Canada's Role in Afghanistan

On Wednesday, May 30, at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton, people gathered to hear some informed talks about the current situation in Afghanistan.

Some of the issues raised included how the military mission is actually undermining humanitarian work; how the Northern Alliance government has been imposed upon the country and will fail just like other examples of governments trying to take over Afghanistan have in the past; the roots of the Taliban and war lords; and the main point that Canada really has no interest in being in Afghanistan. Of course, the two academics who spoke and answered questions can explain things way better than I can. So have a look and make up your mind for yourselves.

Dr. Saleem Qureshi (University of Alberta):

Part One (10:15)

Why Canada should have no interest in military involvement in Afghanistan.

Part Two (8:44)

How the Northern Alliance government in Afghanistan is not legitimate, and how the Canada's military mission there is bound to fail.

Part Three (7:14)

The role of Afghanistan's neighbours Iran and Pakistan.

Dr. Tony Simmons (Athabasca University):

Part One (8:13)

Overview of some of the issues.

Part Two (4:40)

Canada's military involvement in Afghanistan is contrived and unncessary.

Part Three (5:57)

Canada's military involvement in Afghanistan is in violation of international law.

Part Four (4:41)

Civilian casualties, the poppy crop, and other issues concerning Canada's military involvement in Afghanistan.

Questions and Answers:

Who are the Taliban and War Lords? (5:54)

Dr. Saleem Qureshi and Dr. Tony Simmons explain the roots of the Taliban and war lords in Afghanistan.

War on Terror, Insurgents, and Canada Should Leave NATO (3:24)

Dr. Tony Simmons responds to several comments concerning the "War on Terror" and what constitutes an insurgent, and offers a solution that Canada should get out of NATO.

Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan (4:08)

Dr. Tony Simmons discusses humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, particularly from Canada, and how the military mission there has actually caused difficulties in this respect.

Where Should Canada Go From Here (2:29)

Parliament in Afghanistan (3:04)

Dr. Saleem Qureshi answers a question about parliament in Afghanistan and who the war lords are.