Afghanistan: In or Out?

Many would think the obvious answer is to leave as soon as possible, but when is ‘possible'? Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservative government has plans to pull out the Canadian troops in 2009, in roughly 18 months. Does this have anything to do with the end of Bush's administration? Is there really any relevance? Too many people believe that Canada does whatever the United States does. This statement proves to be wrong because after the attacks on September 11th, 2001, Canada voluntarily joined the invasion of Afghanistan in aid of the U.S. One thing that needs to be made clear is that the troops' main goal is to defend the citizens of Afghanistan. Al Qaeda is the terrorist group that exists as a major powerhouse in Afghanistan; meaning most of Afghanistan fears them as much as the rest of the western world fears them. It is true that this is supposed to be a ‘peace keeping' mission where the troops act as a type of ‘buffer'. But it is also true, as ironic as it may sound, that some force must be used to maintain the ‘peace'. Initially, Canada was a definite fighting force to suppress the growing power of Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. When it was felt that Al Qaeda had been somewhat calmed down in their attempts to ‘wreak havoc', Canada received the new mission of keeping the peace. The Afghan people are appreciating all efforts that the troops have made. At this moment, safety is more important then any other societal need for Afghanistan. So what are our society leaders' positions in the war? Safety first, what is there to debate about? The problem is, safety for Canada's troops must always come first. They're our people after all. So why did the leader of Canada in 2001, Jean Chrétien, put the troops in that position in the first place? It is because Canada plays an important role in NATO and it is a responsibility she has to take. Those who are more fortunate must help the less fortunate. It's an unwritten rule. So the Liberal leader had taken the mission and now the Conservative leader is continuing the mission. This is a rare moment when two opposing parties agree on such a large decision as this one. Now that the plan to pull out troops in 2009 has been made public, Canadians have developed more opinions than before. NDP leader, Jack Layton, has expressed that the troops should pull out immediately since their position in Afghanistan has not made a huge impact. However, Stéphane Dion, Liberal, and Stephen Harper, Conservative, agree that it is very necessary to not pull out too quickly or else any efforts made since 2001 would be condemned useless. Another issue that appears is that once Canada pulls out in 2009, who will take over the mission in southern Afghanistan [where the troops are situated now]? Defense Minister Peter McKay has voiced this to other members of NATO, but so far, no other member has taken up the mission. Since the mission's commencement in 2001, there have been seventy soldiers killed overseas. Seventy lives lost to defend the freedom of all. Seventy lives lost that will never see the outcome of their efforts. Seventy lives lost to strive for never-ending peace. They will always be remembered, and may their sacrifices be for nothing but success.