In what direction would you like to see future Canadian-Afghan relations go to ensure Afghanistan's long-term stability?
For me, I think we first have to start with people. The more interchange of ideas we can have between ordinary Canadians and Afghans, the friendlier our relations are likely to be regardless of what we might think of each others' governments.
Some policy changes I could see in that direction would be to promote freer travel between the two countries when it comes to transit, tourist, student, business, work and other visas.
This would give Canadians a chance to learn more about Afghanistan and vice versa. It could also help to develop the Afghan tourism industry, which too could help to stabilize its economy. Easier travel between the two countries would also mean a greater exchange of knowledge, education, technology, etc. along with the possible establishment of trade relations.
Better still, we should have free trade in goods and services too. But at the very least, freer travel rules.
After all, if we're fighting in Afghanistan, then we must assume Afghanistan is a friend. Why else would we be fighting for it?
For me, I think we first have to start with people. The more interchange of ideas we can have between ordinary Canadians and Afghans, the friendlier our relations are likely to be regardless of what we might think of each others' governments.
Some policy changes I could see in that direction would be to promote freer travel between the two countries when it comes to transit, tourist, student, business, work and other visas.
This would give Canadians a chance to learn more about Afghanistan and vice versa. It could also help to develop the Afghan tourism industry, which too could help to stabilize its economy. Easier travel between the two countries would also mean a greater exchange of knowledge, education, technology, etc. along with the possible establishment of trade relations.
Better still, we should have free trade in goods and services too. But at the very least, freer travel rules.
After all, if we're fighting in Afghanistan, then we must assume Afghanistan is a friend. Why else would we be fighting for it?