Afghanistan and Canadian public discourse

A most depressing, and revealing, aspect of our Afghan involvement is the way it has become framed. It is presented, by both politicians and the major media, in essentially two ways:

1) What's the political spin? What party points are being won or lost?

2) Is the military mission a failure--or succeeding--at this moment? When should Canada bug out?

How puerile can a country get? These are the questions that should be considered:

1) What are Canada's national interests that justify a major effort, military and development, in Afghanistan?

2) Is there a realistic chance that an ongoing and increased international commitment, military and otherwise, will eventually result in a situation favourable to our national interests?

3) If the answer to 2) is yes, what could be the extent of Canada's ongoing efforts, military and otherwise, taking into account this country's capabilities and resources?

4) Is Canadian public opinion open to a continuing military mission in Afghanistan after 2011, perhaps a changed one (see the end of this post)?

5) What will be the consequences, if we effectively end our military mission in 2011, on: a) Afghanistan; b) the international military effort; c) Canada's foreign relations; and, d) Canadians' views, and those of our politicians especially, about our future military role abroad?

Responses to those five points invited. A post for background.

Mark C.

Posted by markc at December 12, 2008 08:44 AM