Another news story. Another ramp ceremony. Another pedestrian-lined highway and a darkened vehicle convoy making its way to a sombre destination. Another city flag at half-mast and another mournful wail from the bagpipes of Charles Meanwell.
Sadly, and to my own shame, I had begun to accept these events as commonplace, as a normal occurrence. At worst I gave it little thought. I have been roused from my melancholy. It is not the return of the dead soldiers that has provoked this arousal. We as a nation have committed our men and women of the Armed Services to a combat mission. The cost of this action is dead soldiers. We have forgotten the cost. It has been over half a century since the Canadian public has had to witness regular payments. What has brought me to this mumble is the question of why? Why are we as a nation involved in a combat mission in Afghanistan?
In reaction I began by asking those around and those who would respond to that simple question. Disturbingly the oft-stated reply was, “I don’t know.”
“I don’t know?” We as a nation currently have our Armed Services involved in the largest combat role in fifty years and in my anecdotal sphere of individuals most began a response with, “I don’t know?” When pushed, humanitarian aid, democracy, the war on terror et al were all touted in automaton fashion as reasons for Canada’s involvement. Some of these provide hollow motivations for our involvement. Democracy and the war on terror I find offensive as justifications. In regards to the former what form of intellectual, political imperialism are we engaged in? Why do we imagine that our system of government is a model that can be utilized in any and all circumstance? Many believe that our’s is the best system, yet how many of us participate? Very few. Our bellies are full, of course our system of government is best. The latter the “war on terrorism” has increased the threat rather than suppress it.
Perhaps the most valid reason put forth was the comment that entailed the elements of Western influence in the Middle East both politically and in terms of material resources, for now and in the future. As the commentator put it, “…it is a circling of the Western wagons…against the East…”
Of interest was the perception of the increased pride that many now feel as members of the Armed Services. Those who in the past would change out of uniform before returning home now don their uniforms with head upraised. The ghosts of Somalia receding. Our media has assisted greatly in this. The recent publication by a well-known Globe and Mail columnist and our own local media representative who returned from the theatre of war, both provide stirring accounts of the efforts of those serving. But much of the information revolves around the individuals. The extraordinary efforts of ordinary individuals in extraordinary circumstances should be applauded and honoured. That honour does not provide an umbrella of justification to the motivations and decisions that placed the individual in that circumstance. The results do not always provide the reason.
There was another tact and tone that pervaded a number of conversations. This revolved around the asking of the question. I must admit that after the first occurrence I “baited” the conversation with the phrase, “I support the troops but not the mission.” Any remaining conviviality evaporated with this phrase. Hypocrite, cowardly, ignorant, unAmerican...I mean unCanadian and a litany of other invectives followed. Why does “Why?” elicit such hostility?
Both soldiers and civilians have a duty. A soldier’s duty is for the most part clear. Do as ordered. For a civilian it may be a bit convoluted. I would argue that it includes the duty to question and to be vigilant to the decisions made by our leaders in their commitment of our Armed Services. It is a duty we owe to our soldiers. How can that decision be clearly made or understood in the context of Afghanistan based on the information we as Canadians have been receiving? How can meaningful discourse be had when to question is received with anger?
We as a nation have allowed ourselves to be pulled into a quagmire. I fear our political and nationalistic motivations for our involvement in Afghanistan will be a stain upon the individual efforts and costs incurred by those our government has tasked to fulfill its policies. The “West’s” interferences and meddling in Afghanistan for their own self interests bear a substantial responsibility for the difficulties now faced by this county and region. Resolutions to these difficulties will be elusive. Any resolution will be tragic and costly to all involved, but in particular to the people of Afghanistan.
Why, still remains the question. The answers I fear will bring no solace.
Comments
My understanding is that the
My understanding is that the United States petroleum industry has interests in a proposed pipeline from central Asia north of Afghanistan through Afghanistan, passing by Kandahar, then on to Pakistan and a seaport. We are there to support this undertaking. The Taliban refused to cooperate with the United States in the year 2000. The rest is history.
It is disappointing, however
It is disappointing, however not unbelievable, to learn that most people did not have a response to why Canada is in Afghanistan. Some people do not care to educate themselves on important issues such as this. Ironically, those are probably the same people who can't miss an episode of American Idol. It's a shame that not everyone appreciates their ability to become educated or participate in democracy. Interestingly enough, these are inclusive in the reason for our presence in Afghanistan.
I respect your right to disagree with the mission, although I certainly hope you support the troops. I also hope I did not mistake you, but do you feel no sympathy when you hear news of another fallen soldier? Having loved ones in the Canadian Forces, I am relieved to hear that it was not someone I know, while sadly realizing it was other people's loved one. I hope that everyone stops, realizes, and appreciates the loss when they hear it. I, personally, am so proud of Canada for assisting Afghanistan on its journey to peace and stability, and I'll tell you why.
