Skip navigation

 Login or Register | Member Centre

Offensive against Taliban under way

GLORIA GALLOWAY

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 5:54 AM EST 08/08/08

Canadians seize bomb-making supplies, guns, narcotics and money in northwestern Kandahar ...Read the full article

This conversation is closed

  1. Jim Terrets from Vancouver, writes: Yawn, yet another 'major offensive' that's going to 'destroy the Taliban.' We've heard this same bumf every year for the past six years, yet somehow the Taliban are still around getting stronger and stronger.

    And I like this bit about 'good governance,' who's going to provide that? The corrupt warlords running the Afghan narco-state? Undoubtedly by 'good governance,' NATO means more bribes and drug trafficking. And 'reconstruction?' Undoubtedly that means that NATO's going to build another road they can run their convoys down while shooting up locals who get a little too close.

    Afghanistan: a monument to NATO's monumental incompetence.
  2. Mr X from Edmonton, Canada writes: 'Jim Terrets from Vancouver, writes: Afghanistan: a monument to NATO's monumental incompetence.'

    Its because politicians are more concerned about votes then doing the right thing and sending significant quantities of manpower. Look how quickly Iraq stabilized after then poured in the troops.
  3. S.L. S from Small Town, Canada writes: The Taliban are getting stronger??? I think you need to do a little more research into your beliefs.
  4. Stude Ham from Outremont, Canada writes:
    ever notice how all such 'major offensives' using our troops as cannon fodder are always followed by even greater turmoil?

    CANADA - GET OUT OF AFGHANISTAN NOW!
  5. Geoffrey May from Canada writes: So the six Canadians were injured when they were ambushed on their way to
    the new offensive ? Does this mean the Taliban knew about the offensive before the presss reported it ?
    Has Nato previously driven the Taliban from Band-E-Timor as well ?
    I guess the ' good governance' and development were unable to hold the local population's loyalty.
    I wish I could read a story about Afghanistan that didn't leave more questions than answers.
  6. NWT Knifer from Yellowknife, Canada writes: This is the final panick the taliban are now getting desperate . Bush and harper are doing what is right in Afganistan problem is Iran is bhind the drug trade and supporting the taliban.

    it is time for the World to put Iran on notice to stop supporting terror and remove their illigal forces from both Iraq and Afganistan and to stop meddling in the idependence of Pakistan. .

    it is time to tell Iran to shut down the drug trade or face the coming storm!

    Bush and Harper are about to bring peace to all the middle east!

    When you are called by God you show great leadership!
  7. Midtown Bob from Toronto, Canada writes: Hey Mister Taliban
    Tally me banana
    Daylight come and me wan' go home.

    6 foot
    7 foot
    8 foot BUNCH!
    Daylight come and me wan' go home.
  8. Sam Barns from moncton, Canada writes: Here we go again...

    Does anyone remember 'Operation Medusa' a few years back...I guess that operation didn't mop-up the Taliban like it was advertised...Today's operation won't be different...but it will appease the naive militaristic male pride of the pro-war, kill'em all crowd in Canada...

    NATO is losing. Canadian policy is wrong headed. The war is criminal. The occupation must end. Political settlement is the only policy worth considering. The Liberals and Conservatives are naive and inexperienced and wrong on foreign affairs. The Left was right on the workings of empire before and after 9/11.

    Canada out of NATO. Canada out of Afghanistan. End the occupation.
  9. NWT Knifer from Yellowknife, Canada writes: Everyone Go and see the Batman movie the Dark Knight and it will make you understand what Bush is all about.

    Glen Beck pointed out the other day that the movie is about Bush ! And how Bush is the real hero of the world! Iam so proud of what we are doing in Afganistan.I wish we had gone into iraq but we had the weak kneed Liberals at the time.

    Haper and bush will do what is right in Iran and it seems the US is starting to set their sights on China!
  10. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Good article in the New York Times today about American plans for Afghanistan. Let's face it, until the Americans get more committed, this is a losing cause-even the US government, military, and media acknowledge that--while our folks refuse to do, or be critical of.

    The only ones doing the tough fighting are the Americans, Brits, Canadians, and Dutch....while the rest are restricted ( hands tied) by their government's decisions.

    Robert Gates, Sec. of Defence, has endorsed a plan to spend $20 BILLION on doubling the size of the Afghan Army to 120,000 troops within 5 years---I guess you have to pay them to get them off the Taliban payroll.

    Right now, there are 45,000 NATO forces and of that, 15,000 are US forces. On top of that, 19,000 other US troops are acting independent of NATO. That will change.

    The US also plans to send 6000-10,000 more troops next year (I guess as they draw down from Iraq). Is that enough? Outgoing US General McNeil stated it would take a total of 400,000 troops if they followed the book on fighting an insurgency.

