Canada's Role in the Afghanistan War

Many people are questioning whether it is really necessary to send Canadian forces in Afghanistan. But first, it is relevant to know the context in which Canada decided to help this
country and the reasons why, to determine then whether or not Canada does the
right choice by sending forces in Afghanistan.

Dahla Dam water source

First of all, because of its geographical position and its energy production, Canada is one of the most important economic allies of the United States, which appears in their military
relations. In fact, since the First World War, Canada was involved in most American wars, from near or far. So, in 2001, Canada joined a coalition led by the
United States of America to annihilate the Talibans and flush out Al-Qaida, in response of the attacks of september 11^th 2001. At this time, Canada’s priorities in the Afghanistan war were defined as follow:

1. Defend Canada's national interests;
2. Ensure Canadian leadership in world affairs;
3. Help Afghanistan rebuild.

By helping Afghanistan rebuild, we mean to build or repair many schools
and train teachers, so education will be more available. Also, Canada will help eradicate polio in Afghanistan by vaccinating children, and this way there will be less childhood diseases, and reduce the number of children who die. Finally, Canada will repair the Dahla
Dam water source, to create about 10 000 seasonal jobs, to encourage the
agriculture and to provide a secure irrigation water supply to the majority of
the Kandahari population.

In conclusion, Canadian forces should stay in Afghanistan because they help the Afghans, who have not decided to be at war, but who still suffer the negative effects of it. This way, Canada will make Earth a better place to live.

References :

‘’Rôle du Canada en Afghanistan’’ on the website Wikipedia,  [online]. [http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%B4le_du_Canada_en_Afghanistan#Changement_de_r.C3.B4le_.282011.29] (March 19^th, 2011)

‘’ Canada's role in the Afghanistan War’’ on the website Wikipedia, [online]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada%27s_role_in_the_Afghanistan_War] (March 19^th, 2011)

‘’ Signature Project: Dahla Dam and Irrigation System ‘’ on the website of the Government of Canada, [online]. [http://www.afghanistan.gc.ca/canada-afghanistan/projects-projets/dam-barrage.aspx] (March 19^th, 2011)

Antoine St-Pierre