However, the Canadian government is spreading lies concerning Canada’s so-called “military mission” in Afghanistan. The government must stop lying to the people of Canada, recognize the occupation of Afghanistan for what it is, and bring the troops home now.
Humanitarian Aid
One of the most common perceptions of Canada’s occupation of Afghanistan is that Canada is providing humanitarian aid and reconstruction to the country, and that we are helping the people of Afghanistan. The numbers tell another story. In 2006, the Senlis Council (an independent poll) reported than only 10% of Canada’s aid was non-military. In the same year, Action Aid International reported that only 14% of US aid to Afghanistan was used for economic assistance and reconstruction. Now, the Harper government is saying the mission may be extended to 2011, but with a changing focus on humanitarian aid rather than combat in order to sell it to the Canadian people. This is in itself an admission that the current mission is more about combat and imperialism than humanitarian motives.
Exit in 2011
As well, there is supposedly an exit strategy that cannot be achieved until 2011, because this exit strategy is tied to the training of Afghan forces. However, this is like when George Bush says that the US is “training Iraqi forces” – it tried to make the US appear as less of an aggressor and invader. Canadian staying in Afghanistan to train Afghan forces is no less of a smokescreen to the continuing occupation.
Lack of Support
The US/NATO military mission is not supported by the people of Afghanistan. Independent polls such as the Senlis Council show declining support for the presence of NATO forces, and just this past Summer, the Afghan senate called that a date be set for the withdrawal of foreign troops.
No Greater Peace
The counter-insurgency operations have not brought greater peace and security to Afghanistan. Over the past year there has been a huge increase in civilian casualties (200 in June 2007 alone), and a 30% rise in violence. According to the UN, more civilians are killed by US/NATO forces than by the Taliban.
Human Rights Violations
By being involved in Afghanistan, Canada is not upholding international law and the Geneva conventions. In fact, Canada is violating the 3rd Geneva convention and the Canadian Charter of Human rights by transferring prisoners to the Afghan authorities where they may face torture or even execution.
More Hardship for Afghanistan
Foreign occupation has brought even more hardship and misery to the people of Afghanistan. Over 6 million people were at risk of starvation according to the UN World Food Program in 2006. Rural poverty is being caused by the eradication of the poppy crop, as Canadian troops help enforce the US counter-narcotics program which is pressuring the Afghan government to refuse to license poppy cultivation, even more medical purposes.
Loyalty and Nationalism
Of course, in an attempt to whitewash the government’s actions the accusations continue to fly that those who are antiwar do not support the troops. In fact, it is Harper government that is sacrificing the lives of soldiers for a false cause and damaging Canada’s international reputation while turning the people and resources of Canada over to Bush and company. As demonstrated in the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war, Harper is quick and willing to follow the Bush administration. The troops should be brought home now, and an end put to the misuse of the military as an occupier of a foreign country against its will.
End the Occupation
Occupation does not bring peace – it only lends to the rise of the resistance. History has shown that the people of Afghanistan will resist any occupation – which is their right to do, under international law. An end to occupation is a necessary condition for peace.
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