    If McNeil is right, then the combined Afghan-NATO forces in 5 years would still be only half what is needed!
    .
  11. Ted Andrews from Canada writes:
    END THE OCCUPATION!
    TROOPS OUT NOW!
  12. NWT Knifer from Yellowknife, Canada writes: Iran get your Troops our of Iraq , Afganistan and Pakistan. We will hunt your froces down where ever they try to hide.

    Bush is going after your forces in both Iraq and Afganistan and soon he will hunt you down in Pakistan ..

    China will soon be put on notice to stop funding your troops!

    Bush and Harper both called by God to free the world!
  13. Brendan Caron from vancouver, Canada writes: See the losers are out in force, again. Don't have Iraq to use as their evidence so now they focus on Afghanistan in the hopes that their fotune telling days aren't numbered like in Iraq. God Bless. Take care. Go troops. Go!
  14. Richard Soley from writes: Good reason for the media to not be embeded with our troop. I see that the Soap box is out and is occupied by the usual verbal artist's.
    Good hunting guys, you are supported here at home and we are proud as hell of the job you are doing, Leave no stone unturned as it may hide the brutalty of the Islamic extremist, and when the job is done come home to the heros welcome you all deserve!
    Stay alert, stay safe,
  15. Random O from GTA, Canada writes: NWT Knifer from Yellowknife,.....Bush and Harper both called by God to free the world!

    You do realize that as Abrahmic religions, both Bush and Iran's leadership have same God. Only messenger is different.

    Do you also know that Taliban is Sunni and Iran is Shia. They hate each other more then they hate us.

    Also this is not about Iran, but A-tan. Try to stay focused.
  16. NWT Knifer from Yellowknife, Canada writes: Stupid Russians have invade Georgia ! A US Ally . Now Bush unleash the dogs of WAR!!

    We are really in the last days of the world. Our Lord Jesus will soon be here!!!!
  17. Stockpiling ammo and food from Canada writes:
    Here is some real news out of A'stan

    http://www.infowars.com/?p=3783
  18. Allan Eizinas from Simcoe, Canada writes: .
    This is like trying to push giant boulders up a perpetual incline. You try to take a rest and they start to roll back down. Six years and NATO is still at a standstill against a bunch of turban headed, dusty, middle ages, scruffy warriors.

    God help us if they ever get ground to air missiles or cannon or armoured vehicles or even airplanes. The main reason why we are getting nowhere is because WE DO NOT HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE LOCAL POPULATION!

    When you do not have the support of the locals then you are the invaders.

    Enough already.

    Declare victory and go home.
  19. P Jones from NB, Canada writes: Godspeed to all coalition troops.
  20. P Jones from NB, Canada writes: Coyote @Acme from tired of dogmatic rants, Canada,

    Sad, isn't it?
  21. Save our Planet from Toronto, Canada writes: Free Afghanistan!
  22. Brad Fgroupthinkn from Canada writes: War on Drugs; this is the part where the NATO forces attempt to eliminate the low cost competitors in the Opium trade, and where more soldiers die to protect the flow of funds to NATO countries from the Opium trade.
    The body bags, however, will ensure the 'product' is distributed around the world unhindered.
    Our soldiers deserve a better cause, get them out now!
  23. Joe Blow from Canada writes: Nice to see the right wing apologists still have their heads firmly up their a$$'s. Don't let the facts get in the way of your ideology, boys. When you have a US general saying that 400,000 troops would be required to control the insurgency and stabilize the country and there are approximately 45,000 troops on the ground, don't you think it's a little foolish to pretend to 'Support the Troops' - when you don't give them a chance of sucess? However, it's so much fun pounding your chests and spouting the foolish rhetoric, isn't it?
  24. Stockpiling ammo and food from Canada writes:
    Brad Fgroupthinkn,

    Spot on!

    http://americandrugwar.com/
  25. c rob from Halifax, Canada writes: I had posted these questions elsewhere but am wondering someone could clarify things a bit for me.NATO is there under the auspices of the UN right? So when did the UN sanction a separate military engagement by US forces in the south? Does this mean that those forces operate outside of the UN mandate and NATO leadership? And does this mean that any established rules governing prisoners are differently applied as a result? Did the Afghan government ask for a separate force? Just trying to understand. Thanks
  26. Troubled Youth from Everywhere, Canada writes: Joe Blow, surely not as much fun as doing nothing and pounding your chest in self-righteousness eh? I do believe that for the soldiers who execute these missions feel a sense of some relief knowing that disrupting these bomb factories helps minimize the number of soldiers and civilians killed by indiscriminate IED blasts which usually occur in the city and towns. You know? Where people are living and trying to get by.
  27. Ali Weisenberg from Kingston, Canada writes: 'pigeon' English?
  28. Ed Long from Canada writes: Against ... it's summer.

    The commenters are playing while Mom is at work.
  29. Tetchy Citizen from Canada writes: Canada wastes more money in Afghanistan while cutting the budget to send Canadian artists to foreign venues.

    Do you need a better indication of what the Conservatives stand for? War not culture.

