists and safe for everyone to live in. That can't happen until the armed factions are either disarmed or routed in battle.

And you, jim22pb, get your head out of where the sun is not shining. I have seen these videos, and they are doing pretty good in those firefights. Small unit combat is nothing like Hollywood, make no mistake. It's simple, it's brutal, and it works. If anything, they are dealing with the enemy in a professional, methodical manner. Yes, they duck a lot, but here is something for you. It's not because they are under light fire that it's not accurate fire. And a head sticking out over a wall is a pretty easy target if it won't move. If it bobs up and down randomly and each time sending a few bullets your way, you'll keep down too.

Answer 2

I wish Canadian soldiers could pull out of Afghanistan. I breaks my heart whenever one of these beautiful young people dies. I always ask for what did they die? Unfortunately Canada has a NATO obligation to provide troops wherever they are needed and therefore, we must stay as long as required. I think though the Afghans are used to their tribal wars and this is not going to stop any time soon. Furthermore, it stands to reason that the Taliban are supported by segments of the population how else could they survive in a harsh landscape like that. It is so sad to see all this.

Answer 3

We did not go into Afghanistan cause of the americans, Canada got involved because of a request from Nato. (if for america then it was indirect request)

When Canada commited itself to the fight, it was also based on Canadian ideology, for the benefit of the afghan people to have the chances we do, for now girls go to school they are freer, woman don't get treated like garbage.

Taliban jack (leader of the NDP party) wants Canada out, yet he has never talked to the soldiers involved and never visited afghanistan.

I support the troops and their opinion before any politician. The troops are saying they are making a difference, they want to finish the job, for two reasons to show their comrades didn't die in vain and to make sure afghan kids get a chance, which we will see the benefits for them happen as they become adults.

Read this poem by a soldier and you tell me if Canadian soldiers should pull out. And remember public opinion, and a soldiers opinion are two different things.

Ole Jack Layton ~ Thoughts From A Soldier

Dear Jack Layton,

You sit there in your quiet home, no fear is in your heart,
You sleep soundly certain that it won't be blown apart.

Your children they can go to school and play out in the park,
They've never seen a bomb explode, heard air raids in the dark.

They've never seen dead bodies piled up on the street,
Your wife, she won't be beaten, treated like a piece of meat.

You are free to form opinions, read any news print you can see,
You enjoy your rights and privileges in this country wide and free.

The reason you can live like that is because I fight your wars,
I fight and push the enemy back, I keep them off our shores.

I am here and you are there pretending you know best.
Well Ole Jack now listen close while I get this off my chest.

You have the right to criticize, you have the right to complain
You don't have the right to drag me down in a stupid political game.

The thing about your rights Ole Jack, the part you can't comprehend
Is you work in the very system, the democracy I defend.
I stand on fences around the world protecting those that need it,
It is not for you to determine Jack whether or not it's worth it.

Ask the people in Afghanistan if they want me to stay,
Women and children depend on me - you say just walk away.

I don't need your changing policy, trying hard to not lose face,
What I need is you behind me, helping protect this place.

You know its hard to do this when I think I'm all alone.
I hear stories of young punks p!ssing on memorial stones.

I read the papers over here and they tell me what is said.
Canadians are losing faith I can't get it through my head.

You say that it is hopeless, it really brings me down
Don't tell my mother we're losing, don't spread that rumour around.

I'm doing good, were winning here but no-one will believe
Because we are way over here where no one there can see.

Women here can work you see, children starting school.
We built a working government, we've broken Taliban rule.

We are so close to winning this, it's not too far away
History will show that we were in the right to stay.

When that brilliant day arrives, victory you'll claim is ours
You'll forget you said to run away - forget you are a coward.

On that day just thank me for my courage and my trouble,
Find another place that needs help, and send me on the double.

_________________


I would rather listen to the opinion of a Canadian soldier than public opinion, or the politicians.


SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
Lest we forget.

Answer 4

Part of it is to make the world a better place. The Taliban was plain ordinary bad news and the whole world needed to be rid of them. I'm glad for the people in Afganistan that at least it was the US they attacked so the western democracies came to kick their ***. After all it could have been China or even Russia again. We here get to enjoy the benefits of being in the western democracy club. It's something we need to do.

Also, we're part of NATO and that is something that didn't come cheap either (World War II). We shouldn't just ignore what that commitment entails or talk about getting out because of this situation.

Thank you to all our soldiers for being out there and doing what you can.

From at least one more Canadian who supports you, prays you make a difference, and hopes that you come home to your families.

Answer 5

Canada is a NATO member! It is not a Canadian government decision to have it's troops in Afghanistan, it is a NATO decision, to replace the American units there.

For Canada to withdraw it's troops from Afghanistan, without NATO approval to do so, would jeopardize their membership as a charter member.

Canada's involvement in Afghanistan is neither political or idealistic. It is obligated to be in Afghanistan due to it's obligations to NATO, and probably with great reluctance, the same as other members with troops in country.

Answer 6

Besides being a member of NATO, the Canadian government voted in Parliament to extend the mission to I believe 2009. So there will be no pulling out anytime soon. Let's just hope they can all return safely.

Answer 7

I don't think Canada mad a decision to send troops to Afghanistan, I think they're there because they're a member of NATO and NATO told them what do do.

I guess you could rephrase your question to, should Canada pull out of NATO and the answer to that would be NO as I'm sure Canada would like other countries to help them if they need it.

Answer 8

As a committed member of Nato, Canada has an obligation to participate when called upon and Afghanistan is another good example. No, I do not believe we should pull our troops out , Iraq, on the other hand is another story.

Answer 9

They are highly trained for the job. It's just that the Russians weren't successful in fighting them back in the eighties. There is no level playing out there. It's sad so many Canadians have been killed so far. They believe in what they're doing as long as they still believe in it they'll stay. I'm sure once there is a consensus among the military that they should pull out they will.

Answer 10

I think they are there so they can be a player on the world stage. They should be there to protect their own interest, that is the only legitimate reason for a country to do anything.

I think they should pull out and go back home. Let the Americans handle it. Why should they stand up for themselves the americans will do it.