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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday March 12, 2008 - 7 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Bring the troops home Tomorrow, Parliament votes on whether to extend the Canadian Military mission in Afghanistan. Two years ago there was a strong feeling that the war was unjustified and unwinnable and many people wanted to `Stop the War and Bring Our Troops Home'. But at the same time, our politicians felt that Canada had a reputation as peacemakers to protect. They felt committed to "helping" in Afghanistan and committed to providing more forces for a longer engagement. Since that time, our troops have evolved from peacemakers to killing machines. The more invested we become, the harder it is to pull out. Many of our soldiers have been maimed or killed. "Support Our Troops" has come to have the subtext, "Don't pull out now, or their sacrifice will have been in vain." Yet we know that Afghanistan is not a winnable action, as countless armies have discovered to their cost over the past 200 years. Not even our military leaders believe that we can win. It is becoming difficult to justify our intervention morally -- as improving the lot of women or of introducing the rule of law, or of stamping out the opium trade -- since none of those things can even remotely be said to have happened on our watch. Canadians desperately want a role in the world as peacemakers. Our politicians want to be at the negotiating table with the big players and they know that to do this they have to take some responsibility on the international stage. So what might our role in Afghanistan become? For the past two years significant money, manpower and effort in Afghanistan has focused on nation building and some of Canada's brightest minds have struggled with the problem. It assumes that Afghanis share a national identity. But Afghanistan is a kaleidoscope of ethnic and religious diversity, composed of geographically and philosophically isolated, fiercely independent and self-sufficient local fiefdoms. Think of the States in those wild outlaw days before they became United and Canada before Federation. Does Canada have a role to play in promoting a loose federation of united provinces in Afghanistan? We might begin with army training and protection in individual fiefdoms, developing trade and infrastructure and establishing law and order locally, along the lines of the U.S. marshal and his deputies. In Canada and in India, the railway was a powerful tool in bringing together isolated communities and so in nation building. Perhaps a national railway might be a project for Afghanistan? As each state becomes more prosperous, we could help it to develop a provincial legislature concerned with local issues (drawing on the traditional tribal councils) and eventually these provincial legislatures might send representatives to a national legislature and begin the process of developing a national identity. When you have no job, no money and no food, being a guerrilla fighter is the only career to choose. Jobs, security and prosperity were what finally put an end to violent conflict in Ireland that had been endemic there for centuries and seemed likely never to end. If Canada wants a continuing role in Afghanistan, then extending the mission must be on our terms. Canadians are nation builders, not killing machines. TINA AGRELL Bring this ad Receive 10% OFF Your Purchase The Oakville Hearing Centre has Moved! Formerly located in the Royal Bank building at Lakeshore and Trafalgar, our new convenient location allows us to provide our clients with an even better hearing healthcare service. At The Oakville Hearing Centre you can be certain that our professionals will treat you with the utmost courtesy and care. Nicole Clark B.A., M.CI.Sc., Reg. CASLPO Chief Audiologist Full-time experienced Audiologists Two year hearing aid warranty (minimum) A range of quality hearing aids to fit your needs and budget Simple and flexible payment options Authorized vendor for ADP, DVA, WSIB and most insurance plans Diagnostic and Consultative Services for all ages Hearing aid fittings Unlimited follow-up for those purchasing hearing aids Assistance with all hearing aid purchases Specialty items - custom swim plugs, musicians plugs and custom earmolds for pilots The Oakville Hearing Centre Inc. 1235 Trafalgar Road, Suite 207 Oakville, ON L6H 3P1 T: 905.849.5894 F: 905.847.2250 www.oakvillehearing.com