Canadian involvment in Afghanistan

Originally Posted by loyalist

Really? Because I thought that Afghanistan, espeically the southern provinces, is a haven for terrorist fundraising. To put it simply, if we're going to be in on the War on Terror, we have a part to play. To put it quite honestly, it has far more than "petty sentiment" at hand. The Canadian Forces are actively protecting Canada and its allies by hindering terroist efforts in Afghanistan, hence contributiing to national secturity, global stability and prospoerity...fior both Canadians and Afghans.

Please explain how Canada benefits from risking it's soldier's lives in an area which *will* be dealt with by other nations if we aren't there? I mean, besides the glory of it.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by loyalist

Canada often claims to be "world leader", although words are cheap, actions are not. Simply letting tohers do it because htye have to is hardly being an international citizen, nor it is being ethical.

I have never, ever heard a Canadian official claim that Canada is a world leader when it comes to military prowess etc. Perhaps on some other grounds Canada could be considered a world leader, but I hardly believe that it's claimed as one in that area. Perhaps a source on that one? Thanks.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Para

I think our troops in Afghanistan deserve our support. What they are doing is fighting an honourable war not just against the Taliban but the obstacle in restoring communities that were under oppressive Taliban rule in the past.

Soldiers like Greene, who was attacked by an Afghanstanian, should be commended for his work by trying to converse and make peace with the local leaders. Not to mention, trying to gain the trust of the locals by helping them restore their needs like education, health and security.

Even if it does not benefit Canada a great deal, it is the right and honourable thing to do.

It may well be the honourable thing to do, but does that mean that Canada should increase it's expenditure in this area? As in, it hasn't pulled it's weight up to this point so more resources need to be spent on Canada's military actions there? That's the point of contention as far as I know.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by loyalist

Um, like 2200? Jackass.

And how many should there be? You seem in favour of increasing Canadian presence there, so at what point is it going to be adequate in your view?

Asking for 'more' sucks. Asking for a specific concrete amount which will not increase in future might get more people on your side of the argument.

So how much money/troops/etc. should Canada commit to that area?

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by loyalist

Whatever it takes, within the boundries of what the Canadian Forces can provide. I'm not neccesarily pushing for more troops, I'm saying we should have a continued presence in Afghanistan. I find the juvinle "like,what,5?" remark offensive, as it is offensive to Canada's mission and canada's troops.

I agree that the '5' post was just an inflamatory remark. However, the 'whatever it takes' money-pit mentality isn't something that is easilly sold to the public.

I was speaking idiomatically.