Canadians in Afghanistan six times more likely to die than Americans in Iraq

[Fake Boris]

Originally posted by CerberusIV
It's all well and good saying the death rate amongst Canadian soldiers is higher than for other nationalities in Afghanistan but the article doesn't even begin to address why. Is it the nature of the tasks assigned to Canadian troops? Shortcomings in equipment or training? Inadequate support from other NATO and US forces?

Like others you fail to address the point - it's not about finding the reason for it. It's much more of a political debate on how long Canada can withstand the situation before they recall their soldiers.

[SlowwHand]

I'm surprised when the troop ship encountered a wake in the harbor it didn't put back to port.

[Fake Boris]

Are you of those maroons who still think the Taliban can be routed?

[SlowwHand]

Yes, I am; but if they can't, is your idea to sit around and let them run rampant?
Right now, they use Bush as a reason, or the Pope, or Israel, or whatever.
If we just stopped, their reason would be that a butterfly flapped it's wings.

What's your big idea?

[Fake Boris]

Draft young people, send them there and declare it a stalemate 20 years later when 10-15 thousands of them have died. But hey, at least they'll see how tough we are.

[SlowwHand]

The point is, that many would die if everyone just sat on their ass.

Besides, this man is concerned over Canadian deaths. This isn't a right or wrong debate about battling terrorists.
If you want to help, figure out why their rate is higher.
That would show more concern over deaths, to me.

[dannubis]

armchair cowboys

[SlowwHand]

I've had my share of "shot at and missed, shit at and hit", so don't talk to me.

[dannubis]

well, i have had my share of sticking my hand in what one used to be a body part of a human being. so don't talk to me neither as if i do not know anything.

but at least i saved lives in the process.

[SlowwHand]

Good job.

[Vanguard]

Given the unpredictability of war and the small numbers involved, the ratio of deaths mean nothing.

[Asher]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
I'm surprised when the troop ship encountered a wake in the harbor it didn't put back to port.

On behalf of the Canadian men and women dying in Afghanistan, I kindly as you to shut the **** up.

[MOBIUS]

I blame Iraq, for the events unfolding in Afghanistan...

[CerberusIV]

Originally posted by Oncle Boris

Like others you fail to address the point - it's not about finding the reason for it. It's much more of a political debate on how long Canada can withstand the situation before they recall their soldiers.

I understand very well that this is about political points scoring. I also appreciate that virtually every NATO country has a limit to the level of troop casualties the electorate back home will tolerate before the politicians crack and pull the troops out.

Why is very much the point. If the present casualty rate cannot be reduced the debate on and pressure for a Canadian withdrawal from Afghanistan will intensify. If the casualty rate can be reduced by changes in tactics, training or equipment or if it is simply bad luck and falls over the next few months anyway the debate will quieten down as the critics have less ammunition.

[SlowwHand]

Asher, this isn't the time for another hissy fit.