Cdn soldier chosen CP-BN Newsmaker of 2006 : IMC Maritimes

Cdn soldier chosen CP-BN Newsmaker of 2006

MAS'UM GHAR, Afghanistan (CP) - Standing at an observation post in the heart of Taliban country, Pte. Conrad Craig of Edmonton was in a reflective mood on what it means to be a Canadian soldier.

The 23-year-old member of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry is keenly aware of the changing status for the Canadian soldier in the eyes of Canadians and the world. Their mission in Afghanistan and the sacrifices they have endured have put Canadian troops at the forefront of public attention.

"I've always been proud to be a Canadian soldier," said Craig, looking through binoculars for possible threats among the lush-green grape orchards in the restive district west of Kandahar city. "Always will be and even if I ever do get out, I'll always be a Canadian soldier."

The men and women of the Canadian Forces have dominated news coverage in 2006 and as such, editors and broadcasters across the country have chosen the Canadian Soldier as Canada's Newsmaker of the Year in the annual poll by The Canadian Press and Broadcast News.

"The issue of Canada's involvement in Afghanistan has been on the lips, and in the hearts, of Canadians all year," said Gary MacDougall, managing editor of the Charlottetown Guardian, in explaining his newsmaker choice.

"The sight of flag-draped caskets bearing the bodies of brave, young Canadian men and women is not one Canadians are accustomed to. On the one hand Canadians are proud of the actions of their military, and on the other hand confused at how we suddenly become embroiled in such a violent conflict."

Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Rick Hillier was pleased when informed about the choice for Newsmaker of the Year.

"The mere fact that anybody would even consider . . . the Canadian soldier, and I use the soldier in the most generic term - air, land and sea - because they're all there in Afghanistan, reflects the fact that Canadians have really realized the importance of the Canadian Forces, the role that it plays in our society, how it helps protect Canadian interests, at home, around the continent and internationally.

"I think it's an incredible compliment to Canadian soldiers."

It's only the second time in the 60-year history of the CP-BN Newsmaker of the Year survey that the nation's newsrooms have made a symbolic selection over a specific person. In 1992, the voters chose the constitutional referendum on the Meech Lake accord.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper was the runner-up in the 2006 survey, garnering 52 votes to the 73 cast for the Canadian soldier. Maher Arar, the Syrian-born Canadian who was deported to his native country and tortured as a result of faulty information passed on from the RCMP to U.S. officials, came in third with 29 votes.

Many of those who picked this year's Newsmaker of the Year said they did so because of the changing image of the Canadian soldier as a result of the conflict in Afghanistan.

"For the first time in a generation Canadian soldiers are being recruited, trained and sent to a war zone," said Jim Poling, managing editor of the Hamilton Spectator. "This story is a new chapter in Canadian history and the implications are broad and dramatic. It is a cross-generational story."

Just a few years ago, supporters of Canada's military felt they were in an uphill battle for public recognition.

The fighting force that distinguished itself with bravery and tenacity in the Second World War and in Korea had in subsequent decades taken on the role of an international peacekeeper. But the Canadian Forces has had to struggle to remain effective in the face of multimillion-dollar budget cuts from a succession of governments.

That began to change on Sept. 11, 2001.

The stunning attacks on the United States by Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida organization prompted a military response. Within months, Canadian troops were in Afghanistan as part of the U.S.-led coalition which toppled the Taliban government that had offered sanctuary to al-Qaida terror training camps.

But Taliban insurgents held areas where their influence is deep-rooted - such as Kandahar province, where most of Canada's 2,500 troops are deployed. Canada found itself taking on more of a leadership role, and its military slowly started building its new reputation.

Over the past year, Canadian troops have led the battle against the Taliban, spearheading Operation Medusa on the insurgents' home turf. The fighting resulted in the largest number of Canadian battlefield casualties since the Korean War, keeping Canadians riveted to developments in Afghanistan.

Forty-four Canadian soldiers have died in Afghanistan since 2002, but 36 of those deaths came in the last year. The sudden increase in deaths has changed the image of Canadian troops from those of traditional peacekeeping to a combat army.

Canadians battling Taliban insurgents are reluctant to brag about their accomplishments. They show pride only when talking about fellow soldiers or about their jobs.

"I adore it. There's nothing I would rather do than be in the Canadian army," said Sgt. Abdul Guindo of Quebec City, who has encountered more than a dozen attacks by the Taliban and suicide bombers while on convoy duty.

He said it's time Canadians get over their obsession with peacekeeping and accept that Canadian troops are now at war.

"We've been recognized as a fighting force, which we've always been, but we got out of the peacekeeper mentality," Guindo said. "Yes, we are peacekeepers but we are soldiers first. And at times you have to soldier on and then be a peacekeeper."

Soldiers say fighting the Taliban is a badge of honour, combined with the attempts to help with the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

"No one in their right mind wants to actually get into a firefight, but you do what you have to do and everything works out," Pte. Craig said.

