Canada's Role in Afghanistan

Posted by Paula Kirman Jun 1, 2007

Some of the issues raised included how the military mission is actually undermining humanitarian work; how the Northern Alliance government has been imposed upon the country and will fail just like other examples of governments trying to take over Afghanistan have in the past; the roots of the Taliban and war lords; and the main point that Canada really has no interest in being in Afghanistan. Of course, the two academics who spoke and answered questions can explain things way better than I can. So have a look and make up your mind for yourselves.

Dr. Saleem Qureshi (University of Alberta):

Part One (10:15)

Why Canada should have no interest in military involvement in Afghanistan.

Part Two (8:44)

How the Northern Alliance government in Afghanistan is not legitimate, and how the Canada's military mission there is bound to fail.

Part Three (7:14)

The role of Afghanistan's neighbours Iran and Pakistan.

Dr. Tony Simmons (Athabasca University):

Part One (8:13)

Overview of some of the issues.

Part Two (4:40)

Canada's military involvement in Afghanistan is contrived and unncessary.

Part Three (5:57)

Canada's military involvement in Afghanistan is in violation of international law.

Part Four (4:41)

Civilian casualties, the poppy crop, and other issues concerning Canada's military involvement in Afghanistan.

Questions and Answers:

Who are the Taliban and War Lords? (5:54)

Dr. Saleem Qureshi and Dr. Tony Simmons explain the roots of the Taliban and war lords in Afghanistan.

War on Terror, Insurgents, and Canada Should Leave NATO (3:24)

Dr. Tony Simmons responds to several comments concerning the "War on Terror" and what constitutes an insurgent, and offers a solution that Canada should get out of NATO.

Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan (4:08)

Dr. Tony Simmons discusses humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, particularly from Canada, and how the military mission there has actually caused difficulties in this respect.

Where Should Canada Go From Here (2:29)

Parliament in Afghanistan (3:04)

Dr. Saleem Qureshi answers a question about parliament in Afghanistan and who the war lords are.