Canadian Policy Choices

What Canada should do now.

Canada Should Bring its Troops Home

Canada is fighting an American War. Despite Prime Minister Harper’s claim, the Afghan war is not about human rights. Most Canadians do not support the war. A shift in Canadian foreign policy is essential.

Book: Between the Lines

Canada is Worsening the Situation of Afghan Women

NATO troops have been making the situation for Afghan women worse. International donations are only supporting warlords and drug lords. The US and Canadian governments should change their policies.

IO / NGO Report: RAWA

Afghanistan Costs Canadians in More Ways Than One

The war in Afghanistan is estimated to cost at least $7.5 billion by 2011. Long-term costs need to be anticipated. There has been little parliamentary discussion about funding the war.

Journal Article: International Journal

Other Options Besides Replacing CIDA

CANADEM is an already existing Canadian task force. Canadian efforts may have to focus more on grassroots funding. The Senlis report’s proposed civilian task force is likely to encounter the same logistical problems as the “ineffective” CIDA.

Magazine: Maclean's Magazine

A Costly Alliance: The On-going War on the Afghan Front

Nearing a decade in Afghanistan, there is heated debate in Canada about the future on the Afghan mission. Military support and aid is being sent to help build Afghanistan beyond just defeating the enemy. But with money and troops being pumped in and no one left to acknowledge the sacrifices made by the good neighbour, Canada should end the mission in 2011 if not sooner.

Newspaper Article: Toronto Star

Troops Returning by 2011? What's After?

Depite Canadian military and humanitarian efforts, the war situation in Afghanistan is not improving and the country continues to rank among the least developed in the world. Canadian troops are scheduled to be brought home in 2011. However, American pressure and the possible discontinuity of support from other allies makes the decision to withdraw the Canadian troops less certain. One thing that is for certain is that Canadian efforts on Afghan soil will not end with the departure of its troops. Humanitarian efforts will continue to be sent out to finish the mission to reconstruct Afghanistan.

Newspaper Article: The Globe and Mail

Canada Must Quell Taliban Counter-Governance

The Taliban's strategy has shifted as the war has progressed. The co-opting of aid and other means of establishing competitive governance are enhancing their legitimacy in the population. Canada, in addition to improving security, must recognize this and counter these efforts if the Afghan mission is to succeed and the government is to become self-sufficient.

Journal Article: Policy Options

Success of Canada's Role in Afghanistan Development Overlooked Due to Military Engagement

Canada is the largest contributor to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund. Development work includes microfinance programs, community empowerment, and the National Solidarity Program. Debate over Canada’s role focuses on the capacity of involvement, not whether or not involvement is necessary. Harper’s encouragement of the Independent Panel on Canada’s Future Role in Afghanistan demonstrates a commitment to development.

IO / NGO Report: World Bank

With 2011 Deadline Approaching, Canadians Unsure of Military's Changing Role.

Canadians question what to do with a now better equipped, funded, and armed military. Public perception has changed over the past five years. There is now more support for troops than opposition against the war. However, Canadians are still more likely to accept a peacekeeping image than that of a warrior nation.

Op-Ed Piece: The Globe and Mail