"This is what we do. I would like us to be able to keep doing what we've been doing. Humanitarian aid and getting the people on our side," he said.

"It's absolutely worth it. If nobody's helping it's all going to go downhill from here," chipped in Master Cpl. Jon Weiss, 32, of Winnipeg.

Recognition of the Canadian soldier has captured the imagination of people at home.

Remembrance Day ceremonies have been crowded with both veterans and the younger generation, who are experiencing the loss of war through news reports and ramp ceremonies that send fallen soldiers home.

There is a move afoot to have Canadians adopt "Red Fridays," which began at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, Ont., where people wear the colour red to recognize Canadian troops. Curlers at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts have been asked to wear red to honour Canadian troops at the national women's curling championship in Lethbridge, Alta., in February.

Watching the valour of his troops on the battlefield is the head of the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command, Lt.-Gen. Mike Gauthier.

"Afghanistan has been an illuminating point. This is unlike anything a Canadian soldier has experienced since Korea," Gauthier said on a visit to Kandahar.

"The mission here is about rebuilding a nation," Gauthier said.

"This is history in the making and it's not just Afghan history. It's Canadian history that is being written. These are historic times for Canadian soldiers - historic times for Canada."

NDP SCUMBAG COWARD
by Troops acting 'like terrorists?' Monday, Dec. 25, 2006 at 10:14 AM

Troops acting 'like terrorists?'
Draft resolution to go before NDP committee
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Font: * * * * John Ivison, National Post
Published: Wednesday, September 06, 2006
OTTAWA - Canada's troops in Afghanistan have been "acting like terrorists, destroying communities, killing and maiming innocent people", according to a resolution that will be voted on by New Democrats at the party's convention in Quebec City this weekend.

The resolution is one of 104 proposals on international affairs from local riding associations that will be presented at the convention. Others suggest Canada withdraw from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the World Trade Organization and the North American Free Trade Agreement, while one riding association proposes a freeze on trade with Israel until the "occupation of Palestinian lands" is ended.

The Afghan mission was the subject of a number of proposed resolutions, all calling for the withdrawal of Canadian troops. "The Canadian occupation is propping up a regime composed of barbarous warlords who are little better than the Taliban," says one riding association.

The resolution comparing Canadian troops to terrorists, put forward by the Nanaimo-Cowichan riding association in British Columbia, says Canada's goals "cannot be achieved by violence when the 'enemy' cannot be distinguished from ordinary citizens" and calls for Canadian troops to be withdrawn from that country.

Its release comes as the bodies of five Canadian soldiers were returned home after being killed in the Kandahar region on the weekend.

A spokesman for Jack Layton said the NDP leader would not comment on the language used in the resolution or indicate whether he intended to vote for it.

"These resolutions have not been debated yet and have absolutely no status at this time," Karl Belanger said.

Jean Crowder, the NDP MP for Nanaimo-Cowichan, also refused to comment on the resolution before it has been debated at the convention.

Last week, Mr. Layton called for the withdrawal of Canadian troops, claiming Afghanistan is "not the right mission for Canada." At that time, he said New Democrats support the Canadian Forces and are proud of the work they do.

Mr. Layton's call to bring the 2,300 troops home has been criticized by both Conservatives and Liberals, particularly since he reiterated it following the death of four Canadians in Afghanistan. Yesterday, he issued a statement expressing his condolences to the bereaved families that made no mention of his desire to withdraw combat troops.

The resolution by Ms. Crowder's riding association singles out NDP MP Peter Stoffer, who supports the mission in Afghanistan.

"This is not an acceptable position when world peace hangs in the balance. A combat role in Afghanistan is a no-win situation both for Canada and for the Afghani people. Its only dubious value is to curry favour with the militarist government of George W. Bush," it says.

Mr. Stoffer said yesterday delegates are free to express their opinions.

"But I absolutely fundamentally disagree with the statement. The people who did it are not only very naive but very antagonistic in their point of view," he said. The NDP draft policy resolutions appeared briefly on the party Web site last week before being taken down. However, Conservative blogger Stephen Taylor obtained a copy and posted them on his Web site yesterday
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=2d1586cd-646f-4358-93e5-567e77d87b59

"militarist"
by spoken like true Appeasers Monday, Dec. 25, 2006 at 11:44 AM

But the cowardly Appeasers give militant Jizzlam a pass. How typical.

Leftists are shit. Fece on Earth.

You're the only Appeaser here, Plant.

You run interference for the PNAc, Israeli Fascists, just as Nazi Propagandists did for Hitler.

Are you a plant also? Word on the street is that you're a terrorist propagandist with the brains of shit. Is that true?

Be specific. Give examples.

there they go again
by fundamentally dishonest people Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006 at 10:36 AM

You mean *this* debate coach?

http://sf.indymedia.org/news/2004/07/1698659.php

(snip)

debate coach

(snip)

How many thousands of times over the years has an institutionalized mental cripple posted such useless spam with a link back to a terrorist funded site?