    Send these guys packing now!
  30. Joe Dick from Kingston, Canada writes: My concern is for the men and women on the ground and not about using them to go off on some rant about your personal feelings about Canadas involvement in NATO and Afghansiatan.

    Good luck and God Speed to the troops who choose to fight in the name of Canada and NATO.
  31. agent sixtynine from Canada writes: The surrender monkeys are out in full force today.
    It's going to chap your a$$es when your grandchildren are being taught about how a few brave and visionary men brought peace, democracy and prosperity to all in the middle east.
    Quite correct that this cannot be accomplished within a few years but will require a generation of youth becoming accustomed to freedom and having the courage to fight for it themselves. NATO forces are just planting the seeds.
    History will judge them favorably.
  32. Joe Blow from Canada writes: Troubled youth - I get your point and I am all for helping the people of Afghanistan and other troubled places around the world. My point is that the right-wingers would rather see the resources wasted in a futile military effort. As other posters have noted, the present invasion is doomed to failure if the objective is about bringing Freedom and Democracy to the country. A bit of knowledge of Afghan history will quickly make that clear. However, it is 'Mission Accomplished' if the goal is about protecting a corridor for a natural gas pipeline and getting the deal done that was floundering 6 months prior to the invasion. Gotta go - Mom's calling....
  33. Billy Talon from Toronto, Canada writes: Against the crowd from Burlington, Canada writes: For all you lefties above who are bashing efforts to help Afganistan, just remember this: The West has gone into the most backward place on earth and are defeating a fanatical enemy. If you would ever pick up a history book, and I assume you can read, you'd know that nation-building takes decades, not mere years. So, get your head out of your A$$$, move out on Mom's basement and get a job.

    ***

    I'm assuming you've read about the history of Afghanistan, then?

    If not, try picking up a few books on the history and the country.

    They are a fascinating people - who know much more about war and fighting then the CF will ever know.
  34. Jesse Winger from Calgary SW, Canada writes: Narcotics... lots and lots of narcotics siezed. Where would we be without them?
  35. Jeff T from Canada writes: Stude Ham from Outremont, Canada writes:
    ever notice how all such 'major offensives' using our troops as cannon fodder are always followed by even greater turmoil?

    CANADA - GET OUT OF AFGHANISTAN NOW!
    -----

    Yes, I did. I bore witness to the return of refugees to villages in Panjwai after the Taliban lost key terrain. It was chaos. So many people on the roads coming home to villages abandoned for years.

    Now, do you have anything to add other then your usual one line garbage?
  36. Jeff T from Canada writes: agent sixtynine from Canada writes: The surrender monkeys are out in full force today.
    ---

    Ever notice how these clowns, the surrender monkeys, NEVER post in any story that is of even a remotely positive light?

    I noticed it. Funny, how they do not recognize this, a clear demonstration of our freedom of movement, and freedom to act as a positive action.
  37. Mike Sumners from Toronto, Canada writes: Good luck to our troops! Good to see the ANA taking a lead in this as well!

    NDP OUT OF CANADA! END THE SLOGANS NOW!
  38. Mike Sumners from Toronto, Canada writes: NWT Knifer from Yellowknife, Canada writes: Stupid Russians have invade Georgia ! A US Ally . Now Bush unleash the dogs of WAR!!

    We are really in the last days of the world. Our Lord Jesus will soon be here!!!!

    --------------------

    Ooookay. Just stay calm. Yes, Jesus will be home soon. Just stay calm. The nice men just want to put this funny looking jacket on you for a moment...
  39. Jeff T from Canada writes: Sam Barns from moncton, Canada writes: Here we go again...

    Does anyone remember 'Operation Medusa' a few years back...I guess that operation didn't mop-up the Taliban like it was advertised...Today's operation won't be different...but it will appease the naive militaristic male pride of the pro-war, kill'em all crowd in Canada...
    -----

    Seriously, you should not be allowed near a computer. The Panjwai district in which OP MEDUSA took place is one fot he quieter districts n southern Afghanistan now. People have returned to their homes, and are now taking part in legal commerce.

    Your demonstrated inability to do basic research is not marking you for those in the intelligent crowd. But then, on these forums EVERYONE on your side of the fence has demonstrated all the discussion and debate skills that the Fred Phelps crew have demonstrated.
  40. Brad Fgroupthinkn from Canada writes: Re; 'surrender monkeys'; JT are you implying that those that believe it is not right for our leaders to place improperly equiped CF's in murderous conditions for no apparent reason are 'surrender monkey's'?
    War freaks are always so positive about death.
    'Positive' will not save the CF driving over an 'IED'in an aluminum can.
    Unless you plan suicide missions for our soldiers you really need to put your $$ Billions where you mouth is.

