Another news story. Another ramp ceremony. Another pedestrian-lined highway and a darkened vehicle convoy making its way to a sombre destination. Another city flag at half-mast and another mournful wail from the bagpipes of Charles Meanwell.
Sadly, and to my own shame, I had begun to accept these events as commonplace, as a normal occurrence. At worst I gave it little thought. I have been roused from my melancholy. It is not the return of the dead soldiers that has provoked this arousal. We as a nation have committed our men and women of the Armed Services to a combat mission. The cost of this action is dead soldiers. We have forgotten the cost. It has been over half a century since the Canadian public has had to witness regular payments. What has brought me to this mumble is the question of why? Why are we as a nation involved in a combat mission in Afghanistan?
In reaction I began by asking those around and those who would respond to that simple question. Disturbingly the oft-stated reply was, “I don’t know.”
“I don’t know?” We as a nation currently have our Armed Services involved in the largest combat role in fifty years and in my anecdotal sphere of individuals most began a response with, “I don’t know?” When pushed, humanitarian aid, democracy, the war on terror et al were all touted in automaton fashion as reasons for Canada’s involvement. Some of these provide hollow motivations for our involvement. Democracy and the war on terror I find offensive as justifications. In regards to the former what form of intellectual, political imperialism are we engaged in? Why do we imagine that our system of government is a model that can be utilized in any and all circumstance? Many believe that our’s is the best system, yet how many of us participate? Very few. Our bellies are full, of course our system of government is best. The latter the “war on terrorism” has increased the threat rather than suppress it.
Perhaps the most valid reason put forth was the comment that entailed the elements of Western influence in the Middle East both politically and in terms of material resources, for now and in the future. As the commentator put it, “…it is a circling of the Western wagons…against the East…”
Of interest was the perception of the increased pride that many now feel as members of the Armed Services. Those who in the past would change out of uniform before returning home now don their uniforms with head upraised. The ghosts of Somalia receding. Our media has assisted greatly in this. The recent publication by a well-known Globe and Mail columnist and our own local media representative who returned from the theatre of war, both provide stirring accounts of the efforts of those serving. But much of the information revolves around the individuals. The extraordinary efforts of ordinary individuals in extraordinary circumstances should be applauded and honoured. That honour does not provide an umbrella of justification to the motivations and decisions that placed the individual in that circumstance. The results do not always provide the reason.
There was another tact and tone that pervaded a number of conversations. This revolved around the asking of the question. I must admit that after the first occurrence I “baited” the conversation with the phrase, “I support the troops but not the mission.” Any remaining conviviality evaporated with this phrase. Hypocrite, cowardly, ignorant, unAmerican...I mean unCanadian and a litany of other invectives followed. Why does “Why?” elicit such hostility?
Both soldiers and civilians have a duty. A soldier’s duty is for the most part clear. Do as ordered. For a civilian it may be a bit convoluted. I would argue that it includes the duty to question and to be vigilant to the decisions made by our leaders in their commitment of our Armed Services. It is a duty we owe to our soldiers. How can that decision be clearly made or understood in the context of Afghanistan based on the information we as Canadians have been receiving? How can meaningful discourse be had when to question is received with anger?
We as a nation have allowed ourselves to be pulled into a quagmire. I fear our political and nationalistic motivations for our involvement in Afghanistan will be a stain upon the individual efforts and costs incurred by those our government has tasked to fulfill its policies. The “West’s” interferences and meddling in Afghanistan for their own self interests bear a substantial responsibility for the difficulties now faced by this county and region. Resolutions to these difficulties will be elusive. Any resolution will be tragic and costly to all involved, but in particular to the people of Afghanistan.
Why, still remains the question. The answers I fear will bring no solace.
Posted by Tommyboy
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