Canadian soldier on Afghan mission: 'I'm proud'

CBC News ^ | Mar 23, 2014 5:00 AM ET | By Phil Palmer

[jerod]

.... I’m proud that Canadians – as we did in WWI, WWII, Korea and elsewhere - stood up for values that I believe were worth fighting for. We went to Afghanistan because our allies, way of life and values were attacked. As the conflict raged, we stood alone for a time, refused to relent and remained committed to what we started.

I’m proud that our commitment, however, wasn’t simply to drop bombs, kill and/or capture the Taliban and al-Qaeda. We worked on development, education and health. We helped Afghans see the value in sovereignty, sustainability, self-help and security....

[jerod]

Some of the comments left by readers will infuriate you and others may inspire, but this Canadian soldier is an outstanding example of the brave individuals who fought in Afghanistan on our behalf. I'm proud of him and of all of the Canadians who served. Our troops are now home, but even this past week two Canadian women who were doing humanitarian work were killed in Kabul, so Canada is still committed and willing to help the people of Afghanistan.

[PubliusMM]

Agreed. I am deeply appreciative of the Canadian efforts in this mission.
Sadly, though, the legacy will be written in the years after we all leave the country. I don’t have a lot of hope that the lessons and knowledge we and our allies imparted will be internalized by the society, though.
Another symptom of the cancer that is islam.

[Feckless]

Before you pound me, Yes, I know this is a Cannuck, but it applies to all Western Gubbmints....

We worked on development, education and health

While the thought is admirable, it is not what the military is for. Making our militaries "Meals on Wheels" wastes resources and is counter-productive in areas like the Middle East.

We should destroy as much of the enemy and his infrastructure as we can and leave, with the credible promise to return and do it again if they act up.

Countries in rubble don't cause trouble. If they want to live in the Seventh Century we can oblige, and it can be done from 30,000 feet with not the loss of a single American life.

[Perdogg]

ping

[Dartman]

Amen.

As Limbaugh says, the purpose of the military is to blow things up and kill people. Period.

[centurion316]

As Limbaugh says, the purpose of the military is to blow things up and kill people. Period.

Clausewitz said, "War is politics by other means."

I'll go with Clausewitz, he knows more of the subject than does Limbaugh. Soldiers are tools of the politicians and what they do is either good or bad in direct relationship to the politicians who send them on their tasks.

Canadians are great soldiers, but their political leaders do not care much for soldiering and like to think of themselves as great peacekeepers making the world safe for backpackers.

Americans have the world's greatest Army (and other services as well), but we have politicians who are at best mediocre and at worst a bunch of incompetent, corrupt goons. They are particularly adept at misusing the American military.

[Cen-Tejas]

Centurion316 and Feckless:

I support Feckless on the “purpose” of a military is to leave a pile of rubble. Japan and Germany are both examples. “Meals on wheels” is fine, AFTER SURRENDER!

I support Centurion’s last paragraph whole heartedly!

[Squawk 8888]

To all- please ping me to Canadian topics.

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