We need a new Afghan strategy


Re: 3 Canadian Soldiers Killed Near Kandahar, Aug. 22.

These three Canadian deaths, as well as substantial losses for other NATOISAF and Afghan forces, send a clear message that the current Western strategy in Afghanistan is failing. Western leaders can no longer deny the true extent of the Taliban presence in Afghanistan.

The developments of the past week - including the deaths of 10 French soldiers and the suicide attacks on the U. S. base in Khost province-- make it clear that a new troop deployment is required simply to secure the capital. Canada must call for an emergency meeting of NATO, and at the top of the agenda must be the removal of caveats that prevent German troops based in the North from fighting.

Without urgent troop redeployment, attacks in and around Kabul are likely to be stepped up. With the Taliban on the very doorstep of the Afghan capital, only a drastic change in strategy can prevent things from getting worse for NATO-ISAF forces, and for the Afghan people.



Almas Bawar Zakhilwal, Canada director, ICOS, Ottawa


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