  41. James O'Keefe from Toronto, Canada writes: c rob - Nato was going in with or without UN approval. 9-11 met the requirements to invoke the clauses of collective defense. UN was faced with either going with this, or going against the countries that pays all the money into the UN (the UN is bankrolled by Canada, US and Western Europe - all members of NATO). The troops there are not UN sponsored peacekeepers but a military force working under national commands under a NATO framework. NATO works with the Afg. govt to determine objectives, and then works with the participatory nations to determine how to achieve those objectives. The UN is just along for the ride.
  42. Mike Sumners from Toronto, Canada writes: Brad Fgroupthinkn from Canada writes: 'Re; 'surrender monkeys'; JT are you implying that those that believe it is not right for our leaders to place improperly equiped CF's in murderous conditions for no apparent reason are 'surrender monkey's'?
    War freaks are always so positive about death.
    'Positive' will not save the CF driving over an 'IED'in an aluminum can.'

    ---------

    How are our troops improperly equipped? Could you please be more specific?
    I don't know if the Leopard 2A6 mine protected tank or the Nyala mine protected vehicle could be called 'aluminum cans', but then you know better than I...
  43. Douglas Freestone from Canada writes: Go get em boys. As horrendous as war always is, this campaign is good for Canada, good for our allies, and good for the people of Afghanistan tired of both extremism and subjugation!

    LET STUDE HAM OUT OF CANADA NOW!
  44. james p from Canada writes: Love the names of these ops; Southern Beast, Achilles, Anaconda. Can i suggest a few names for the next round of malarkey; Clueless, Gutless, Winless, Stalemate?
  45. Brad Fgroupthinkn from Canada writes: Re; Mike Summers;
    Our troops deserved helicopters for patrols.
    They will get them; eventually, and they will be Russian made with skilled Soviet pilots.
    Perhaps even some that remember the a$$ kicking they took from the same people 20 years ago.
    Sounds like a war freak planned this whole thing.
    It is different now; the grandchildren of afghan freedom fighters are doing the fighting today.
    They are only a threat to 'us' if we are there.
  46. james p from Canada writes: just love my tax dollars going towards history repeating itself.
  47. James O'Keefe from Toronto, Canada writes: Brad Fgroupthinkn from Canada writes: nThey are only a threat to 'us' if we are there. ---------------- yeah right Brad, tell that to the families that lost a loved one during the 9-11 attacks. Or better yet, go tell it to the Marines.
  48. Troubled Youth from Everywhere, Canada writes: Joe Blow, actually a proper study of afghan history shows a unified Afghan people fighting in defence of a foreign colonial invasion[s] that removes the people from self-determination. U.N. NATO/ISAF is there to help the Afghan people achieve their goals of self determination by helping to secure their borders from a Pakistani-Taleban insurgency, rebuild necessary infrastructure destroyed or neglected after near 40 years of constant warfare, and put an end to the destructive influence of organized drug cartels in Afghani civil administration. Anyone who uses Afghanistan's history of defence to depreciate the value of Canada's assistance in helping the Afghan government reach it's goals as set out in the Afghan Compact is intellectually sparse and is reaching to find support for their isolationist mindset. These are the same people who cry that this country or that country should be given more money, more food, more clothes, more health services. allowed freer immigration, to be given more of everything but positive on the ground real assistance inside their own country. We don't need another Palestine and that is what the Taleban want. Their own little Palestine, fed and clothed by the world whom they can extort from as they wish, and build their little empire of hate.
  49. a solitary moose from the swamp is my larder, Canada writes: Good work guys!

    The question is, what happens to the buildings where this stuff is found?
  50. jeff franklin from Canada writes: C.F.'s now fighting the 'War on Drugs'.??

    Hopefully, Insite will still be open (contrary to what the Puritanical Harper and his USA Rapturist handlers would like) so Insite can help the very small minority of C.F.'ers returning to Canada addicted to heroin.

    Sigh, the Failed USA War on Drugs now is being waged by C.F. members in Afghanistan.

    More people are likely to die from alcohol than all illicit drugs combined.

    Did Afghan heroin cause WTC#7 to fall?
  51. Gopal Bhattacharyya from Toronto, ON, Canada writes: Mr. X from Edmonton writes by sending more troops to Iraq, the US has stabilized the situation. Before Mr. Bush sent the US army to Iraq, it was stabilished and was ruled by a despot so did the comminist China and North Korea and many African nations. We went to Afgahanistan to get rid of al-Qaeda and Talibans. The US gave financial support to Pakistan to eliminate the Talibans and al-Qaeda. But pakistan gave them protection. So we are back to square one. In the mean time 85 or 86 of soldiers died. Let us get out of Afghanistan.
  52. Jeff T from Canada writes: jeff franklin from Canada writes: C.F.'s now fighting the 'War on Drugs'.??

    Hopefully, Insite will still be open (contrary to what the Puritanical Harper and his USA Rapturist handlers would like) so Insite can help the very small minority of C.F.'ers returning to Canada addicted to heroin.
    ----

    You really should stop using your product.