Post again, little love starved idiot. Show the world you've got a crush on Smashy and hasn't the willpower to stay in his own sewer.

there they go again
by fundamentally dishonest people Thursday, Dec. 28, 2006 at 11:07 AM

You mean *this* just wondering?

http://sf.indymedia.org/news/2004/07/1698659.php

(snip)

just wondering

(snip)

Post again, my little love starved bitch. Let's see some more of that intellectual firepower of yours.

Click here:

http://thunderbay.indymedia.org/news/2006/12/26439_comment.php#27209

You guys just don’t get it, do you? Every time you forge or slander "nessie" like this, he posts a disclaimer that includes a link to his site. Every link to SF Indy kicks its Google rating up a notch. Google “indymedia” and see how popular your inept attempts to defame him has made the place. You’re the best thing ever happened to "nessie". Before you, he was a nobody who nobody knew. Now he’s world famous and has more friends than ever. You guys did that for "nessie", and he never even thanked you.

If you want to read an IMC that respects women, click here:

http://sf.indymedia.org

Shut up, spamming bitch. That is, if you have the intellectual firepower.

You mean *this* intellectual fire power?

http://thunderbay.indymedia.org/news/2006/12/26439_comment.php#27209

(snip)

smarter than you

(snip)

Poor widdle nessie. He, and his fellow A.N.S.W.E.R. monkeys, fellates terrorists to within an inch of their lives, and it's all for naught. They're still considered a lower form of life.

Dear scholar, As-Salamu `alaykum. My friend was sexually abused in his childhood and now he only likes sex with males. Is there any treatment within Islam? Thanks in advance.
Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear brother, thanks for your question, which reflects the trust you place in us as well as your great concern about Islam and its teachings. We implore Allah Almighty to help us serve His cause and render our work for His Sake.

First of all, Muslim scholars agree — based on what has been revealed in the Qur’an and what has been authenticated in the Prophetic Sunnah — that homosexual behavior (gayness and lesbianism) is prohibited because it is an assault on the humanity of a person, destruction of the family, and a clash with the aims of the Lawgiver, one of which is the establishment of sexual instincts between males and females so as to encourage the institution of marriage.

In his response to the question in point, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:

"Your brother is not at all different from those who have been conditioned to fornicate, or commit theft or murder, or who have become addicted to watching pornography or even television for that matter. All of these are destructive habits that one learns through continuous exposure or conditioning. So he must ask himself whether he would prefer to continue in this destructive behavior or change himself?

If he is a Muslim, he is left with no choice but to change. For homosexuality is considered one of the most abominable sins in Islam; it is so enormous in intensity and gravity that Allah tells us in the Qur’an that because of it, an entire nation was destroyed by Allah in a most horrible way. We must know that the stories narrated in the Qur’an are not meant for chanting or entertainment; rather they are meant to teach us valuable lessons for our benefit. Allah says: “Truly in their stories is a lesson for people of understanding, for this (Book) is not a forged tale, but is a confirmation of the revelations of that preceded it, a detailed explanation of all things, a guidance and a mercy to people who believe.” (Yusuf: 111)

So your brother should ask himself whether he wishes to belong to the category of those who have been condemned to eternal perdition by Allah. The choice is his and his alone; he cannot say, “I don’t have any choice.” The sin of the one who abused your brother is his alone; he will surely meet his Creator for his sin. But his sin does not justify your brother’s, for your brother is a free person with his own choice and will. If he really believes in Allah, and convinces himself sufficiently of the need to change, and motivates himself by reading and reflecting and thinking of standing before the Lord of the worlds, he will be able to break free of any such destructive habits. Islam is full of examples of those who were addicted to all sorts of crimes and sins, but eventually they changed their lives around by affirming faith and commitment in Allah and working diligently upon themselves. The Arabs before Islam were addicted to drinking, womanizing and all kinds of vices, and yet after having embraced Islam, they became a better breed of people, breaking free of all such vices.

So I advise your brother to summon and mobilize all his spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and practical resources to break free of this most destructive and abominable habit and learn new positive habits that are pleasing to Allah.

Here are a few tips to help him in his struggle:

1. Let him convince himself that the pleasure that he derives from such an abominable behavior is in reality nothing but pain and suffering in the long term. So instead of associating this behavior with pleasure, let him learn to associate and link it with pain; so every time he is tempted to do it, let him picture the pain and suffering of hell fire. By repeatedly going through this exercise, he will eventually come to abhor and shun this behavior altogether.

2. Let him continuously read, reflect and meditate on the verses of the Qur’an that deal with the punishment meted to the nation who practiced this abomination; let him also read the verses depicting hell fire. (For instance: Qur’an: 7: 80-84; 11: 77-83; 40: 47-50, etc.)

3. Let him ask himself whether he wishes to belong to the group of the wicked sinners condemned by Allah or join the company of the prophets, saintly ones, the martyrs and the righteous who are blessed by Allah. The choice is his and his alone.

