Lingering Presence: Examining Canada's Military Footprint In Afghanistan

Canada's military mission in Afghanistan ended in 2014, 13 years after it began in 2001. The first Canadian soldiers arrived in Afghanistan in December 2001, joining American and British troops in their fight to topple the Taliban regime, eliminate terrorist operations and establish the basis for lasting peace in the troubled country.

Canada's involvement in Afghanistan was a response to the 9/11 attacks on the US, which saw four airliners hijacked, two of which were deliberately crashed into the World Trade Center towers and one into the Pentagon, resulting in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people.

Canada's mission in Afghanistan included the deployment of a battle group to secure the southern province of Kandahar between 2006 and 2011. At its peak, the Kandahar deployment numbered over 3,000 Canadian soldiers, 158 of whom died, along with one Canadian diplomat, and thousands more suffered physical or psychiatric injuries.

Canada's combat role in Afghanistan ended in 2011, and the last of its service members left the country in March 2014, shifting their focus to training Afghanistan's army and police force.

The Canadian Armed Forces' involvement in Afghanistan

Canada's role in the conflict grew in 2006 when Canadian troops relieved US forces in Kandahar province, taking command of the multinational brigade in the region during a major Taliban offensive. The Canadian Armed Forces' role evolved over time, from identifying and neutralizing Al-Qaeda members to providing security, reconstruction, and training the Afghan National Army and police.

The Canadian Armed Forces made up the bulk of these missions, supplemented by personnel from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Foreign Affairs Canada, and the Canadian International Development Agency. Major reconstruction projects included the Dahla Dam and irrigation system, improvement of roads and bridges, construction of schools, and immunization programs.

The conflict was not without casualties. 159 Canadian soldiers died on missions in Afghanistan, and another 22 died in non-combat circumstances. Public opposition to the war grew over time, and the financial cost of Canada's contribution was estimated to be as high as $18.5 billion by 2011.

Canada's combat role in Afghanistan ended in 2011, and the last Canadian soldiers left the country in March 2014, concluding a 12-year military presence. However, in August 2021, Canadian aircrews and military personnel returned to Kabul to assist in evacuation efforts as the Taliban regained control of the country.

The end of Canada's mission in Afghanistan

Canada's mission in Afghanistan officially ended in March 2014, with the last of its troops leaving the country. This brought an end to 13 years of military involvement, which began in 2001 with the dispatch of special operations troops to oust the Taliban and punish al-Qaeda militants in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

Canada's involvement in Afghanistan was part of a larger coalition of countries contributing forces to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The initial Canadian contribution to the ISAF consisted of more than 700 Canadian Armed Forces members stationed in Kabul, with 200 more providing support from elsewhere in Southwest Asia.

Over the years, Canada's role evolved, and at its peak, the deployment in Kandahar numbered over 3,000 Canadian soldiers. The Canadian military participated in several operations, including Operation Medusa in September 2006, which was a victory for the Canadian Forces but only a tactical one. The Taliban shifted its strategy afterward, and the security situation in Kandahar continued to deteriorate.

Canada's efforts in Afghanistan extended beyond military operations. The country became Afghanistan's top recipient of bilateral development aid, with signature projects such as the rehabilitation of the Dahla Dam and its irrigation system, the building or repair of 50 schools, and expanded support for polio immunization.

Canada's combat role in Afghanistan ended in 2011, and from then until March 2014, Canadian troops focused on training Afghan security forces in Kabul and some parts of the north. The mission concluded with the withdrawal of the remaining troops in March 2014.

In total, 158 Canadian military personnel and seven civilians lost their lives during Canada's mission in Afghanistan. Thousands more returned with physical or psychological wounds. The financial cost of the mission is estimated to be around $18 billion.

The human cost of the war

The war has resulted in a massive loss of life, with the Costs of War Project estimating that 243,000 people have died as a direct result of the conflict. This includes 70,000 Afghan military and police personnel, 46,319–47,245 Afghan civilians, and 51,191–53,000 opposition fighters. In addition, almost 67,000 people were killed in Pakistan in relation to the war. The true toll is likely even higher, as these figures do not include deaths caused by disease, loss of access to food, water, infrastructure, and other indirect consequences of the war.

The conflict has also left countless individuals with physical and psychological injuries. As of mid-August 2021, 20,722 members of the U.S. military had been wounded in action in Afghanistan, not including those injured in attacks outside the airport in Kabul in August 2021. For Canada, thousands of military personnel were physically wounded or left dealing with psychological issues. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) caused the most Canadian casualties, and landmines, friendly fire incidents, vehicle accidents, illnesses, and the psychological strain of serving in a difficult environment also took a heavy toll.