    Oh, and the wonderful 'Insite' project. Way to boost criminal activity in an area. Put 'Insite' on a barge, float it in the middle of the harbour, sink it when it fills up, resurface it, rinse, repeat.
  53. Richard Roskell from Canada writes: An interesting observation is that on all three occasions where NATO has moved in to 'secure' a country, crime (and I'm talking the real nasty sort) has skyrocketed. In Bosnia, Kosovo, and now Afghanistan slave trading, child prostitution and narcotics have flourished under NATO's watch.
  54. Douglas Freestone from Canada writes: Richard Roskell from Canada (at 11:51) - So, based on your observation and understanding would you attribute this rise to NATO's actions or the unsettled conditions within the country in question?
  55. jeff franklin from Canada writes: 'You are my dope, more lethal than Afghan heroin, more dangerous tha Colombian powder', croons Carla Bruni- Sarkozy.

    Wife of French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

    Are these kind of musical lyrics tolerated by our Rapturist PM and his USA handlers?

    Heck, Yo Harper! wants to ban the Beatles.

    Imagine. Lauren Harper must be having a conniption fit.

    'Stock, pass the smelling salts'.
  56. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    I shall be very disappointed when one day a thread on Afghanistan will not have Stude Ham and Ted Andrews yelling at us in caps lock.

    Those will be sad days.
  57. desiderio manzanal jr from laval, Canada writes: Well make sure you send some of the money back home and keep some of the bomb for our own use incase we run out.

    Well some of comments concerning the insufficient numbers of Nato soldiers on the ground point to the fact most country want to do this on the cheap and that most likely their position is divided at home.

    Its not like ww1 or ww11 when governement can send a huge percentage of their population to war with minor reasons. Now the goverment have learned to use volunteers to do the job..no drafts. So this war will be won apparently by technological superiority and by money...give it to the right people, divide and conquer. A bit hard to do if the enemy have good indoctrination that is religion.
  58. c rob from Halifax, Canada writes: James O'Keefe
    Thanks for your reply to my questions.
  59. The Globe and Mail editors censor free speech from Canada writes: Interesting that Gloria Galloway has been moved from reporting politics to reporting Afghanistan. Maybe the G&M finally came to realize that the optics weren't the greatest that their political reporter is currently married to Liberal Party political strategist Mark Dunn.

    But, then again, I doubt it. She's probably filling in for the regular reporter who's on vacation.
  60. Mike Sumners from Toronto, Canada writes: Brad Fgroupthinkn from Canada writes: Re; Mike Summers;
    Our troops deserved helicopters for patrols.
    They will get them; eventually, and they will be Russian made with skilled Soviet pilots.

    -----------------

    There are no more 'Soviet' pilots as the USSR no longer exists (it was in all the newspapers!).
    The helicopters which you are referring to are Mi-8 transport helicopters leased from a commercial company for one year, Russian made but maintained by a Western company. I haven't a clue where you're getting all this nonsense about 'skilled Soviet pilots'.
  61. Shawn Bull from Canada writes: Good luck Canadian and NATO forces. I know you will do great and win this battle against the Taliban.

    I support the Afghan mission 100% and I support our Canadian forces 100%.
  62. Richard Roskell from Canada writes: Douglas Freestone, both.
  63. Hugh Lawlor from Canada writes: GIVE 'EM HELL BOYS!

    ...and keep your heads down.

    We love you all,
    Canada.
  64. 100% Conservative from Victoria BC, Canada writes: Excellent news: It just keeps getting better and better keep up the good work all you men and women if the forces. Apparently even Al Qaeda in Pakistan seems to be experiencing a lot of high level defections of late - gee whiz that must be terrible for them. I can't wait unti either Obama or McCain is President as both are plainly on the record for massive increases of resources into Afgahistan which is very welcome news and I have no doubt that within a few years we will see a much different nation much like Iraq right now is dramatically changing for the better so too is Afghanistan and all you negative posters will just have to suck it up and deal with it. I wonder what the left wing nuts will be complaing about then?
  65. Able Bodied Man from It's NOT 'VICTORIA' Island, Canada writes: 'Bomb-making supplies, guns, narcotics and money — but no Taliban — were seized by Canadian troops ...'
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Sounds like your average day in Toronto or Vancouver.
  66. Neo Humanus from Toronto, Canada writes: Is the Taliban against Canada?? Is our National Defense defending against an attacker?? Why am I asking questions in a comments forum. Well, with all the media info (which may or may not be true or the whole truth)I have to ask myself why all this money and human life is being spent towards this goal. Now wait whats the goal?? Taliban extinction? or Extremist extinction or better yet US opposition extinction?? So much info with out any answers. Thats why I have to ask. Of course I know there are answers, but I beleive to make a point about engagement and the effects of engagement, one must go back to the beginning and re-evaluate the initial problems. Are there real issues that 'Canada' should be acting upon?
  67. Brad Fgroupthinkn from Canada writes: Re Mike Summer; sure, here's to War Freaks everywhere.
    Anyway the 'western companies' better have 'Russian' pilots and 'Russian' mechanics, or your plan for global domination might go awry.
    I think you deliberately missed the point; but that is your point.
  68. Brad Fgroupthinkn from Canada writes: Re;James O'Keefe from Toronto, Canada writes: Brad Fgroupthinkn from Canada writes: nThey are only a threat to 'us' if we are there. ---------------- yeah right Brad, tell that to the families that lost a loved one during the 9-11 attacks. Or better yet, go tell it to the Marines.

