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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: marcos who wrote (111153)	8/12/2003 5:57:00 PM
From: GST	Respond to of 281500

Canadians are builders and are welcomed the world over -- they invented "peacekeeping". And Canadians now play a vital role in peacekeeping in Afghanistan: Canadian general denies any NATO plans -- yet -- to expand Afghan role Mon Aug 11, 1:20 PM ET OTTAWA (AFP) - The deputy commander of NATO (news - web sites) forces in Afghanistan (news - web sites) insisted that there were no plans -- at least yet -- for the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to expand its role in Afghanistan beyond the Kabul region. In a teleconference call from Kabul with Canadian reporters, Canadian Major-General Andrew Leslie agreed that there was pressure from Afghan authorities and from the United Nations (news - web sites) for ISAF to expand its operations beyond the capital. But so far, he said, "there is not yet a proposal to expand the current ISAF operations." In any case, said Leslie, "it's too early to enter a rational discussion" about future NATO operations. He was talking to reporters just after the 19-nation North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) had taken over the lead in peacekeeping operations in Kabul. With 1,900 troops on the ground, Leslie pointed out that Canada had the biggest contingent of any ally -- "about 35 to 40 percent" in the ISAF operation. Canadian troops, he said, would be facing a multitude of problems -- "from the relatively mundane" like traffic accidents to the unpredictability of suicide bombers. The basic word to Canadian troops was "to be firm, fair and friendly" with the local population. "We are not here to kill," he said. "We are here to help." He refused to speculate on the possible level of casualties among Canadian troops. Published reports here have quoted "military analysts" as suggesting Canada can expect to suffer five to ten casualties in its one-year commitment to maintain 1,900 troops in Kabul. Troops will serve in one of two six-month cycles. "Anybody who tries to predict casualties in a conflict situation doesn't know what he is talking about," the general said. But, in a separate interview on CBC Newsworld, he admitted the danger level was high. Using a one-to-five scale, with five representing a major combat operation, the Kabul scenario was "a solid four," he said. As for future operations -- especially outside Kabul where local war lords control their own fiefdoms -- Leslie said Afghan President Hamid Karzai "has made a strong pitch for NATO forces to giving him a hand." This pitch, he said, was supported by United Nations authorities. But, so far, there were "no plans" for such an extension of operations by ISAF and military planners had not discussed such operations. If it were to happen, he said, it would be "six months away, or 12 months or two years."

To: marcos who wrote (111153)	8/12/2003 6:00:04 PM
From: Chas.	Read Replies (7) \| Respond to of 281500

if the Arabs had any ability to learn anything beyond what their Camel eats and drinks don't you think they might already be somewhat civilized, a 1000 years and a 1000 Mounties can't change these people........ Show me the OIL.............

To: marcos who wrote (111153)	8/12/2003 8:54:54 PM
From: michael97123	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

I applaud this post marcos--not because i want to put a stick in canadas eye but because a principled positive response by the european states is called for. In that sense i consider canada european and there is great need for these states to do some of the nation building. US cant do that alone and perhaps we cant even do it that well while we concentrate on military goals. Perhaps we have been given the great honor(g) to risk our citizen's lives alone. To turn it over solely to the UN is folly but i think canada, germany along with other european states(probably not france) and japan(+ some UN involvement) can be of great help in this world. I envy Canadas possible role. I wish others could share the military burden with the US but no other nation besides the UK will do that so go for the peacekeeping and nation building. If you make that work, perhaps the world will become safer and US forces can home sooner rather than later. Mike PS Of course on your part without arguing the merits of iraq, i would ask you to admit the US military might is a force for good in the world. After all who else can fight the terrorist.