THREE MODERN DAY STORIES FOR REMEMBERANCE DAY
Sent to me from Jim S. The story of C Company, from The Toronto Star.
The story below gives a rare view of the Canadians fighting in Afghanistan.
Canada has had a very limited force in Afghanistan since 2002, with relatively few casualties until Spring, 2006. Since moving into the south of the country, the attrition of the forces involved has accelerated, and the attacks on their patrols and bases are increasing.
What many in the public do not realize is: the limited military forces of one’s country, once engaged, piecemeal, in an open-ended war of insurgency in a far distant country, have little chance to win.
As young Captain Carey, in the story below, points out: "It will be the Afghans who decide the outcome of the conflict." Which begs the question: If that is the case, then why are Canadians over there in the first place?
The anger of the soldiers, as they watch the debate at home over support for the mission, is understandable. On the other hand, their desire for "payback" will not win a war of insurgency being fought in a country where the Canadians are the foreigners. Seeing everyone who approaches as "the enemy", as Captain Carey relates below, is not a sign that the war is going well – nor is it an attitude which will win over the local population, which is a critical for control and any measure of "victory" – however that is defined.
On the other hand, popular support for the mission is still strong, if somewhat strident. I have no doubt that more stories like the one below will find the media spotlight before this is over.
Friends:
Another story, from a British newspaper, of the situation in Afghanistan. The military does not appear to want the British and Canadian publics to know about in Afghanistan. None of this has shown up in Canada, to my knowledge.
When reading the account below, keep in mind: This is nearly 5 full years after the Taliban regime was removed from power in Kabul, yet the story below comments:
Friends -
A word of explanation about the post below: Mark and I are members of a e-mail list which is oriented to Canadian Firearms issues, and have interacted over the course of almost a decade in regards to hunting, target shooting and Canada’s firearms laws.
He has written a response, and forwarded a media item, which presents an alternative to my posts regarding the current situation for Canadian military personnel serving rotations in Afghanistan as part of the multi-national force. As an active duty pilot, Mark interacts with personnel on a regular basis who are going to, returning from, or communicating with those currently stationed in Afghanistan.
In any dialogue, listening is as important as speaking, and I welcome his point of view as a contribution to informed discussion. Because my posts go out with most of the recipients’ addresses undisclosed, I’m forwarding this post to everyone who I inflict my opinions on.
As Mark has offered to respond to correspondence, I am forwarding his address, and trust that some of you will take advantage of the opportunity to become acquainted with the day to day activities of the Canadian Forces at this time.
Mark Horstead can be reached at:
In other correspondence, Mark has forwarded links to various forums on the following unofficial site, not associated with the Department of National Defense. Readers may find the discussions on the forums and other information of interest.
For your information.
Jim Szpajcher
Toronto Star / Mark (download Word file)