First of all, to directly answer your question of why we are in a combat mission? That is because it was a NATO requirement. I believe the United States had been operating that part of the mission until the majority of their troops went to Iraq. We courageously stepped up to the plate to continue the mission. A few months ago, after a review of our operations in the country, John Manley demanded more NATO troops be sent in order for Canada to continue. Our Allies, recognizing the importance of this mission, indeed contributed. Now, Canada is responsible for much more than keeping the peace there. We are also reconstructing the country and relieving the civilians of oppression from the illegitimate group that was in power - the Taliban. We have been building schools and providing an education for not only young boys, but young girls too. In fact, there are young boys and girls learning together! We are a part of giving those young, innocent children, who are the next generation, hope and a chance for a better future. We are giving them goals and dreams. Can you put a price on that?
The Taliban does not approve of education, certainly not for females; and in all likelihood, their choice of education is biased, brain-washing, and inclusive of inaccurate information about "the West."
After watching a CNN Special Investigation "Lifting the Veil", I learned of one educator in particular who risked her life to educate females when the Taliban was in control because she "knew [they] wouldn't be in power forever." She had hope that someone would correct that injustice, and, unfortunately, if Canada was not there, they would not have made the progress towards a better future.
There are currently 4000+ children being educated, learning lessons such as their country has beautiful and nourishing fruits and vegetables, and the land is to be respected. (I'm assuming this is to give them pride of the place they come from and respecting the environment, instead of blowing it up.)
Additionally, there have been infrastructure developments, as well as health care centres and electricity generation. Among other accomplishments, these will increase with our continued efforts and commitment to assisting the Afghan people and government.
Getting back to your original point of combat, it exists because of the resistance of the Taliban. They clearly do not want to lose their control of running the country and keeping people submissive to them and whatever they demand. The civilians of Afghanistan welcome democracy. Not democracy as set by the United States, but a sculpted democracy of their own. Working with their government and listening to the people, this is achievable.
If Canadian Forces and other NATO alliance troops were to leave, especially now at this point of the struggle, would not only cause the civilians to revert back to the side of the Taliban - due to lack of hope and protection - but it would also destroy everything we have worked for, invested, and sacrificed.
Afghanistan has been subjected to decades of civil war, not to mention injustice. The effects of the Soviet Union's invasion in 1979 are still felt today (e.g. Soviet bombing of irrigation canals). Now, with international assistance, their economy has significantly improved (according to the World Factbook). There is also a new Constitution that, if and when enforced, gives rights to women.
There is plenty of evidence of the improvements thus far, and with Canada's and other NATO's commitment, there will further success by the end of the decade. We are only there until they are strong enough and experienced enough to take care of themselves.
Anyways, I wish I had been a part of your surveyed group so we could have had a conversation about this, instead of all this typing. Don't lose faith in everyone - some of us care about issues. Your "simple question" required a complex answer and I thank you for your time. I feel so privileged to have been born in this wonderful country: Canada. And I will exercise my right to education and voicing my opinion in this democracy.
What a great discussion to
What a great discussion to open on your blog. The Afghanistan mission's goals have not been adequately described in the general media, nor have the positive effects of Canada's role there. Lia's comments describe exactly what our fellow country men and women are achieving there, a society where oppression no longer rules and basic human rights and freedoms are beginning to be observed. All of the soldiers that I have spoken with upon their return from Afghanistan, speak of the progress that has been made and the freedom that children now have directly due to the involvement of our country's military. Every time that I hear news that one of my fellow Canadians has died in this mission, I feel a profound sadness for the family of the fallen and for that person's life cut short. But I take solace in the knowledge that each member of the Canadian Forces chose the opportunity to serve and likely died doing something they loved, believing they made a difference. We as Canadians, also have the freedom to choose not to serve. I am one who chose not to serve in the military, but I support our soldiers and their mission and hope for their safe return daily. Cancelling the Afghan Mission now, or anytime before the mission objectives are met would be to dishonour those that have already given their lives to allow the Afghani People a better chance at the freedom that we, as Canadians were born into.
While I applaude the high
While I applaude the high ideals being promoted in the above two comments, I think there is more wishful thinking here than fact.
The very idea that the Afghan people need some sort of redemption by the west is imperialism at its worst, despite the honourable intentions. The positive results obtained from our involvement, are, in my assessment, cancelled by the consequences of war. The death of civilians, and the callous disregard for an ancient way of life and culture (although admittedly the Taliban are guilty of this also) is creating as many problems as solutions.
To think that the "western" structure of economics and society will serve the Afghan people well is ignorant, no matter how good it makes us feel as "civilized" nations.
I too feel saddened by the death of our soldiers, and the loss that their families experience. Particularly because I believe that in the end it will be understood to be all for nothing, or even worse, all for the profit of western corporations.
We can do better, both domestically and abroad. It starts with respect for the local cultures that exist and the will of those who are most affected by our "interventions".