4. Let him immediately cut off all relations with people who lead such a life-style; let him, if there is need, relocate himself to another city where he will be able to erase his past and form friendships with those who are righteous and engaged in good works and thus occupy himself in such works with them.

5. Let him meditate on the ephemeral and transient nature of this world. The pleasures of this world are fleeting while the pleasure and pain of Hereafter are ever lasting.

6. Let him make dhikr and du`a’ his constant companion. By seeking Allah’s help to fight this behavior, he can surely overcome and break free of this abomination. Allah has promised to come to the help of those who strive in His way: “As for those who strive for Our sake, We will guide them unto Our ways; verily, Allah is with those who behave with excellence.” (Al-`Ankabut: 69)

7. Last but not least, once he has repented and changed himself into a better person, he should get married and seek a lawful Islamic relationship, which will be approved by Allah as well as rewarded by Him. May Allah help us all to hate disbelief and sins in all forms, and may He make dear to our hearts faith and righteous actions. Ameen."

Excerpted, with slight modifications, from: http://www.muslims.ca

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503546996

You mean *this* nessie?

http://sf.indymedia.org/news/2004/07/1698659.php

(snip)

nessie

(snip)

Let's see some more of that intellectual firepower under the guise of trolls give you reason to link back to a dead site. Yeah, we're much more impressed than we would be if you had the emotional maturity to leave trolls alone.

Hurry back, my little love starved bitch. Show the world you crave my cock.

That's exactly what they want. Then they would flood the entire network with disinformation, and IMC would be completely discreditied.

Here's the *correct* way to deal with these assholes:

http://dc.indymedia.org/newswire/display/137121/index.php

NDP leader Jack Layton thinks Canadian troops should no longer engage in either combat or reconstruction in Afghanistan. At his behest, the great majority of delegates to a national policy convention adopted a resolution summoning the Harper government to begin the "safe and immediate withdrawal of Canadian troops from Afghanistan," but also to "support the continuation of development assistance to Afghanistan and democratic peace building."

The absurdity of this new NDP position is hard to credit. It should be evident even to the meanest intelligence that the Taliban have no interest in building peace in Afghanistan except on the basis of their return to power.

New Democrats esteem themselves as champions of human rights. In a news release on Dec. 20, Layton denounced the International Olympic Committee for deciding "to deny women the right to participate in ski jumping in the 2010 Olympics Games in Vancouver."

Why is Layton no less concerned about the fate of Afghan women should the Taliban seize power once again? Does he not recall how the fanatical leaders of this Islamist organization banned women from the professions, barred girls from attending school and subjected men and women to public lashings, limb amputations and executions?

Currently, there are more than 32,000 troops from 37 countries -- including roughly 2,500 Canadians -- with the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. Their mission is to establish governmental stability in Afghanistan and eliminate all remnants of the Taliban regime.

There is no UN mandate for any military action in Afghanistan, and besides, you think the UN is 'irrelevant', remember?

If you have to LIE, then there can't be much to your position, can there?

Security Council

4443rd Meeting (PM)

SECURITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZES INTERNATIONAL SECURITY FORCE FOR AFGHANISTAN;

WELCOMES UNITED KINGDOM’S OFFER TO BE INITIAL LEAD NATION

Resolution 1386 (2001) Adopted Unanimously

The Security Council this afternoon authorized the establishment for six months of an International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan to assist the Afghan Interim Authority in the maintenance of security in Kabul and its surrounding areas, and welcomed the United Kingdom’s offer to take the lead in organizing and commanding such a force.

The Council, unanimously adopting resolution 1386 (2001) as orally revised, also called upon Member States to contribute personnel, equipment and other resources to the Force and authorized those States participating in it to take all necessary measures to fulfil its mandate. The resolution also called upon the Force to work in close consultation with the Interim Authority in the implementation of its mandate as well as with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Lakhdar Brahimi.

By other terms of the text, the Council called on all Afghans to cooperate with the Force and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations while encouraging neighbouring countries and other Member States to provide the Force such necessary assistance as might be requested, including the provision of overflight clearances and transit.

The resolution also stressed that the expenses of the Force would be borne by participating Member States concerned; asked the Secretary-General to establish a trust fund through which contributions could be channelled to the countries or operations concerned; and encouraged Member States to contribute to the fund.

The meeting began at 1:12 p.m. and was adjourned at 1:16 p.m.