    Take off that tin foil hat Jim and don't let on to anyone you believe that crap the US adminstration told you about 911, it is what truly insults the victims of the greatest false flag operation in history.

    Remember? 15 of 19 'hijackers' were Saudi's.

    Give your head a shake!
    Have you seen any change in US policy toward Saudi Arabia since 911?
    Richard Nixon said it best; 'Americans will only believe something if they see it on TV'
  69. Mike Sumners from Toronto, Canada writes: Brad Fgroupthinkn from Canada writes: Re Mike Summer; sure, here's to War Freaks everywhere.
    Anyway the 'western companies' better have 'Russian' pilots and 'Russian' mechanics, or your plan for global domination might go awry.
    I think you deliberately missed the point; but that is your point.

    ---------

    LOL Okay Brad, your welfare cheque has arrived, you go buy some more pot and I'll work on my 'Plan For Global Domination Through The Use of Six Transport Helicopters'.
  70. The Phantom from Canada writes:

    Get our troops out of Afghanistan now.
  71. Don Portz from Trochu AB, Canada writes: To Hugh Lawlor - My sentiments exactly. May their mission be successful.
  72. Steve is ..... a Crusader with no need of a stinkin' cape. from Canada writes:

    'Canadians seize bomb-making supplies, guns, narcotics and money in northwestern Kandahar'
    'Narcotics'?
    But, but the left state that the Taliban outlaw narcotics and that it is the evil imperialists that are to blame for Afghanis having the monkey on their back.
  73. The Phantom from Canada writes:

    Jeff T writes:
    'I have spent two years of my life, 4 tours, in Bosnia. Care to back up your slanderous claim with even just a tiny peice of evidence?'

    ___________

    You must realize that only a total idiot thinks that making these types of claims lends you even the slightest credibility. You may have spent four years in the army, but then again you may be full of sh!t. I could just as easily claim that I spent the last twenty years of my life in the armed forces and that I have a phd in political science, but of course I wouldn't because I know that making unverifiable assertions about my experience or education on an internet discussion forum would only make my sound like a bloody idiot.

    For what its worth Jeff you have allot of decent posts and you clearly have something to contribute to this discussion, but over time your posts have deteriorated into childish name calling and bullying. You really just punch yourself in the nose every time you attack others in this pathetic fashion. Calling some of the most reasonable posters on the GM names only makes you look like the loser you really are.

    If, god forbid, you really are typical of the caliber of the men serving in the Canadian armed forces, then I suggest we should immediately disband the entire CF and start from scratch.
  74. Steve is ..... a Crusader with no need of a stinkin' cape. from Canada writes:

    Response to Brad Fgroupthinkn from Canada writes:
    'Richard Nixon said it best; 'Americans will only believe something if they see it on TV'

    Au contraire!,
    Canuckleheads believe what they get on the Canadian Pravda version of the CBC.
    Can't exclude those pesky left wingnut blogs either.

    'Take off that tin foil hat Jim and don't let on to anyone you believe that crap the US adminstration told you about 911'

    I suppose we are supposed to listen to the words of schizophrenic paranoids like the internet 'WEBFAIRY' aka Rosalee Grable that supports the cheeseball notion of government conspiracy.
    How can we take any pinhead named 'WEBFAIRY' seriously???
  75. Northern Princess from Northern Canada from Canada writes: Tetchy Citizen from Canada writes: Canada wastes more money in Afghanistan while cutting the budget to send Canadian artists to foreign venues.
    _______________________________________________________
    How about you go back and read the whole story about the 'ARTISTS' FUNDING', then comment on it. I for one sure as heck don't want my tax dollars funding these so called 'artists'. I would like to have a detailed list of all what MY taxes are used for and then I would like to be able to say to our government what I want my taxes used for and what I don't want it used for.

    http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=680270bb-aea0-4b69-aa0f-3fa3353c89e6

    By the way, I certainly don't see it as a 'waste of my taxes' to give our soldiers the funding that they need to do their jobs and all that they need to keep them safe.

    I guess, in your mind, it is better to fund organisations that could potentially harm Canada as opposed to funding organisations that could keep Canada safe. Twisted!

    To all our soldiers ... be safe and be cautious.
  76. Hairy Wrangellian from Saltspring Island, Canada writes: The information on this is being very carefully managed because the chances of it accomplishing anything useful are close to nil:

    'The NATO forces had not planned to make news of the assault public until next week but Brigadier-General Denis Thompson, the Commander of Task Force Kandahar, spoke to British reporters about the operation on Thursday, bringing an end to the embargo.'