The war has also had a devastating impact on Afghanistan's infrastructure and economy, leaving the country in a state of ruin. The war has resulted in the destruction of public health, security, and infrastructure, with fields, roads, and school buildings contaminated by ordnance. The war has also exacerbated the effects of poverty, malnutrition, poor sanitation, and lack of access to healthcare and education. Afghanistan is now a very poor country, with 92% of the population facing food insecurity and 3 million children at risk of acute malnutrition. The median age in the country is just 18.4 years old, and most Afghans have lived under nearly continuous war.

The impact of the mission

The impact of Canada's mission in Afghanistan is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been the subject of much debate and analysis. While there are no easy answers or straightforward conclusions, it is possible to identify several key areas where the mission had a significant impact. Here are four to six paragraphs discussing the impact of the mission:

One of the most significant impacts of the mission was the human cost. Canada's involvement in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014 claimed the lives of 158 Canadian military personnel and seven civilians. In addition, thousands of Canadian soldiers suffered physical or psychological injuries during their deployment. The human toll of the mission extended beyond those who served on the ground, as the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives or returned with injuries also bore the brunt of the mission's impact.

Canada's military contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) was also significant. With nearly 40,000 Canadian soldiers, sailors, airmen, and airwomen deployed over the course of the conflict, it became the country's largest military deployment since World War II. Canadian forces played a crucial role in combat operations, particularly in the volatile Kandahar region. They participated in ground operations, large-scale offensives, and the training of Afghan security forces. However, the effectiveness of these efforts has been questioned, with some arguing that the Taliban remained resilient and adaptable, able to regain territory and influence even after being pushed back by Canadian and allied forces.

The mission also had a substantial financial cost. Estimates place the total expenditure at around \$18 billion, making it one of the most expensive military endeavours in Canadian history. This included not only the direct costs of deploying and sustaining forces but also the funding of various development and reconstruction projects in Afghanistan.

Canada's involvement in Afghanistan also had a notable impact on the country's domestic politics. The decision to commit troops and resources to the conflict was a source of political debate and division, with some questioning the rationale and effectiveness of the mission. The Conservative government, led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, was a strong proponent of the mission and framed it as a necessary effort to combat terrorism and promote democracy. However, the Liberal opposition and other critics argued for a more limited role, particularly as the conflict dragged on and casualties mounted.

The mission also had a significant impact on Canada's relationship with its allies, particularly the United States. Canada's contribution to the US-led war on terror and the stabilization efforts in Afghanistan strengthened diplomatic ties and reinforced Canada's position as a key ally. However, there were also tensions and disagreements, such as Canada's decision to end its combat operations in Kandahar in 2011 and shift its focus to training and development efforts.

The long-term impact of the mission on Afghanistan itself is still being debated and assessed. While there were some tangible gains, such as improvements in national development indicators like education and healthcare, these were often dependent on the presence of foreign troops and aid money. The country continues to face significant challenges, including widespread violence, poverty, and corruption. The extent to which Canada's efforts contributed to lasting stability and improvement in Afghanistan remains a matter of debate and will likely be a subject of analysis and reflection for years to come.

The future of Afghanistan

• Humanitarian Crisis: The country is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions at risk of starvation and in need of international assistance. The situation is especially dire for women and girls, who have faced increased restrictions on their rights and access to education under the Taliban regime.
• Economic Challenges: Afghanistan's economy is in a dire state, with limited foreign investment and development aid. The country relies heavily on foreign aid and remittances, which have been disrupted due to sanctions and the political situation.
• Security Concerns: The Taliban's return to power has raised concerns about the country becoming a safe haven for terrorist groups again. Additionally, the presence of other extremist groups, such as ISIS-K, poses a significant security threat.
• Regional Dynamics: Afghanistan's future will be influenced by its neighboring countries, including Pakistan, Iran, and China. These countries have their own interests and agendas, which may not always align with Afghanistan's needs or the interests of the international community.
• Governance and Political Stability: The Taliban's ability to govern effectively and provide stability remains uncertain. The country has a history of factionalism and power struggles, and the Taliban's extreme ideology may hinder their ability to gain widespread support.
• International Engagement: The international community's approach to Afghanistan will be crucial. While some countries may seek to engage and support the country, others may adopt a more cautious approach due to concerns about the Taliban's human rights record.

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