Resolution

The full text of resolution 1386 (2001), as orally revised, reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Reaffirming its previous resolutions on Afghanistan, in particular its resolutions 1378 (2001) of 14 November 2001 and 1383 (2001) of 6 December 2001,

“Supporting international efforts to root out terrorism, in keeping with the Charter of the United Nations, and reaffirming also its resolutions 1368 (2001) of 12 September 2001 and 1373 (2001) of 28 September 2001,

“Welcoming developments in Afghanistan that will allow for all Afghans to enjoy inalienable rights and freedom unfettered by oppression and terror,

“Recognizing that the responsibility for providing security and law and order throughout the country resides with the Afghan themselves,

“Reiterating its endorsement of the Agreement on provisional arrangements in Afghanistan pending the re-establishment of permanent government institutions, signed in Bonn on 5 December 2001 (S/2001/1154) (the Bonn Agreement),

“Taking note of the request to the Security Council in Annex 1, paragraph 3, to the Bonn Agreement to consider authorizing the early deployment to Afghanistan of an international security force, as well as the briefing on 14 December 2001 by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on his contacts with the Afghan authorities in which they welcome the deployment to Afghanistan of a United Nations authorized international security force,

“Taking note of the letter dated 19 December 2001 from Dr. Abdullah Abdullah to the President of the Security Council (S/2001/1223),

“Welcoming the letter from the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Secretary-General of 19 December 2001 (S/2001/1217), and taking note of the United Kingdom offer contained therein to take the lead in organizing and commanding an International Security Assistance Force,

“Stressing that all Afghan forces must adhere strictly to their obligations under human rights law, including respect for the rights of women, and under international humanitarian law,

“Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan,

“Determining that the situation in Afghanistan still constitutes a threat to international peace and security,

“Determined to ensure the full implementation of the mandate of the International Security Assistance Force, in consultation with the Afghan Interim Authority established by the Bonn Agreement,

“Acting for these reasons under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

“1. Authorizes, as envisaged in Annex 1 to the Bonn Agreement, the establishment for 6 months of an International Security Assistance Force to assist the Afghan Interim Authority in the maintenance of security in Kabul and its surrounding areas, so that the Afghan Interim Authority as well as the personnel of the United Nations can operate in a secure environment;

“2. Calls upon Member States to contribute personnel, equipment and other resources to the International Security Assistance Force, and invites those Member States to inform the leadership of the Force and the Secretary-General;

“3. Authorizes the Member States participating in the International Security Assistance Force to take all necessary measures to fulfil its mandate;

“4. Calls upon the International Security Assistance Force to work in close consultation with the Afghan Interim Authority in the implementation of the force mandate, as well as with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General;

“5. Calls upon all Afghans to cooperate with the International Security Assistance Force and relevant international governmental and non-governmental organizations, and welcomes the commitment of the parties to the Bonn Agreement to do all within their means and influence to ensure security, including to ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of all United Nations personnel and all other personnel of international governmental and non-governmental organizations deployed in Afghanistan;

“6. Takes note of the pledge made by the Afghan parties to the Bonn Agreement in Annex 1 to that Agreement to withdraw all military units from Kabul, and calls upon them to implement this pledge in cooperation with the International Security Assistance Force;

“7. Encourages neighbouring States and other Member States to provide to the International Security Assistance Force such necessary assistance as may be requested, including the provision of overflight clearances and transit;

“8. Stresses that the expenses of the International Security Assistance Force will be borne by the participating Member States concerned, requests the Secretary-General to establish a trust fund through which contributions could be channelled to the Member States or operations concerned, and encourages Member States to contribute to such a fund;

“9. Requests the leadership of the International Security Assistance Force to provide periodic reports on progress towards the implementation of its mandate through the Secretary-General;

“10. Calls on Member States participating in the International Security Assistance Force to provide assistance to help the Afghan Interim Authority in the establishment and training of new Afghan security and armed forces;

“11. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.”

Background

When the Security Council met this afternoon it had before it a letter dated 19 December from the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the President of the Council (document S/2001/1217), containing an annex addressed to the Secretary-General.

In the annex, the United Kingdom informs the Secretary-General that it is willing to become the initial lead nation for the International Security

Assistance Force for Kabul and its surrounding areas under the terms of Annex I to the Bonn Agreement.

As stated in that annex, the responsibility for providing security and law and order throughout Afghanistan resides with the Afghans themselves.

The International Force, according to the letter, will therefore assist the Interim Afghan Administration in the maintenance of security. The United Kingdom states that its proposal is based on the willingness expressed to receive such a force and an authorizing Council resolution.

According to the letter, the United Kingdom is prepared to serve as initial lead nation for approximately three months, and acting with the authority of the United Nations. It will transfer responsibility as the lead no later than 30 April 2002. It, therefore, asks the Secretary-General to support efforts to identify a successor lead nation by asking Member States to urgently consider the possibility of taking over the role.

The letter states that the Force will have a particular mission authorized by a Council resolution that is different from Operation Enduring Freedom. The United Kingdom, as the lead nation, will exercise command of the Force, which will include troops and equipment contributed by other nations and will also have the support of the United States.

Regarding the relationship between the International Security Assistance Force and other forces operating in Afghanistan under Operation Enduring Freedom, the letter states that, for reasons of effectiveness, the United States Central Command will have authority over the former so that activities between the two factions do not conflict with each other, and to ensure that there is no interference to the successful completion of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Why are we there?
Canada is in Afghanistan at the request of the democratically elected government, along with 36 other nations, and as part of a UN-sanctioned mission to help build a stable, democratic, and self-sufficient society.

