What we are doing in Afstan

Col (ret'd) Alain Pelerrin replies to an editorial in the Toronto Star:

It's too early to leave

May 25, 2007 04:30 AM

Refocus Canada's Afghan mission

Editorial, May 23.

While your editorial examines the future of Afghanistan, its conclusion is at a variance to the reality of Afghanistan today: Afghans are weary of 30 years of war and want to rid their country of the Taliban. They want their country to become a better place in which to work and raise their families, and they are taking steps to achieve this aim.

Aided by the Canadian Forces and the armies of other countries, Afghan National Army troops in Kandahar province are isolating the Taliban. Since last September, the insurgents have been reduced from formed bodies of fighters to suicide bombers; Canadian troops train Afghan military and police forces to take up their role in protecting the Afghan population; and the civilian population risk their lives by supplying valuable intelligence information to coalition forces to neutralize insurgent forces. This is particularly so in the Panjwayi valley, where life is turning productive.

In Canada, we yearn for the world's respect for Canadian values, but we sometimes forget that respect goes to those who lead; and we agree with Prime Minister Stephen Harper when he declares that "you can't lead from the bleachers." We conclude that a hasty Canadian withdrawal from Afghanistan would be a victory for terrorists.

Rather than an "exit strategy," a strategy for success will win the day for Canada as well as Afghanistan – just ask our troops. They will tell you that the Canadian Forces are making a difference on the ground and that progress has been achieved in the last year. For this achievement, Canada gains respect amongst our allies.

Alain Pellerin, Executive Director, Conference of Defence Associations, Ottawa