I appreciate the fact that when a soldier dies it is bad form, especially with regards to the family, to suggest that somehow their sacrifice was in vain. We want to believe that casualties are the price of success and that ultimately these deaths will bear fruit. Losing or withdrawing isn't an option, because this admission cheapens the "cost". However, is it not our duty to make sober assessments of our mission, precisely because we don't want to see people die needlessly? I would argue that supporting the troops is best manifested when we demand clarity, purpose and a coherent endgame. Afterall, the concern is primarily for the troops wellbeing and those of the families.
I find it quite disturbing that the right equates patriotism to support of the mission. It is not anti-Canadian, anti-military to suggest that our mission is flawed and the terrain more dangerous. I prefer pragmatism over blind support because this allows for constant re-examination in the face of rapidly changing events. Despite all the rhetoric from commanders and politicians about "success", it is argued in the context of this reality:
Meantime, a Taliban spokesman is vowing to step up attacks against Canadian and other NATO forces in Afghanistan.
"We will increase the attacks against NATO, Canadians and other foreign supporters in the south (of Afghanistan)," Qari Yousaf Ahmadi said in an interview with The Canadian Press.
The threat comes after four Canadians died and 10 were injured in intense fighting on Thursday with Taliban insurgents.
More suicide attackers from across the war-torn country have converged in the south to carry out strikes against non-Muslims, Ahmadi said.
"We have got more suicide attackers, so of course suicide attacks will be increased."
In recent weeks the American military has been forced to admit that the Taliban is now stronger than at any time since the invasion. The number of insurgent attacks have increased. The nature of the attacks have become more sophisticated and co-ordinated. Our forces are increasingly viewed as merely another in a long line of past occupiers, which is a dangerous trend as we move forward. All these facts fly in the face of "progress" and suggest that we may simply be spinning our wheels in Afghanistan. The question isn't one of resolve, but more one of prudence and realism.
I support the troops. I support Canadian attempts to make a difference in Afghanistan. However, that support doesn't mean endorsing an open-ended commitment, that lacks real goals and discounts the cost of casualties. Supporting our troops demands a sensitivity to every casualty, as opposed to simply rationalizing them as part of a greater purpose. Stubbornness is not support, in fact it actually puts our troops in harms way because if fails to acknowledge a fluid reality.
8 comments:
I agree with what your saying-I'd have to say tho that the picture you lay out is even more disturbing & sinister and militarily pointless.
Suicide bombers are pretty new to Afganistan-that points to the resolve of whoever hates the Western intervention.I say that becuz its not just the bad ol' Taliban causing all the trouble.
I wonder if the troops really understand what we're doing there---?do WE really know?
First-some believe that we are there
as an enabler for the proposed pipeline deals in the offing and there's more[from www.acp-cpa.ca]:
--HERE ARE TEN VERIFIABLE FACTS THE MEDIA HAS AVOIDED -
Brief Overview:
FACT #1: Jean Chretien & Canadian Corporations Involved in Trans-Afghan Pipeline
FACT #2: Gordon O'Connor, Defence Minister, Is Former Military Lobbyist
FACT #3: Current Afghan Parliament Includes Warlords and Drug Lords
FACT #4: Afghan Warlords Considered Bigger Threat Than Taliban
FACT #5: Afghan Women Face Repression Despite Removal Of Taliban
FACT #6: Elected Afghan Woman Faces Death Threats For Speaking Out
FACT #7: Since the U.S.-led War, Afghanistan Is Increasingly Hooked on Heroin
FACT #8: U.S. And Coalition Forces Using Excessive Force & Arbitrary Detention
FACT #9: Canada Complicit In Violation of Human Rights For 'War On Terror'
FACT #10: U.S. Finds More Oil and Gas Reserves After 4-Year Search
"We want to believe that casualties are the price of success and that ultimately these deaths will bear fruit."
True, but I believe this is rarely the case - especially in Iraq and Afghanistan today. The deaths of the Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan are in vain for they have not contributed to a solution, to a lasting peace.
"Supporting our troops demands a sensitivity to every casualty, as opposed to simply rationalizing them as part of a greater purpose. Stubbornness is not support, in fact it actually puts our troops in harms way because if fails to acknowledge a fluid reality."
Great line.
john
I don't really understand the photo comment?
dylan
I was listening to a piece on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Hezbollah has woven itself into Lebanese society, not by force, but through its social assistance, schooling and general support of people. There is a lesson there for "liberators" to remember.
"change does not come over night."
It has been five years, from all indications things are worse. That just sounds like rhetoric actually.
As for the left thing, initially I supported the Afghanistan mission. It is still a complicated question, but it is unquestionably trending bad. The last couple pieces I have seen, wherein soldiers have beEN interviewed anonymously, they reflect this sentiment and sound like they just want to go home.
jeff
Whether or not I am in the military is irrelevant. Is the situation better or worse than it was a year ago, six months ago? "Military" people, at least American military before congress, have concluded that Afghanistan is going in the wrong direction.
With all due respect to the Balkans, I think it a bad analogy for a myriad of reasons.
Hi Steve-I only meant the "overall picture"-as a figure of speech-as I said I agree & "then some"!
sorry Jeff "Most are indeed a matter of public record, and hence the media has not avoided them at all"
your above statement doesnt refute
what I wrote-Actually what I QUOTED!
And lets say some of the facts were presented by 'some' of the media...
Paris Hilton still gets more air & print time then all of the Middle East Wars combined!
BTW Jeff -i have great respect for the military as a job in terms peace-keeping/disaster assistance...
and obviously for national defense.
Howver not for Propping Up Pipeline Imperialsm.
john
Thanks for clarifying :)
jeff
Please stay! I appreciate your insight and don't mind having my views challenged. Thanks for the thoughtful response.
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