Ouch

Excuse me while I pick myself up off the floor. I've read and re-read the following Toronto Star Editorial three times now, and must admit that there's not much in it that I disagree with.

Refocus Canada's Afghan debate

The rest of the world cannot seek to turn Afghanistan's centuries-old culture on its head. Nor can we stamp out tribalism, corruption, poverty and the opium trade. These are issues Afghans themselves must address.

Canadians must aim to help Afghan democrats get their government and security forces up and running. And we can try to buy them some time by fending off insurgents. Beyond that, the Afghan people must rebuild their war-shattered society. No one can do it for them.

I'm increasingly getting the feeling that this coming springs battles will greatly determine the future of Afghanistan. Although short on battle ready troops, NATO seems well positioned and ready to not only meet the expected Taliban offensive, but actually preempt it in many areas including the crucial Pakistan/Afghanistan border. Much of last year's work was to extend the government's reach throughout the country, especially in the difficult southern provinces. With that accomplished, they must now hold that territory and if possible, extend it even further.

Hopefully the Conservative government will follow the Senate's recommendation and turn over the approximately $20 million in CIDA aid to the military. In the short term, this will allow the troops to accomplish more in the Kandahar area and truly "buy them (the Afghan government) some time by fending off insurgents".

Cross Posted to BBS