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Our fearless leader is visiting Afghanistan, staying two nights with the troops at the main base at Kandahar before moving on to Kabul.
Evidently DND has decided to bore the insurgents into submission, thus they let loose one of our more charismatic speakers.
Evidently DND has decided to bore the insurgents into submission, thus they let loose one of our more charismatic speakers.
PM urges Canadian troops to remain strong
ALLISON DUNFIELD
Globe and Mail Update
Kandahar, Afghanistan — Prime Minister Stephen Harper told about 1,000 troops stationed in Afghanistan that the Canadian government's commitment to the mission in that country remains strong despite recent hardships.
Two Canadian soldiers have died since Canada took over the security operation in the United Nations on Feb. 28. In all, since 2002, 10 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have been killed in Afghanistan.
Mr. Harper said that Canadians in Afghanistan are doing important work despite the dangers and they must remain dedicated.
”You are standing up for these things, standing up for core Canadian values. Taking on the danger you're taking ... [is] not easy. It's never easy, especially for the men and women who are on the front lines,” the Prime Minister said.
He said the government will continue to encourage troops who are there, and told them not to listen to those who don't support the mission.
"There may be some who may want to cut and run. But cutting and running is not your way. It's not my way, and it's not the Canadian way. We don't make a commitment and then run away at the first sign of trouble.”
The Prime Minister made the comments during a speech to the troops on the second day in the country after he arrived Sunday in a surprise visit.
He was whisked quietly out of Ottawa early Saturday and landed at the fortified military camp in this southern city in late afternoon after an undisclosed flight that federal officials said had been planned almost since the day Mr. Harper took office.
The trip, Mr. Harper's first abroad since the Jan. 23 election, is intended to bolster troops who have come under attack and to boost domestic support for the mission.
He told the troops gathered on Monday during a speech that their role is about taking action.
”Your work is more than just defending Canadians' national interest. It's also about demonstrating an international leadership role for our country. Not carping from the sidelines, but taking a stand on the big issues that matter in the world.
”You can't lead from the bleachers,” he said regarding Canada's security operation in the country.
The Prime Minister was asked by a reporter after the speech whether future decisions on extending the mission will depend on the casualty count.
"It will be a factor," he acknowledged, but he added that casualties "don't necessarily mean failure. In fact, they may really be the beginning of the end of military conflict."
The Prime Minister is in a zone where Canadian soldiers are clearly being targeted. Earlier this year, senior diplomat Glyn Berry was killed in a bombing that severely wounded three other soldiers. Most recently, two soldiers were killed in a vehicle collision, while yet another soldier was critically injured in an axe attack. Still others have been subjects of suicide attacks.
He said high morale and the determination of the troops is what will keep Canadian troops most engaged in the mission.
"I can assure the Canadians and others that our commitment will remain just as strong."
Mr. Harper also noted that the mission is important to protect Canada from terrorist threats and to help rebuild Afghanistan so that democratic rights, women's rights, the right to education are protected.
With reports from Brian Laghi in Kandahar
ALLISON DUNFIELD
Globe and Mail Update
Kandahar, Afghanistan — Prime Minister Stephen Harper told about 1,000 troops stationed in Afghanistan that the Canadian government's commitment to the mission in that country remains strong despite recent hardships.
Two Canadian soldiers have died since Canada took over the security operation in the United Nations on Feb. 28. In all, since 2002, 10 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have been killed in Afghanistan.
Mr. Harper said that Canadians in Afghanistan are doing important work despite the dangers and they must remain dedicated.
”You are standing up for these things, standing up for core Canadian values. Taking on the danger you're taking ... [is] not easy. It's never easy, especially for the men and women who are on the front lines,” the Prime Minister said.
He said the government will continue to encourage troops who are there, and told them not to listen to those who don't support the mission.
"There may be some who may want to cut and run. But cutting and running is not your way. It's not my way, and it's not the Canadian way. We don't make a commitment and then run away at the first sign of trouble.”
The Prime Minister made the comments during a speech to the troops on the second day in the country after he arrived Sunday in a surprise visit.
He was whisked quietly out of Ottawa early Saturday and landed at the fortified military camp in this southern city in late afternoon after an undisclosed flight that federal officials said had been planned almost since the day Mr. Harper took office.
The trip, Mr. Harper's first abroad since the Jan. 23 election, is intended to bolster troops who have come under attack and to boost domestic support for the mission.
He told the troops gathered on Monday during a speech that their role is about taking action.
”Your work is more than just defending Canadians' national interest. It's also about demonstrating an international leadership role for our country. Not carping from the sidelines, but taking a stand on the big issues that matter in the world.
”You can't lead from the bleachers,” he said regarding Canada's security operation in the country.
The Prime Minister was asked by a reporter after the speech whether future decisions on extending the mission will depend on the casualty count.
"It will be a factor," he acknowledged, but he added that casualties "don't necessarily mean failure. In fact, they may really be the beginning of the end of military conflict."
The Prime Minister is in a zone where Canadian soldiers are clearly being targeted. Earlier this year, senior diplomat Glyn Berry was killed in a bombing that severely wounded three other soldiers. Most recently, two soldiers were killed in a vehicle collision, while yet another soldier was critically injured in an axe attack. Still others have been subjects of suicide attacks.
He said high morale and the determination of the troops is what will keep Canadian troops most engaged in the mission.
"I can assure the Canadians and others that our commitment will remain just as strong."
Mr. Harper also noted that the mission is important to protect Canada from terrorist threats and to help rebuild Afghanistan so that democratic rights, women's rights, the right to education are protected.
With reports from Brian Laghi in Kandahar
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