Is it worth it for us to be in Afghanistan?

[Mogz]

RE: Is it worth it for us

So what are we getting out of Afghanistan. NOTHING!!!

What did we get out of World War I? Besides over 60,000 dead? What did we get out of World War II? Besides over 40,000 dead? Korea? Vietnam? Cyprus? Somalia? The Balkans? The Congo? Eritea? Tell me, what did we get out of all those missions except body bags? There comes a time when a nation has to stand up for what it believes in, regardless of whether the pop-tart eating masses agree or not. Just because the War in Afghanistan doesn't affect you directly, that doesn't mean it is not in Canada's best interests for being there. You realize that Canadians were killed on September 11th right? You do realize that the Taliban literally crushed the life out of every Afghan before we arrived right? You do realize that the vast majority of Afghans want us in their nation right? You do realize that if we leave we'd be abandoning the average Afghan to their fate right? I myself, as a Canadian, and a soldier having already served a tour in Afghanistan, refuse to adopt the "not my problem" stance that seems to plauge my generation. Our nation has a history of doing what's right, and we're carrying on that tradition in Afghanistan. I'm sorry you're too blind to see the good we're doing over there.

 

[cortezzz]

Well I'm sick of the weak, lame and lazy generation in Canada between the ages of 18-23 that won't work for what they deem low wages and their education consist of grade 12. That and a six pack will get you jack shit. I live in a community that is dependant of foreign veggie pickers because the local lads won't work for $10 an hour, it's un-worthy of them. If this isn't insulting enough they complain about foreigner's taking their jobs. Hello, get a grip you lazy little Pr&&ks. So what do they do hang around Tim Hortons in their jazzed up sports cars and get UI or welfare. I'd rather my tax dollars went to help stabalize Afghanistan than feed these lazy arse picks.

that sounds really insulting to your fellow canadians

are these people you describe-- generally born in canada types-
if there is such a type

you know people who oppose war in principle-- are often --very industrious- hard working well educate professsionals who have spent the first half of their life studying 60 hours a week to acquire the qualificatons to work 60 more a
hours a week at their busy stressfull careers as- doctors- engineers, teachers, scientists , social workers, etc

 

[cortezzz]

mogz- although we have had our differences-- i respect you point of view-- its your perspective-- as a soldier
but
for all the money time and effort being spent on the canadian mission-- wouldnt the resorces be better spent in merely equiping the local afgan military and police properly--
they have no proper armour
no proper transportation
substandard weapons
not even enough fuel to run their
vehicles which appear to be not armoured vehicles
but
shoddy civy cars--

isnt this intervention--- creating a dependance situation that will be used a s pretext to stay in afganistan --indefintely--- so that -- resorces and a stratigic position vis a vis--iran and possibly china- in the future be secured

arent you being used here

 

[sanch]

Re: RE: Is it worth it for us to be in Afghanistan?

mogz- although we have had our differences-- i respect you point of view-- its your perspective-- as a soldier
but
for all the money time and effort being spent on the canadian mission-- wouldnt the resorces be better spent in merely equiping the local afgan military and police properly--
they have no proper armour
no proper transportation
substandard weapons
not even enough fuel to run their
vehicles which appear to be not armoured vehicles
but
shoddy civy cars--

isnt this intervention--- creating a dependance situation that will be used a s pretext to stay in afganistan --indefintely--- so that -- resorces and a stratigic position vis a vis--iran and possibly china- in the future be secured

arent you being used here

The mission is to provide overall support to create the infrastructure. I don’t know what Canada’s exact role is but they would be somehow engaged in helping with this effort which would include training police and soldiers.

I was in Afghanistan a number of times when it was not involved in any conflicts internally or externally. There was poverty but there were no refugee camps. There was compliance and observance of a very orthodox form of Islam but there was no jihad. Islam and peace or tranquility are not incompatible Afghanistan.

My opinion is that Canada is providing a very important humanitarian service and that Canadians should be very proud of those who serve there.

 

[Sassylassie]

I agree Sanch, we can do some good over in Afghanistan.

 

[Toro]

RE: Is it worth it for us

Yes.

 

[Mogz]

RE: Is it worth it for us

mogz- although we have had our differences-- i respect you point of view-- its your perspective-- as a soldier
but
for all the money time and effort being spent on the canadian mission-- wouldnt the resorces be better spent in merely equiping the local afgan military and police properly--
they have no proper armour
no proper transportation
substandard weapons
not even enough fuel to run their
vehicles which appear to be not armoured vehicles
but
shoddy civy cars--

isnt this intervention--- creating a dependance situation that will be used a s pretext to stay in afganistan --indefintely--- so that -- resorces and a stratigic position vis a vis--iran and possibly china- in the future be secured

arent you being used here

In a perfect World, yes. However how can the ANA and local Afghan police forces be trained in an unsecure environment? Currently our PRTs work with local ANA battalions and local police forces to get their soldiers and officers up to snuff. As you pointed out, the ANA is neither well trained enough, nor properly equipped to defend and police their own nation. We literally pour millions of dollars each year in to that organization and progess is being made, however you and I both know that progress takes time. Until such a time as the ANA is able to stand on its own and serve in the best interests of Afghanistan, they require us, and I mean us in the broad sense of the coalition. A fact they've constantly reiterated to us time and time again.

As for me being used, I suppose I am, as is every soldier who wears the uniform. It is our job is it not? To go where the Government points. Myself, I have no issue with that. I love my job and personally feel I serve a higher purpose than myself when I wear the uniform. If I have to go to Afghanistan and live in tent for 6, 7, or 8 months so that eventually one day the Afghan people can live the type of life I enjoy in Canada, then so be it. I didn't go to Afghanistan the first time to kill, I didn't go to blow shit up, I went because I realize the ramifications of leaving Afghanistan as it is. It not only presents a threat to Canada, but a threat to innocent Afghans trying to scrape out a meek existence. To reiterate, yes, I am being used, and clearly the Government of Canada thought using me in Afghanistan last year was a good idea, and if they ever have recourse to think sending me back there is in the better interests of Canada, I take no issue with that.