About 2500 members of the Canadian Forces (CF) are currently serving as part of Joint Task Force Afghanistan (JTF AFG). They play a key role in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission whose goal is to improve the security situation in Afghanistan and assist in rebuilding the country.

Canada’s continued engagement in Afghanistan helps create the conditions for longer-term reconstruction. All CF operations in Afghanistan are conducted with the consent and at the request of the Afghan government to:

Provide the people of Afghanistan with the hope for a brighter future by establishing the security necessary to promote development and an environment that is conducive to the improvement of Afghan life;
Conduct operations in support of Afghan National Security Forces;
Help strengthen and enhance Afghan Governance capacity;
Help extend the authority of the Government of Afghanistan in the South;
Facilitate the delivery of programs and projects that support the economic recovery and rehabilitation of Afghanistan; and
Assist in addressing humanitarian needs of Afghans by supporting Canadian governmental organizations and NGOs whose efforts meet Canada’s objectives.
The Afghan people are relying on the international community to help them rebuild their lives and their country after having suffered through decades of instability, oppression and insurgency.

By supporting the rebuilding of institutions such as independent courts, police and an army, Canada is on the ground laying the foundation for Afghans to govern themselves and secure a better future.

Canada has shown leadership by committing troops, resources, development and political effort to help the Afghan government secure a better future for its people. We have made a commitment to the Afghan people and we will stand by that commitment.

Helping Afghanistan continues the noble Canadian tradition of taking an active role to bring stability and lasting peace in a part of the world that has seen turmoil and upheaval.

Canada’s efforts in Afghanistan are guided by the Afghanistan Compact, which provides a five-year framework for coordinating the work of the Afghan government and its international partners by outlining specific outcomes, as well as the benchmarks and timelines for their delivery in the three areas of security, governance, and development.

Rebuilding a shattered Afghanistan is a slow and complex process in a country that is emerging from more than two decades of human rights abuses, terror, conflict, drought and poverty.

We are making progress – unthinkable only a few years ago – which is a testament to the will and fortitude of the Afghan people, as well as the commitment and engagement of the international community.

For example, a new Afghan constitution has restored the rule of law and respect for the human rights of every Afghan citizen, including those of women and children. Because of our efforts, the Afghan people now vote, women and girls have rights and children are going to school.

However, Canada is in perhaps the most troubled region of the country, where the challenges of establishing security and stability are more pointed than in other parts of Afghanistan. We are there because the job has to be done, if reconstruction and a better life for the people in the southern region are to be a reality.

The biggest threat to rebuilding is continued violence and threats from the Taliban and al-Qaeda whose principle mission is to disrupt and prohibit Afghan men, women and children from going about their daily lives.

Terrorism remains a threat to global peace and security. Afghanistan has been used as a base for terrorists in the past. In the interests of our collective security, Canada and its international partners share a responsibility to help ensure that terrorism cannot again take root in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan is not, nor has it ever been a traditional peacekeeping mission. There are no ceasefire arrangements to enforce and no negotiated peace settlement to respect. Negotiation is not an option with groups such as the Taliban nor al-Qaeda who are not interested in the kind of peace that the Afghan people seek. Their tactics are terrorism not talks aimed at establishing a truce.

Our mission is one of nation building. Our forces are doing exactly the type of work that needs to be done in Afghanistan. Our soldiers are the best in the world for this kind of mission. They are well trained, well led and have the best equipment on the ground.

We know the success of our mission cannot be assured by military means alone. No fewer than 19 UN agencies are in Afghanistan working tirelessly to help the Afghan people and their national government build a democratic and secure society.

Canada has also deployed diplomats, development workers, civilian police, as well as experts in human rights, good governance, the rule of law and democracy building — all of whom come together in common endeavour in Afghanistan.

The CF commitment is an important aspect of the Government of Canada’s whole of Government approach to assisting Afghanistan. For more information on Canada’s commitment to Afghanistan visit the Canada-Afghanistan website.

The situation today
The CF contribution to Afghanistan consists of approximately 2,500 personnel from units across Canada and is referred to as Joint Task Force Afghanistan (JTF AFG). The CF efforts in Afghanistan are subdivided into three distinct missions that work in concert with each other and have the same overarching goal of improving the security situation in Afghanistan, and assisting in rebuilding the country. The three missions currently underway are:

Op ATHENA - The Canadian contribution to the UN-sanctioned and NATO led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) currently has 2,500 CF personnel committed to Op ATHENA.
Op ARCHER – Consists of embedded CF staff officers at the Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan (CSTC-A) in Kabul and a few liaison officers at Bagram Airfield supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) as well as a small cadre of CF instructors involved in the training of the Afghan National Army (ANA) at the Canadian Afghan National Training Centre Detachment (CANTC Det) in Kabul. The current Canadian contribution to Op ARCHER consists of about 30 CF personnel.
Op ARGUS - The Strategic Advisory Team to the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan currently has 15 Canadians working in Kabul in support of Op ARGUS.
Operation ATHENA: The Canadian Forces contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF): approximately 2,500 CF personnel
On July 31, 2006, CF personnel serving in Afghanistan were once again assigned to the UN-authorized, NATO led ISAF mission in Afghanistan when ISAF assumed command of the southern region of Afghanistan from the US-led Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF). This transition occurred as a result of the planned expansion of ISAF’s mission in Afghanistan.

