Still reading today's Globe and Mail.... General Lewis MacKenzie, who served in the last century as head of Canada's armed forces, says "Canada will not abandon Afghanistan in 2011, no matter what the headlines suggest for the next two years."
Haven't we heard that line before? In the 19th century, the British said they would not abandon Afghanistan. In the 20th century the Russians (oops, Soviets) said they would not abandon Afghanistan. And now a not particularly smart or successful Canadian general (who also happens to be a failed Conservative candidate) says Canada will not abandon Afghanistan. Amazing!
Walt says Canada should "abandon" (i.e. get out of) Afghanistan immediately! We have no business being there. So our leaving could allow Afghanistan to recede into the Dark Ages? Who cares?! Keeping the Afghans from slitting each other's throats is not worth one Canadian life, let alone 127...and counting.
As for General MacKenzie, he should do what old soldiers are supposed to do and just fade away...quietly!
I could not think complicated. If he doesn't want to abandon Afghanistan, it is easy, send him to Afghanistan.
ReplyDeleteI agree we have no business trying to push Afganistan into a semblance of a civilized society.
ReplyDeleteWe are trying to plough the ocean. When we leave they will revert to a corrupt, tribal country governed by war lords. The Taliban will burn down the schools we built, abolish the fledgling women's rights and bring back their version of cruel Sharia law. All the lives and money wasted!
See The Kite Runner if you can.