The recent spate of death and injuries of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan has triggered a debate on whether our troops should be in the war-ravaged land.
During a recent surprise visit to Afghanistan, Prime Minister Stephen Harper reaffirmed his government’s commitment to Canadian troops, telling hundreds of soldiers there that Canada won’t "cut and run" as long as he’s in charge.
The prime minister’s speech came amid increasing Canadian casualties and opposition calls for a parliamentary debate on Canada’s role in Afghanistan.
Canada currently has about 2,300 troops in the country. On Feb 28, Canadian Brig.-Gen. David Fraser assumed control over the multinational force responsible for southern Afghanistan.
Since early 2002, 10 Canadian soldiers and a diplomat have been killed in Afghanistan. Another 26 Canadian soldiers have been injured.
"Should Canadian soldiers be in Afghanistan?"
Barbara Waldern
Activist, Vancouver
Canadian soldiers should come home. We’re not helping Afghanistan and the presence of foreign soldiers there is a violation of Afghan sovereignty. The stated aim of the forces there is to bring about democracy but what we’re seeing is more destruction and suppression of people’s rights. No doubt poor countries are angered by the domination of their nations by rich countries. We can reduce conflict if military forces stay in their own countries.
John Dimen
Insurance broker, Vancouver
Canada has started a mission and it must continue in order to stand up to its pledge to help Afghanistan. From the very start, the military knew of the dangers that will face the troops. It’s like opening up a market where one must know what is going on at the ground. They had an idea of the risks and the government considered all these. There will be casualties and the point now is how these can be minimized.
Sue Philips
Child, Youth and Family Services worker, Delta
I agree that we should be part of the peacekeeping process in the world, that our soldiers should be sent. The choice was theirs. They knew the risk when enlisting in the army, the threat to life and limb - just like the job of policemen whose lives are always at risk. I value and appreciate all that they do. But it does give one a sense of great sadness that they do have to lose their lives.
Henry Chau
Project Manager, Vancouver
We should support our soldiers in Afghanistan. They are doing a good job defending the people. They are rebuilding that country. What they are doing is a noble cause. If you look at the number of Afghan people who died under the regime of the Taliban, the world has an obligation to help them. Yes it’s true that Canadian forces are suffering casualties and injuries. But this is a small price humanity has to pay.
David Lau
Office Manager, Surrey
As a citizen of a free country like Canada, I support what Canada is doing - reaching out to help build and defend a newly formed democracy. But if I were a parent of one of the soldiers I might have a different opinion as it is not easy to accept the death of one’s own child in another country. I would however be more in favour of our presence there than against.
Scott Lew
Marketing coordinator, Vancouver
I firmly disagree with Canada’s involvement in America’s war. But I’m not a politician, nor do I have control over any armed forces. This is just an opinion from a West coast kid who would rather hide in his parent’s basement than risk being drafted in years to come.