From February to July 31, 2006, CF personnel had been operating in Afghanistan under OEF leadership following the consolidation of the majority of CF assets from Kabul, to Kandahar Airfield. CF personnel had previously served as part of ISAF from August 2003 to November 2005 in the Kabul area (Operation ATHENA 2003-2005).

Background
ISAF was originally authorized by the UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1386 on December 20, 2001, with a mandate to assist the Afghan Transitional Authority. UN support for ISAF has since been reaffirmed in subsequent Security Council Resolutions, most recently in UNSCR 1707 on September 12, 2006. Since its original mission of providing security in the Kabul area, ISAF has gradually expanded throughout the whole of Afghanistan.

ISAF’s responsibility is exerted via five Regional Commands (RCs):

Capital located in Kabul;
Northern located in Mazar-e Sharif;
Western in Herat;
Southern in Kandahar; and
Eastern in Bagram.
These in turn have Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) underneath them, five in the North, four in the West, four in the South and 12 in the East. There are no PRTs in RC Capital. Their role is to assist the local authorities in the reconstruction and maintenance of security in the area. More information on ISAF can be found on the ISAF website.

Overall, 2,500 CF personnel support the ISAF mission. CF personnel deployed as part of OP ATHENA comprise the following units (all figures approximate):

A Battle Group in Kandahar, primarily from 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (1RCR), which includes:
Soldiers from 1 RCR and 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry based out of CFB Petawawa and CFB Shilo, in Manitoba, respectively;
An engineer squadron from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment (2CER) in Petawawa;
An artillery battery from 2 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (2RCHA) in Petawawa;
An armoured reconnaissance troop, from The Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) in Petawawa;
A Leopard tank squadron from the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) in Edmonton, Alberta;
A Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Unit comprised primarily of personnel from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron based in Edmonton, AB, and 5e Régiment d'artillerie légère du Canada based in Valcartier, PQ.;
Operational Mentor Liaison Teams (OMLTs) from Land Forces Quebec Area (LFQA), partnering with Afghan National Army (ANA) Infantry Kandak Battalion and ANA Corps HQ;
70 Health Service Support (HSS) personnel at the Multinational Medical Unit (MMU) at Kandahar Airfield comprised of personnel from 2 Field Ambulance and 1 Canadian Field Hospital in Petawawa, Ontario, and other Health Services units from across Canada;
About 30 CF members with the Multi-National Brigade (MNB) Headquarters assisting Dutch Major-General Ton van Loon in accomplishing his mission and exercising command and control over the MNB Region Command (South) in Afghanistan;
300 CF members with the National Command Element (NCE) at Kandahar Airfield. Primarily composed of elements of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group based in Petawawa, Ontario. The NCE also contains members from various units within the Land Force Central Area, as well as health services personnel from across Canada;
300 CF members with the National Support Element (NSE) in Kandahar, primarily from 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group and 2 Service Battalion, also from Petawawa;
In Kabul, about 50 CF personnel at ISAF Headquarters, 15 personnel with a smaller NSE Detachment and 11 at the Canadian Embassy;
250 CF members with the Theatre Support Element (TSE) in Southwest Asia.
The Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT)
Since August 2005, a Canadian PRT has operated in Kandahar City, where it will remain until February 2009. The PRT brings together elements from the Canadian Forces (CF), Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), and civilian police led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in an integrated Canadian effort known as the “All of Government” approach. Approximately 350 personnel are based at the PRT site at Camp Nathan Smith in Kandahar City.
The PRT helps reinforce the authority of the Afghan government in Kandahar Province, assisting in the stabilization and development of the region. It monitors security, promotes Afghan government policies and priorities with local authorities, and facilitates security sector reforms.
The PRT military component comprises personnel, drawn largely from Land Forces Central Area (LFCA) and 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG) based in Petawawa, Ont as well as from Land Forces Quebec Area (LFQA). The PRT includes:

The PRT Commander’s Tactical Headquarters Group, which provides protection and mobility to the PRT Commander and his staff;
An Infantry company from 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment protecting and escorting the PRT, providing a quick reaction force for Kandahar City, and performing defence and security tasks;
Military project managers (military engineers) enhancing the PRT’s capability to manage quick impact reconstruction and development projects;
A Civil-Military Cooperation Platoon from Land Force Central Area;
A Military Police Platoon from 2 CMBG in Petawawa;
Health and medical support from 1 Field Ambulance (1 Fd Amb);
Service and support elements drawn from across Canada; and
Other specialized elements from various CF units across Canada.
Operation ARCHER (Approximately 30 Personnel)
The Canadian contribution to the U.S. led Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan is known as Operation ARCHER.