    Other than hearing that six Canadians were injured in IED attack, we're not likely to get much of any substance on this until it is all over. And even then, unless they were able to capture or kill a large number of 'taliban', we'll only be getting pablum.
  77. Joe Blow from Canada writes: Ah.... no, Troubled Youth - I see you have bought the apologist arguement for the invasion. You appear to view it as a humanitarian intervention. Recent history will reveal that it was never the initial objective. Do you recall Osama Bin Laden - Wanted Dead or Alive? I didn't think so. If you did, you would be aware of the fact that the recent humanitarian spin to the mission is just an attempt to buy public support. The US never cared about the Afghan people as their funding of the muhajeen in the fight against the Russians will attest. But don't let the facts get in the way of your ideology.
  78. jay bow from ny, United States writes: slaughter them
  79. L.B. MURRAY from !! from Canada writes: R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Good article in the New York Times today about American plans for Afghanistan. Let's face it, until the Americans get more committed, this is a losing cause-even the US government, military, and media acknowledge that--while our folks refuse to do, or be critical of.

    The only ones doing the tough fighting are the Americans, Brits, Canadians, and Dutch....while the rest are restricted ( hands tied) by their government's decisions.
    ________________________________________

    Let's not forget that the Brits, the Dutch do not have approval of a MAJORITY for this war in Afghanistan.... The others have their 'hands tied' by their governments who listen to the voters...

    It seems that WE THE PEOPLE, OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE which started in the United States of America is now set aside; the PEOPLE have been replaced by the MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL-LOBBYING COMPLEX ..... WE THE PEOPLE had better shut up and pay our taxes and shut up....

    George Washington, Ben Franklin, Eisenhower must be spinning in their graves along with Pearson and many others....

    -
  80. Neo Humanus from Toronto, Canada writes: This is pure fiction and in NO way is the actual events behind the curtain of mass media. US-led treaties have been signed between the Elite of this planet and Future Humans some 45,000 years in the future seen as ET's. Treaties stating that humans will no longer use ET created technology that can see and monitor possible future outcomes have NOT been signed. The ELites have NOT been passing this technology around to other Elite from afar for shared communication of the global Elite. Of course the Middle eastern Elite have NOT been secretly trying to re-develop this technology and use it, despite the treaty. In no way is the search for nuclear weapons in the middle east a search and find procedure for this new technology, thats just crazy talk. No way any sane person would say that this would be so. They are simply conspiracy theories. SO now we can go to bed again tonight to wake up to our familier tax generating existances. Im happy, knowing George (dubya) is saving us all from the crux of evil in our world.
  81. Dennis sinneD from Calgary, Canada writes:

    I see the usual cowards are on this forum today calling for Canadians to cut and leave a democratically elected government and people who asked us to help them via a UN sanctioned mission.

    Stop embarrassing yourselves and us, please.
  82. Boyd of the North from North of 60o, Canada writes: Okay... this will blow some tops am sure, but I am a leftie who is not completely opposed to our involvement in Afghanistan.

    Whether we should have gone there or not is no longer the question. Rather it is how 'we' come home and what duty do we owe to the Afghani population. Iraq has been a complete distraction and sinkhole for human and financial resources.

    That being said, what really gets me is that we, Canada, cannot decide how to fight this conflict.

    I checked out volunteering for a tour in Afghanistan recently but the Canadian Forces recruiting system does not take volunteers for 1 to 1.5 years for combat - you have to sign up for a three-year career including career training/education and even then there is no guarantee of being posted to Afghanistan.

    I have a career. I hunt. I have first aid. I can survive in the bush (more or less). I am fit. And I am willing to go over for a tour.

    But the rules are such that Canada cannot send over volunteers and this places enormous strain on our standing forces. Either we are in or we are not. And it is unclear whether the Forces are really in or not given these restrictions.

    And yes I am aware of the expense for training etc. and that at one level the cost-benefit doesn't work, but there is a need for bodies over there (the irony of that statement is not lost on me) but the system is incapable of addressing that.

    ciao
  83. Mark S from Canada writes: Well, if you chase them out of Afghanistan they could always flee to Canada.
  84. The Phantom from Canada writes: Boyd

    Do you know what a little lord Fauntleroy is? Why should the military make special rules for you? If you support the mission, but can't be bothered to join up because the army is to this or to that, then you are just a little puss who's mouth is bigger than his trousers.
  85. Boyd of the North from North of 60o, Canada writes: Re. Dennis sinneD from Calgary, Canada... (and all the Conservative ideologues)

    I see the usual cowards are on this forum today calling for Canadians to cut and leave a democratically elected government and people who asked us to help them via a UN sanctioned mission.

    ---------------------------------

    it isn't as simple or a black-and-white as that. We went in to back up the US effort to confront a creature of their own creation that had declared war on secular-liberal-democratic states.

