Where Afghanistan is Today according to the stats presented in the media....
>>Insurgent attacks in Afghanistan are up sharply, aid workers are leaving and more and more of the country is labelled extremely risky by the United Nations.
The Taliban finally give up their last stronghold of Kandahar, routed by British and U.S. air strikes and opposition ground assaults.
Total Security Incidents: 0
2002
The first contingent arrives. Canada sends about 850 troops to serve with U.S. forces in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar.
Total Security Incidents: 13
2003
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization takes control of security in Kabul. It is the first time NATO has mobilized a military force outside Europe in it's 54-year history.
Total Security Incidents: 508
Canadian Casualties: 5
2004
Canadian Lieutenant-General Rick Hillier assumes overall command of NATO's International Security Assistance Force for six months.
Total Security Incidents: 1,044
Canadian Casualties: 9
2005
Canada assumes command of the provincial reconstruction team in Kandahar city. Canadian Forces begin the process of redeployment from Kabul to Kandahar.
Total Security Incidents: 1,876
Canadian Casualties: 10
2006
Total Security Incidents: 5,106
Canadian Casualties: 300
Wounded In Action
Average Monthly Security Incidents: 425
Suicide Bombings
Canada deploys about 2,200 soldiers to Afghanistan. Canadian diplomat Glyn Berry is killed and three soldiers injured by a suicide bomber in Kandahar. Canadian soldier Robert Costall is killed by U.S. friendly fire.
2007
Total Security Incidents: 6,792
Canadian Casualties: 416
Wounded In Action 2
Average Monthly Security Incidents: 566
As of August. 2007
Workers Killed
Suicide Bombings 2
Controversy breaks out over the fate of Afghans detained by Canadian forces in battle and handed over to Afghan authorities. The issue forces the Harper government to twice revise it's policy.
2008
Total Security Incidents: 7,500*
*projected
Future Threat
Some analysts are concerned that this year will see the Taliban using a new weapon, so-called explosively formed penetrators. It's a tool often used in Iraq to puncture even the most heavily armoured vehicle.
Explosively Formed Penetrators
An EFP has a liner in the shape of a shallow dish. The force of the blast molds the liner into a bullet shape, or another, depending on how the explosive is detonated. Has been used in improvised explosive devices against armoured vehicles and can be made from common metal pipe. Explosives on both sides means more civilian death.
The Conservative government and Liberal Opposition come to terms on extending Canada's mission in Afghanistan through 2011. The matter is to go to a parliamentary vote this month.
While there is progress in some areas, public opinion about the foreign presence is on the decline, opium production is on the rise and Afghan police are frequent targets. These are the factors that will determine success.
Public Opinion
Views of Afghans on overall direction of the country
Opium Cultivation
Opium Cultivation Violence
Afghan National Police killed and wounded
Mine clearance
Infrastructure Spending
Nation-Building
Canada's contribution to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund >>
1000 new American marines? NOT SO MUCH!
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/426736#<have a look here for more excuses!