Since the fall of the Taliban in December 2001, the International Community has been rebuilding Afghanistan’s infrastructure, institutions, government, and army. This effort involves more than just supplying weapons and equipment; Canada has contributed to the U.S. led effort to build a security infrastructure that includes operational forces, sustaining institutions, and the general staff and ministries to direct these organizations. The Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan (CSTC-A) (formerly the Office of Security Cooperation - Afghanistan) is currently re-forming and building both the Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan National Police (ANP). The Canadian Forces currently has Brigadier General Greg Young and 12 other Canadian officers with CSTC-A in Kabul.

The CF also contributes 15 personnel to act as instructors involved in the training of the Afghan National Army at the Canadian Afghan National Training Centre Detachment (C ANTC Det) in Kabul.

Operation ARGUS (15 Personnel)
Strategic Advisory Team – Afghanistan (SAT – A)
Since September 2005 the Canadian Forces has, on a bi-lateral basis, provided a team of strategic military planners to support the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in developing key national strategies and mechanisms for the effective implementation of those strategies. The team is called the Strategic Advisory Team - Afghanistan, or SAT-A.

The Strategic Advisory Team consists of 15 Canadian Forces members and civilian employees, augmented by a CIDA officer to advise on development issues. The team includes a small command and support element, two teams of strategic planners, a defence analyst and a strategic communications advisor. The composition, size and capabilities of the team are adjusted as necessary.

The Strategic Advisory Team, in consultation with the Canadian Ambassador, the Head of Aid and with a senior representative of the Afghan government, provides direct planning support to government ministries and working groups in the development and governance realms. To date, the team has worked extensively with the Afghanistan's National Development Strategy Working Group, Public Administration Reform, Civil Service Gender Equity Policy, and with the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development.

The teams are embedded in their partner Afghan Government ministries and agencies and work under Afghan leadership. The basic method of operation is that the team assists working level officials integrate the substantive ideas of the Afghan leadership and international experts into cohesive strategic frameworks. Working closely with the Ambassador, CIDA and the Afghan Government, SAT-A is an example of the "whole of government" concept at work so that Canada can maximize the value of its contribution. The planning team members bring a very wide range of training, education, experience, and military strategic planning skills to bear on the resolution of complex civil problems.

Still flogging these LIES?

We're taking part in the illegal war to prop up an American-installed Puppet Regime, made up of corrupt politicos, advisors to oil companies, and drug lords.

We're doing this because Stephen Harper promised the American 'Neo-Cons' our military, in exchange for their help during the last election.

Fuck you are stupid. The Army was already in afghanistan. Why? Because Jean Poutine sent them there.

Red Herring
by Harper Betrayed The Troops Sunday, Jan. 07, 2007 at 7:51 PM

Alerady in the illegal war? No disagreement here. However, Harper fundamentally altered their mission, in essence making our troops no more than a subservient Colonial Auxiliary to PNAC's Madness.

We're taking part in the illegal war to prop up an American-installed Puppet Regime, made up of corrupt politicos, advisors to oil companies, and drug lords.

We're doing this because Stephen Harper promised the American 'Neo-Cons' our military, in exchange for their help during the last election.

Fuck you are stupid.

Great Rebuttal
by Harper Betrayed The Troops Monday, Jan. 08, 2007 at 6:31 PM

We're taking part in the illegal war to prop up an American-installed Puppet Regime, made up of corrupt politicos, advisors to oil companies, and drug lords.

We're doing this because Stephen Harper promised the American 'Neo-Cons' our military, in exchange for their help during the last election.

If the neo-cons helped with the election, why a minority?

Oh by the way Jean Poutine put us in Afgahn stan in 2002 to kill terror-felating scum like you.

You should look before you Spam, Plant ...

A minority was all he could achieve because the majority of Canadians don't want Harper or his Ideology. Harper fundamentally altered our mission, betraying the soldiers.

We're taking part in the illegal war to prop up an American-installed Puppet Regime, made up of corrupt politicos, advisors to oil companies, and drug lords.

We're doing this because Stephen Harper promised the American 'Neo-Cons' our military, in exchange for their help during the last election.

Am I deaking with a child? Martin moved the troops the kandahar not Harper.

Saturday, July 16, 2005. 6:18am (AEST)
Canada commits more troops to Afghanistan
Canada's top military officer says Canadian troops will take a more active role hunting down what he has described as the detestable murderers and scumbags of Al Qaeda and the Taliban in southern Afghanistan next year.

Canada is boosting its presence in Afghanistan and by next February there will be 1,500 Canadian soldiers in the southern city of Kandahar.

General Rick Hillier, the chief of the defence staff, has dismissed fears a more active role for the Canadian military overseas might trigger terrorist attacks in Canada.

General Hillier has confirmed Canada's elite commando force will be taking part in the operations in Afghanistan.