    That effort was/is horribly undermined by Bush's private war against Saddam Hussein (yes a nutter and one who should go, but that logic applies to at least 1/4 of the governments out there so logistically it is not a valid argument).

    This undermining has led to a half-a$$ed effort by all concerned (including what is clearly a struggling and corrupt Afghan government) because we are not currently there with the intention of working with the Afghanis to win.

    The Liberal and Conservative governments have not convinced Canadians that this is a conflict that is worth seeing through because they do not have a realistic and tangible plan. Period.

    So I can appreciate the calls to pull out. I also appreciate the need to stay and to work with the Afghanis to win.

    It isn't cowardice to ask questions and to say that if we aren't going to do this properly then we should pull out. It is cowardice to not ask these tough questions, but also to not ask what happens if we leave?

    ciao
  86. Neo Humanus from Toronto, Canada writes: If your a good person watching a fight on the street, and you respond by breaking it up when the fighters wip-out a knife and you get stabbed how could you get angry at the person who stabbed you? If your on the street and the person sitting beside you gets punched in the face and they respond by fighting back are you responsible for fighting with him to win the fight cause you saw that unknown person throw the first punch? Simple equations except that millions of Dollars and many lives are at stake. ASk yourself what could Canada Gain by Helping with this Occupation. I am curious as to what you all may say.......
  87. Billy Talon from Toronto, Canada writes: The problem with this war is 2 of our 'allies' are Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
  88. Boyd of the North from North of 60o, Canada writes: Re. the Phantom...

    My point is that we are not geared up to fight (and therefore win) this conflict because we are operating under an old recruitment system which is premised on having a standing cadre and providing future employment, training and career options as an inducement.

    I, and many others, don't need an inducement. We just want to do our part without that commitment completely upending our lives.

    If I join for three years I will lose my current career and my life. I am willing to make a sacrifice, but the system makes such a sacrifice fundamentally difficult for many of us to engage in.

    Would you give up your career for a nine-month tour of duty (with three months training) they want you to commit to another two years to give you a career and education? If so then join.

    My employer would let me go for a year or a year-and-a-half, but they won't for three and like many of us, I have a home, a career that I love and am good at (and which positively benefits people), and obligations.

    I did not have to raise this as an issue, but for those who are hell-bent that we need to stay and that say that those who are opposed are cowards, wouldn't you support a one- to one-and-a-half year volunteer combat service if Canadians wanted to volunteer?

    So i would respectfully submit that I am not a 'puss'.

    respectfully, ciao
  89. The Phantom from Canada writes:

    Are Boyd and Mikey actually the same person? Probably a public relations hack working for the DND to make it appear as though there is more wide spread support for the mission than there is.

    Ciao/cheers
  90. The Phantom from Canada writes:

    Canada out of Afghanistan now...

    cowards are those who say they support the mission and they'd really like to join the military to help out, but they can't because their widdle fingey got hurt...or they just can't do a three year commitment so sadly they wont be able to walk their talk. Pathetic.
  91. Steve is ..... a Crusader with no need of a stinkin' cape. from Canada writes:
    'Response to Boyd of the North from North of 60o, Canada writes:
    We went in to back up the US effort to confront a creature of their own creation that had declared war on secular-liberal-democratic states.'
    __________________________________________________________

    Sometimes the creature bites the hand that feeds them as in this case however these ancient cave dwellers were emboldened by the USSR not being more of a challenge.
    The Americans are now showing 'their creature' that it has bitten off more than it can chew.
    The Taliban next will learn to start small before hitting the big leagues.

    __________________________________________________________

    'The Liberal and Conservative governments have not convinced Canadians that this is a conflict that is worth seeing through because they do not have a realistic and tangible plan. Period.'
    ____________________________________________________________

    Canadians aren't convinced of cut and run either solely based on left wing blogger support.
  92. Boyd of the North from North of 60o, Canada writes: Re. Steve is ..... a Crusader with no need of a stinkin' cape... & Dennis sinneD from Calgary:

    nope Canadians aren't buying the hard left line either. It is intellectually as limited as the Cons hard line positions. Both obscure the debate as opposed to illuminating discussion.

    ciao
  93. Dennis sinneD from Calgary, Canada writes: Boyd of the North from North of 60o, Canada writes: '...

    It isn't cowardice to ask questions and to say that if we aren't going to do this properly then we should pull out. It is cowardice to not ask these tough questions, but also to not ask what happens if we leave? ...'

    It is cowardice to (black and white is the term?) yell
    Canada out of Afghanistan now... continuously.
  94. Boyd of the North from North of 60o, Canada writes: The Phantom from Canada writes: Are Boyd and Mikey actually the same person?

    -----------------------

    Nope.
  95. The Phantom from Canada writes:

    Ok boyyyyd

    Cheers
  96. Steve is ..... a Crusader with no need of a stinkin' cape. from Canada writes:

    Resp