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Post by BadCompany on Jul 17, 2003 8:24:18 GMT -5
God help the Canadian troops leaving for that god-foresaken country in a month or so. The Canadian military full expects to take casualties there, does the Canadian public? www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/article/0,13673,501030721-464487,00.html?cnn=yes |
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Post by M. Beaux-Eaux on Jul 17, 2003 8:31:44 GMT -5
The fruit of another fine American international escapade.
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Post by BadCompany on Jul 17, 2003 8:44:52 GMT -5
The fruit of another fine American international escapade. It was the right thing to do. We just didn't follow it through until the end. Nobody wants to finish the job... |
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Post by Montrealer on Jul 17, 2003 8:58:15 GMT -5
The late twentieth century was known for UN Peacekeepers attempting to keep countries from killing each other.
The twenty-first century will be known for Peacemaking Forces (UN hopefully, or God help us all) who will enforce international law with the use of military force (much as the Americans are doing now - only not for selfish reasons, not only in "strategically important locations (ie Screw you Liberia!) and with the full sanction of the UN.
Of course, many resist this idea of the UN with a military enforcing the peace, but I would prefer that to superpowers constantly flinging their military forces around in an attempt to impose their worldview on others; gain strategic resources/location; eliminate a vulnerability; or other various rationales.
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Post by Rimmer on Jul 17, 2003 9:30:50 GMT -5
It was the right thing to do. We just didn't follow it through until the end. Nobody wants to finish the job... yes, but I'm pretty sure it wouldn't have been done if the Taliban government didn't support Al-Qaida and Osama Bin-Laden. No one considered a military action against Afganistan for the violation of human rights. It only became an issue after the Twin-towers attack. and, might I add, the new government isn't exactly concerned with human rights and democracy. the country was handed to the tribal leaders that were as cruel as talibans in dealing with their opponents, they just happened to be on the "right side" at that moment. while we would like to think that we did an average person a favour by changing the regime, that same average person is living harder life than before. the same thing with Iraq. the problems don't stop with the change of government. I would say that's when they begin. somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that under the Geneva (sp?) conventions, occupying forces are responsible for re-establishing the functioning of public institutions and laying grounds for normal life to continue. R. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jul 17, 2003 18:43:38 GMT -5
I know quite a few of the Canadians currently in the Afghan theatre of operations. Some used to work for me, while others were students of mine just a few short months ago. Please understand that they are properly prepared for their task.
I heard now-retired Major-General Leslie say not too long ago that he expected at least ten Canadian fatalities during their mission. Well, he may or many not be right, the point is moot. To think Canada is not going to take casulaties is probably niaive. However, I thought his comments were irresponsible especially coming from such an authorative figure such as he.
Having talked with a few of the lads that have come back, the Germans are probably very relieved to be handing over control to the Canadians. From what I understand, they've been taking some very unnecessary casulaties mainly due to inexperience.
However, the Canadian soldier there are experienced and very prepared for the mission at hand. Sure, some are new soldiers, but they've got more training behind them than most of the other participating NATO countries. The only other country I'd entrust Canadians to is Australia. That's not to say that Canadians shouldn't support other countries like the USA; far from it. This is just the way I feel based on personal experiences. The Auzzis are one of the most professional armed forces I've ever had the pleasure to work with. Good soldiers and good people!
There was a saying we used to say when going into theatre, "Canadians protecting Canadians works!" It's probably a motto other countries use as well, but in this particular case it's very true. The Canadian soldiers have rekindled an old reputation of theirs in recent years. They are professionals who won't be pushed around.
Now, you won't here that in the papers, but if one Canadian soldier steps out of line, WHOA! It turns out to be a reflection on the entire force. It's unfortunate, but that's what normally happens.
Coming full circle on you guys, will Canada take casulaties? Hopefully not, but probably. The young men and women either heading over there or who are there now, know this going in. Remember that.
Cheers.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jul 17, 2003 18:52:49 GMT -5
God help the Canadian troops leaving for that god-foresaken country in a month or so. The Canadian military full expects to take casualties there, does the Canadian public? www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/article/0,13673,501030721-464487,00.html?cnn=yes If all of the factions including the Taliban, were to unite forces, there wouldn't be too much any of the coalition would be able to do. They'd be out-gunned and out-numbered. It was only a matter of time before the Taliban would publicly resurface. Taliban supporters and fighters were immediately disarmed and sent home after being caught. The biggest problem is identifying who they are. So, they haven't just gone away. It's also near impossible for any of the coalition soldiers to recognize who is Taliban and who isn't. They could be the ones waiting at food drop off points, shaking hand with our soldiers and then pulling the triggers on them at night. Therefore, the enemy isn't visable. That was the every-day case in Somalia. The coalition are finding that out now in Iraq unfortunately. It was the same in Vietnam at times as well. The problem is, if you pull out, all hell is going to break loose and there's a distinct possibility that the coalition would be back to square-one in a very short period of time. Bummer! Cheers. |
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