Every Time We Think We're Out, They Pull Us Back In

It looks like Stephen Harper has decided Canadian troops will stick around in Afghanistan post-2011 after all, but in a non-combat role training the Afghan army.

The extended Afghan mission is being sold as a switch to a much safer role for Canadian troops. But the Guelph Mercury’s James Travers argues that participating in a war against terrorists is never safe, writing “it is disingenuous to promote a change of role as a low-risk compromise between supporting allies and bringing the troops home.” Like the mission we began in 2001, the new role “will further sap military resources, drain the treasury, and may well cost more lives.”

The Globe and Mail’s Lawrence Martin says that for the Liberals, the extension of the Afghan mission is a case of ‘be careful what you wish for.’ The Grits initially put forth the idea of prolonging Canada’s stay, and Harper’s change of heart “leaves them empty-handed … Harper’s years in office have been hallmarked by these types of migratory moves. On the big files – on unity, on the economy, on war – he has shown himself to be adept at … adopting the other side’s positions.” This is why, Martin argues, the Liberals have had difficulty differentiating themselves from the Tories, and few voters can tell what they stand for anymore.

The Montreal Gazette says Harper’s decision is necessary to ensure Afghanistan does not slide back into chaos, arguing “If Afghanistan again becomes a failed state, we know that bloody Islamicist fanaticism, not exactly dormant now around the world, can only grow … how would Canadians feel if the limited social and economic progress which has been made were reversed by a resurgent Taliban?” The Globe's editorial board echoes this sentiment, writing “Too many have died for Canada to simply turn its back on the country, especially with the Taliban threat remaining.”

What’s surprising is that most commentators take it for granted that the Afghan army we train will be used to fight the Taliban. This appears to ignore the glaring possibility that, should current peace talks succeed, the Taliban will become part of the Afghan government and thus be on the same side as the Afghan army, which would result in a very confusing legacy for Canada’s Afghan mission indeed.