Canadian forces played a significant role in Afghanistan starting in 2007, taking charge of a major military command in the volatile southern region. Prime Minister Stephen Harper initiated an independent review to determine the way forward, which led to a recommendation for the Canadian military to focus more on diplomacy, reconstruction, and training Afghan national security forces beyond 2009.
Summary of Newspaper Article of Canadian mission in Afghanistan fighting Taliban Made by - Seema, Tasneem, Umaar
Why?
For the Canadian government, concerns about Afghan detainee abuse caused problems in 2009. The issue of the fate of Taliban prisoners handed over to Afghan authorities by Canadian troops who were tortured. For interrogators in Kandahar, it was a standard operating procedure. Detainee abuse issue continued to accuse the Harper government until the 2011 election.
Canada leaves the ongoing war in Afghanistan so Afghanistan would take on an increasing responsibility for its own security.
Government report found that the military mission in Afghanistan could cost up to $18.1 billion, or $1,500 per household, by 2011; therefore, by 2006, more Canadians opposed their government's military mission in Afghanistan than supported it.
Stop Taliban
Canada's Role?
Canada took on a major role in the more dangerous southern part of the country.For six months, Canada held the command of one of the main military forces in the area called Multinational Brigade for Command South.Operation Medusa, a major offensive against insurgents in Kandahar province, was launched in which the fighting grew fiercer and the casualty count rose.
In November 2010, Harper announced that Canada's mission would be extended but in a non-combat role by expanding its training program.
The government says that up to 950 military trainers and support personnel will help train Afghan soldiers and police, at an estimated cost of $2.1 billion during the three years. As the training ramps up, the major location for Canada's mission shifts from Kandahar to the relative safety of Kabul.
The report was released recommended that Canada's military should remain in Afghanistan beyond February 2009 and it changed Canada's role by emphasising on diplomacy, reconstruction and training Afghan national security forces.
In October 2007, Prime Minister Stephen Harper called for an independent panel to study the questions and recommend a way forward.
Where?
Afghanistan
What?
In December 2008, the number of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan passed the 100 mark, reaching 155 on March 27, 2011
Canada debated the future of Afghanistan mission in the parliament
Operation Athena in the capital, Kabul, as part of the NATO-led International Assistance Force
Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry assisted the United States and other forces in an offensive against Taliban and al-Qaeda as part of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom