RETURNS TO Introduction

It had been two months since Canadian The decision to return to Afghanistan Focus troops landed in for the first was not without controversy. When This News in Re- rotation in — Minister of Defence John McCallum view story focuses on the return of Canada’s latest contribution to the war announced the decision on February 12, Canadian troops to on terrorism in Afghanistan. Canadians 2003, the world community was en- Afghanistan. In were assigned to the NATO-led Interna- gaged in a heated debate regarding early February tional Security Assistance Force (ISAF) whether or not to wage war on Saddam 2003, Defence and were growing increasingly accus- Hussein’s . While U.S. and British Minister John tomed to life in Kabul. Five Canadians politicians were vigorously promoting McCallum an- nounced that in two open-aired vehicles were on a an attack on Iraq, countries like France Canada would send routine patrol about three and a half and Germany were voicing their reser- troops to the war- kilometres from Camp Julien, Canada’s vations. In the middle of the debate was torn nation, effec- home in Afghanistan’s capital. In an Canada, expressing concerns about tively eliminating instant, a road that had been deemed engaging in a war that the United the Canadian army from action in Iraq. safe by engineers less than 24 hours Nations was refusing to sanction while While some criti- earlier turned into an explosive death fearful of the repercussions of not cized Canada’s trap. One of the vehicles struck a supporting their closest ally, the United choice to return to landmine, killing two men, Sergeant States. Sending troops to Iraq became a Afghanistan in- Robert Short and Corporal Robbie non-issue in February because Canada stead of joining the in the Beerenfenger, and injuring three others, could not simultaneously participate in war on Iraq, Master Corporal Jason Cory Hamilton, the Iraqi and Afghan military theatres. McCallum, among Corporal Thomas Stirling, and Corporal By the time U.S. and British forces others, pointed to Cameron Lee Laidlaw. All five soldiers landed in Iraq in March 2003, Canadi- the legitimacy of were members of the Royal Canadian ans had confirmed what the commit- an ongoing Cana- Regiment, 3rd Battalion, based in ment to Afghanistan a month earlier dian presence in Afghanistan. Petawawa, Ontario. Investigators had indicated: Canada would not be concluded that one of the Canadian taking part in the war on Iraq. vehicles ran over a landmine that had Military critics claim that Canada YV Sections probably been combined with two other opted for Afghanistan as an excuse not marked with this mines. The explosion of the one mine to take part in the U.S.-led invasion of symbol indicate set off a chain reaction, sending the Iraq. The government responded to the content suitable for younger viewers. vehicle flying and leaving a giant crater accusations with a firm claim to na- in its wake. The tragedy marked the tional sovereignty, stating that an first combat deaths in Canada’s second independent nation did not need an foray into Afghanistan. Canada’s initial excuse not to go to war. Meanwhile, mission to Afghanistan, part of Opera- Defence Minister John McCallum tion Apollo, saw 800 members of the repeatedly cited U.S. Defense Secretary Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Donald Rumsfeld’s sincere appreciation Infantry serve in . This time, for Canada’s decision to continue to Operation Athena would see two rota- participate in the war on terror in Af- tions of 1950 troops work with other ghanistan. Criticism was also levied at ISAF forces to secure the capital city of the government regarding the state of Kabul. the Canadian military. Political pundits

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 32 pointed to the antiquated equipment of had as many as 10 million landmines Definition the military and the limited number of littered across the country. In short, NATO is the North soldiers available for service. Accord- Afghanistan was not a safe place. In Atlantic Treaty Organization, an ing to the critics, the government had fact, Afghanistan was so volatile that alliance that neglected the military to such an extent some National Defence officials had Canada helped that soldiers were now being put in privately referred to the Afghan venture found in 1949. harm’s way. Once again, the Canadian as “mission impossible,” claiming the Originally focused government struck back, claiming that decision to return to the region on European active Canadian troops would be pro- prompted the resignation of top-level defence, it has recently become vided with the best equipment avail- officer Major-General Cameron Ross more active in able. It would be irresponsible for the (Scott Taylor, The Globe and Mail, global crises. government to put troops in the line of June 10, 2003). fire without providing them with the Is the Canadian landmine tragedy in means to protect themselves. Finally, Kabul an indicator of more violence to Quote some critics wondered about the safety come? Months earlier, in June 2003, “The mission in of a mission to Afghanistan. The new four German soldiers were killed and Afghanistan is fundamental to Afghan government, led by President 29 others were wounded when a suicide Canada’s security. , held sway over the area bomber drove his taxi into an armored Even though it is in and around Kabul, but outside the convoy. The Germans were on their not immediately capital the story was quite different. way to the airport, set to head home evident, when our Warlords were teaming up with a after a tour of duty in Kabul. It appears soldiers patrol the resurgent to control large that more attacks will follow, and streets of Kabul, they are also pockets of southern Afghanistan, par- Canadians, with close to 2000 of the keeping the streets ticularly in areas that border . NATO-led 5500 troops in Kabul, may of Canada safe.” Also, it was estimated that Afghanistan become the next targets. — Defence Minister John McCallum, Toronto Star, Questions October 3, 2003 1. What is Operation Athena? 2. What happened early in the operation to put Canadians in Kabul on high alert?

3. Make a point-form list of the concerns and criticisms regarding Canada’s decision to return to Afghanistan.

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 33 CANADA RETURNS TO AFGHANISTAN YV Video Review

1. What tragedy demonstrated the dangers that Canadian soldiers face in Please view the Afghanistan? video and answer the questions. 2. What event does the video suggest represents the roots of the current conflict in Afghanistan?

3. Which Afghanis were the hardest-hit once the Taliban came to power? Why?

4. What event prompted the U.S. government to shift its focus to Afghanistan?

5. Who has taken over security patrols in Kabul?

6. What is Canada’s mission in Afghanistan?

7. What theories have investigators uncovered regarding the landmine deaths of Sergeant Robert Short and Corporal Robbie Beerenfenger?

8. What criticisms have been made against the Iltis vehicles?

9. Describe the landscape of Kabul as outlined in Tara Sutton’s report.

10. Have things improved for Afghan women?

11. The video refers to women being “hidden behind the veil.” What does this mean?

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 34 CANADA RETURNS TO AFGHANISTAN Two Tours, and Six Fallen Soldiers

Operation Apollo Kandahar. Tragically, the bomb killed After the terrorist attacks on the United four Canadians and injured eight others. States on September 11, 2001, Canada The pilots of the F-16 thought they rallied behind the Americans in the were being attacked by the troops on hopes of aiding them in their battle the ground and, despite receiving orders against terrorism. Canada’s main mili- not to fire, did so anyway, claiming tary contribution came in what has self-defence. Minutes later they learned come to be known as Operation that they had bombed their own allies. Apollo—a loosely knit combination of The pilots eventually avoided man- all branches of the Canadian Forces. slaughter charges from the U.S. mili- Operation Apollo provided immediate tary. One received a reprimand while air and naval support for the U.S.-led the other faces a court martial. war on terror. Eventually, Canadian land forces were deployed and fought Operation Athena alongside U.S. troops in battles against Operation Athena was the subject of Taliban and Al Qaeda forces. While controversy from the start. Days after reports of the ability and training of the announcement that Canada would Canada’s soldiers were positive, mili- be sending troops back to Afghanistan tary experts pointed to the signs of in August 2003, Major-General neglect emerging in the ability of the Cameron Ross, a top-level Canadian Canadian Forces to do their job. To officer, resigned from his post. While begin with Canadian soldiers had to be Ross cited “personal reasons” for his airlifted to the Persian Gulf by the U.S. resignation, sources claim that he quit Once they arrived, Canadians baked in because of the dangers inherent in the the desert heat in their dark green Afghanistan mission (The National camouflage uniforms. The Americans Post, February 15, 2003). Despite also provided transportation for Canadi- Ross’s resignation, training began and, ans once they arrived and artillery in August 2003, a force of 1950 Cana- support—including helicopter gun- dian soldiers gathered in Kabul to take ships—for Canadians involved in part in the NATO-led International combat missions. Lt.-Col Pat Stogran, Security Assistance Force (ISAF). who commanded the troops in Afghani- Things seemed to go well for Canadians stan, commented that while the U.S. based at Camp Julien, until October 2, provided a great deal of technical 2003. On that day the dangers Ross support, Canadians provided experi- warned about exploded when two enced soldiers. Military critics wonder Canadians were killed after their ve- if Canada should have provided more. hicle struck a landmine near Kabul. The single greatest tragedy for Cana- While soldiers mourned the deaths of dians involved in Operation Apollo two of their comrades, a debate raged came on April 17, 2002, when an back home over the equipment that American F-16 jet dropped a 250- Canadian troops were using. The focal kilogram bomb on Canadian forces point of the debate: the Iltis—an open, performing night training near four-cylinder vehicle bought to replace

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 35 Canadian Jeeps 17 years ago. Referred stan, Major-General Andrew Leslie, Update to by some as the ‘”battlefield taxi,” the pointed out that, despite the merits of Recently the Cana- Iltis is seen as a small, underpowered, some of the more versatile armoured dian government announced that and unreliable vehicle in modern com- vehicles, the landmine explosion that $600-million dollars bat operations. Critics point to the U.S. killed and injured Canadians on Octo- was being set aside Humvees and the British Landrovers as ber 2 would have also destroyed a to purchase new much more reliable armoured vehicles. stronger, heavier vehicle. armoured fighting The Canadian commander in Afghani- vehicles to replace the armed forces’ aging tanks. Activity Working with a partner, complete the following chart.

Subject Operation Apollo Operation Athena

Mission Description

How were Canadians killed or wounded during the operation?

Description of contro- versies surrounding the operation

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 36 CANADA RETURNS TO AFGHANISTAN Women in Afghanistan

Even before the terrorist attacks in the to be poverty-stricken, with true relief Did you know . . . United States, the world was very much far, far away. When the Taliban aware of the brutal suppression of Poverty within a nation can lead to a seized Kabul in 1996, they closed women by the Taliban rulers of Af- state of poverty of the human spirit. 63 schools, affect- ghanistan. The removal of the Taliban This appears to be the case with regard ing 103 000 girls, by the U.S. left many hoping that the to the women of Afghanistan. It is as if 48 000 boys and state of affairs for Afghan women the Taliban view of women as “non- 11 200 teachers, of would dramatically improve. However, people” has become institutionally whom 7800 were other than in Kabul, little progress has stitched into the fabric of society, women? been made in women’s rights. particularly in the area of health care. Part of the reason for slow progress in Afghanistan has the second-highest the area of women’s rights relates to the maternal mortality rate in the world, appalling social conditions in Afghani- with 1600 mothers dying per 100 000 stan. Prior to September 11, 2001, live births (UNICEF, www.unicef.org/ Afghanistan was one of the poorest emerg/afghanistan/index_8182.html). countries in the world. In 2003, Af- Canada has a maternal mortality rate of ghanistan remains an impoverished 7.8 deaths per 100 000 live births country. Basic infrastructure like roads, (Statistics Canada, September 23, telecommunication, electricity, sewers, 2001). Experts feel that the sinister water, and health care continue to be legacy of the Taliban lives on in unoffi- issues for the Afghan people. Two cially sanctioned violations of a statistics put the state of Afghan society woman’s right to basic health-care into grim perspective (Source: Journal needs. One United Nations study con- of the American Medical Association): cluded that at least 40 per cent of • There are no hospitals in 20 of women’s deaths during pregnancy or Afghanistan’s 32 provinces. during childbirth were preventable • In the city of Herat, 35 doctors serve (Journal of the American Medical 793 214 people. Association). One of the reasons cited In many ways it comes down to for the high maternal mortality rate: money. Afghanistan does not have the some husbands consider treatment by economic means to build proper roads, strangers in public places to be shame- telephone lines, power grids, sewage ful so they force their wives to give services, water plants, and hospitals. To birth at home. This kind of logic is aid in Afghan reconstruction, wealthier ingrained into the psyche of many in nations have pledged $5-billion. Only Afghan society. It is a logic that appears $1.8-billion has made its way into the to view women as virtually disposable. economy of Afghanistan so far. The Countries who suffer from the World Bank puts the cost of Afghan scourge of poverty are prone to unrest, reconstruction at between $10- and $20- particularly in the area of human rights. billion. In other words, despite the Perhaps it was overly optimistic to apparent military victory of U.S. and expect things to change so rapidly for coalition forces, Afghanistan continues the women of Afghanistan. The fact remains that many women are still

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 37 excluded from work, young girls are a woman looks through a mesh in the Definition still not allowed to attend school, and veil of her head covering. In essence, Maternal mortality many women are still forced to wear the many Afghan women are hidden from rate — the annual number of deaths burqa—the symbol of the repression of the world. Outside of Kabul, it is as if of women from Afghan women. The burqa is a garment the Taliban were still in power, with pregnancy-related that covers every inch of a woman’s women still being forced to wear the causes per 100 000 body. In other words, no skin is show- garment of repression. live births ing, not even the woman’s eyes. To see,

To Consider 1. What basic infrastructure problems are keeping Afghanistan in poverty?

2. What is the world community doing about the rebuilding of Afghanistan? Be specific.

3. How can experts explain the difference between the Canadian and Af- ghan maternal mortality rate?

4. What is the burqa? Why is it the symbol of the repression of women in Afghanistan?

5. Do you believe that equal rights for women should be universal? Explain.

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 38 CANADA RETURNS TO AFGHANISTAN Afghanistan Today

Timeline attack Afghanistan, eventually begin- Review the infor- ning a long search for Taliban leader mation about 1921 Afghanistan becomes an inde- Mullah Mohammed Omar and Al Afghanistan and pendent monarchy. Qaeda leader . Neither answer the ques- 1935-1973 King Zahir Shah rules the of the men is captured or killed. tions on the next country. He is deposed after a coup in page. 1973. 2002 Hamid Karzai is installed as president of Afghanistan. Karzai works 1978 The communist coup introduces with his U.S. allies to restore order to Did you know . . . radical changes to traditional society. On September 11, the nation. His presidency achieves 2003, two years 1979 The Soviet Union invades with success in the capital city of Kabul, but after the bombing over 100 000 troops. Resistance fight- the rest of the nation sees the return of of the World Trade ers, referred to as mujahideen, wage a the warlords. Center, Canadian fierce guerrilla war against the invaders. bases in Afghani- 2003 Canada agrees to join NATO’s stan were hit by The United States arms the resistance International Security Assistance Force rocket attacks? fighters, who later include Osama bin (ISAF) in Kabul. Troops land in Au- Laden. gust. 1989 The Soviet Union withdraws 2004 Once the writing of a constitu- from Afghanistan. Feuding begins tion is complete, elections are sched- among mujahideen warlords. uled for June. Canada is also scheduled 1994 The Taliban, a group of extreme to assume the leadership of the ISAF. Islamic fundamentalists, enter the struggle. By 1996, they control the Children in Afghanistan southern half of the country, including (Source: Centre of Arab and Islamic Kabul. Key features of Taliban rule Studies, http://ats.anu.edu.au/cais/) include: • One out of four Afghan children dies • government based on orthodox inter- before the age of five. pretation of Islam • More than 1 million Afghan children • girls’ schools closed are orphans. • women lose their jobs and told to stay • More than 500 000 Afghan children home are disabled. • men given 45 days to grow beards • More than 400 000 Afghan children • movie cinemas closed are amputees, largely due to the millions of landmines scattered across • playing of music banned the country. • photography becomes illegal • More than 1 million Afghan children 2001 Terrorist attacks in the United suffer from post-traumatic stress States shift the world’s attention to syndrome. Afghanistan. The Taliban comes under • 90 per cent of girls and 74 per cent of fire for harbouring terrorists and sup- boys below the age of 15 cannot read porting terrorist training camps. By or write. October, U.S. and coalition forces

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 39 Other Information building cost at $10- to $20-billion. (Source: Canada and the World, March • Despite participation in the anti- 2003) landmine Ottawa Treaty, Afghanistan • The population of Afghanistan is a has from 600 000 to 10 million little over 28 million. landmines scattered across the country • There are approximately 2.6 million (The Globe and Mail, October 3, Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan. 2003). • Afghanistan is one of the poorest • Three quarters of the world’s opium, countries in the world. and nearly all of Europe’s heroine, • Canada has pledged over $100-million originates in Afghanistan (The Econo- to help in the rebuilding of Afghani- mist, August 16, 2003). stan. The World Bank puts the re-

Analysis 1. Consult the timeline. In your opinion, what is the most disturbing event in Afghan history since 1921? Explain your answer.

2. What do you consider to be the most important event noted on the timeline? Why?

3. Based on the information provided, why is the illiteracy rate higher for girls than for boys?

4. How do you explain the large number of Afghan refugees in neighbouring countries?

5. How do you explain the rise of criminal activities, such as the drug trade, in Afghanistan?

6. Do you think Canada is contributing enough money to the rebuilding of Afghanistan? Explain your views clearly.

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 40 CANADA RETURNS TO AFGHANISTAN YV Document Analysis

Notes for Remarks by Prime October 2 only a few kilometres from On October 18, Minister Jean Chrétien on the this place. We will not forget their 2003, Prime Minis- ter Chrétien spoke Occasion of a Visit to Camp sacrifice on behalf of peace and security to troops serving at Julien for this torn country. We mourn them Camp Julien, just still and remain firm in our resolve to outside of Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan help rebuild Afghanistan so that this Afghanistan. October 18, 2003 country will never more be a victim of Chrétien felt com- pelled to speak to terrorists and extremism. the troops to help Friends and fellow Canadians, my It is a complex task. Afghanistan is a boost morale after message to you today is a very simple proud nation with a long history and an the deaths of two one. As Prime Minister, I am honoured immensely rich culture. In 25 years of Canadians, Ser- to bring to you the deep gratitude and invasion, civil war and extremism, the geant Robert Short good wishes of the Canadian people. Afghans have lost more than any of us and Corporal Robert Beerenfenger. Read I am certain that your thoughts often can comprehend. Today, we and the the speech and turn to home: to Canada and to those rest of the international community are answer the ques- you love—your friends and your fami- here to make up for lost time. tions that follow. lies. I want you to know that you are in By establishing peace and security, our thoughts, too. You represent your you are also providing the groundwork nation here. Your bravery and courage for humanitarian assistance and devel- Quote and the good work you do here, so very opment programs that will help Af- “He showed up. He sent us here; at far from home, make us very proud. ghanistan rebuild its economic, politi- least he had the Over my time as Prime Minister, we cal, and judicial institutions. integrity to come have had to ask more and more of the Canada alone is spending $250- here and see us.” Canadian Forces. In the last 10 years, million over two years on development — Cpl. Rob you have undertaken more deploy- assistance for Afghanistan. Hundreds of Lelacheur, Toronto Star, October 19, ments, to more regions, than at any time Canadians are here helping rebuild as 2003 in Canada’s history. In each case, you advisors and experts, doctors and were the best Canada could offer. In nurses, engineers and pilots. every case, your effort brought positive You must take pride in the fact that results. the work you are doing and your sacri- And now you find yourself in Af- fices are making a difference toward ghanistan—a country in need. Under improving the quality of life of the extremely difficult conditions—and Afghan people. The peace you have against unseen enemies—you are helped establish is bringing four million helping a nation to rebuild. children, including one million girls, to I am deeply impressed by your contri- school this fall—the most in Afghan bution. But I am vividly conscious of history. That is indeed an accomplish- the dangers you face. This September ment. 11th, rockets fell on your camps. Your work here is based on the You have already paid a terrible price broadest possible partnership with the with the loss of your friends and com- Afghan people and with the interna- rades, Sergeant Short and Corporal tional community as a whole, including Beerenfenger, who were killed on the U.N., NATO, and various interna-

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 41 tional organizations. When I met with Major-General Leslie has distin- President Karzai in Ottawa three weeks guished himself as the Deputy Com- ago he stressed how much the Afghan mander of the International Security people genuinely welcome your pres- Assistance Force. Another Canadian, ence. Lieutenant-General Hillier, will take Only by deepening this connection command in the next year. I have no will we rid Kabul of heavy weapons not doubt that with their leadership and yet under government control. We will your outstanding efforts, our mission launch efforts to disarm Afghan militia here will be a success. forces. And we will see a new constitu- You must remember that your work tion adopted and elections held. has far-reaching effects. By bringing You are patrolling Kabul with vigi- peace and stability to Kabul and Af- lance and care. You are helping Af- ghanistan, you do much to bring peace ghans assume the burden of security. and security to the region. And ulti- You are also involved in a number of mately, we will all benefit. projects, such as digging wells and Thank you once again for your cour- repairing buildings. I understand that age, your professionalism, and your liaison with political, social, and reli- resolve. gious leaders is helping to ensure that Thank you very much. our operations respect religious, ethnic, and cultural sensitivities. (Source: www.pm.gc.ca/)

Questions 1. According to the Prime Minister, what challenges have Canadian forces faced over the last 10 years?

2. What hardships have Canadians dealt with since arriving in Afghanistan?

3. Besides the sizeable military presence in Kabul, how else is Canada con- tributing to the rebuilding of Afghanistan?

4. What part of the speech indicates that Canadians appreciate the contribu- tions made by soldiers?

5. In your opinion, how effective was Prime Minister Chrétien’s speech in boosting morale?

6. What, if anything, would you have added to the speech?

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 42 CANADA RETURNS TO AFGHANISTAN Statistical Analysis

The Department of National Defence These soldier, sailors, and air force Did you know . . . (DND) provides a list of “Current personnel represent a portion of the The U.N. presently Operations” involving Canadian troops 7500 men and women who are training has 37 000 peacekeepers on its Web site. Read the following for, engaged in, or returning from deployed in 15 information from the DND Web site overseas missions. Canada’s total missions? (www.dnd.ca) and complete the activity deployable force is around 22 000. on page 45. Canadian Forces have taken part in 72 international operations since 1947. Current Operations As of November 2003, Canadian forces Almost 3700 members of the Canadian were involved in the following overseas Forces are currently serving overseas. operations:

Arabian Gulf Region and Southwest Asia Mission Personnel Operation Athena 1956 Canadians are part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), the NATO-led unit authorized to maintain the peace in Kabul, Afghanistan. Canada’s commitment consists of over 1900 personnel deployed in two separate rotations over a 12-month period. The first tour was deployed in August 2003. The entire formation involved in Operation Athena is referred to by the Canadian Forces as “Task Force Kabul.”

Operation Apollo 259 Canada’s military contribution to the international war on terrorism. Canada’s commitment to Operation Apollo peaked in 2002 with over 2500 Canadian Forces personnel. Canada stationed 800 troops at the Kandahar airbase in Afghanistan. As of the fall of 2003, Operation Apollo had been downsized to one ship patrolling the Arabian Sea, with Canada’s resources being redirected to Operation Athena.

Operation Accius 1 Lieutenant-Colonel David Ross is serving as a military advisor to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. Ross will keep his post until June 2004.

The Balkans Mission Personnel Operation Palladium 1227 NATO leads a peacekeeping force of 18 000 personnel called Stabilisation Force (SFOR) in Bosnia- Herzegovina. SFOR keeps the peace in the area so that the process of rebuilding the war-torn region can take place. Canada’s involvement in SFOR is called Operation Palladium. Canadian troops perform tasks that include helicopter support, signals, and intelligence. They also provide medical and military police person- nel. Canadian Forces have also committed personnel to serve at SFOR Headquarters in Sarajevo or at the Multinational Brigade North West Headquarters in Banja Luka.

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 43 The Middle East Mission Personnel Operation Danaca 193 Canada’s contribution to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). The Canadian contingent serves in the Golan Heights between Israel and Syria, providing logistical and communications support for Canadian and international personnel.

Operation Snowgoose 1 Canada’s part in the United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). Canada’s involvement in Cyprus dates back to 1964 where a battalion-sized contingent of peacekeepers kept the peace until 1993. Approximately 25 000 Canadians have served in Cyprus over the years. The Canadian currently serving in Cyprus works in operations.

Operation Jade 8 Canada’s commitment to truce supervision in the Golan Heights. Currently seven Canadians serve as United Nations military observers while one is prepared to step in as Group Commander when called upon by the U.N. Operation Jade represents Canada’s longest-running overseas operation, dating back to the establish- ment of the state of Israel in 1948.

Operation Calumet 30 In 1979, Israel and Egypt signed the historic Camp David Accords. This, in turn, led to the creation of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO). The MFO is a non-United Nations peacekeeping operation that has been in existence since the signing of the accords. Canada currently contributes 30 personnel stationed in El Gorah, Egypt.

Africa Mission Personnel Operation Crocodile 7 Canada’s contribution to the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). The operation was set up in response to the signing of the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement of 1999 between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and five other states. Members of the Canadian Forces work as staff officers at mission headquarters in Kinshasa and at the sector headquarters in Kisangani.

Operation Liane 4 Responding to requests from the government of Liberia and the United Nations, Canadian troops began providing emergency relief, food assistance, health care, water supply, and sanitation to the people of Liberia in the fall of 2003.

Operation Reptile 5 Canada’s contribution to the U.N. mission in Sierra Leone. The operation is designed to achieve peace in the region through disarmament, demobilization and re-integration of the belligerent forces. Canadian Forces members are deployed as United Nations military observers on Operation Reptile.

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 44 Mission Personnel Operation Sculpture 7 Canada’s contribution to the British-led International Military Advisory and Training Team (IMATT) in Sierra Leone, a country seeking to overcome the painful fallout of years of civil war. The seven Canadian Forces members assigned to the mission provide advice on training, logistics, and administration. They also deliver tactical training like basic recruit courses and brigade-level exercises.

Operation Solitude 1 Responding to a request from the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping, Canada posted Colonel Daniel Redburn to Dakar, Senegal, in March of 2003. Redburn has been called on to serve as Military Advi- sor and Senior Military Liaison Officer to the Special Representative of the Secretary General in West Africa. He will be assigned to this post for one year.

Total Troops Deployed, All Missions: 3699

(All information gathered from: www.forces.gc.ca/site/operations/current_ops_e.asp)

Activity 1. Read the information concerning Canada’s overseas operations. Work with a partner and rank the operations in order of importance. Share your ranking with the rest of the class, explaining the reasons for the place- ment of each operation.

2. Identify any operations that you would consider withdrawing from and be prepared to explain why.

3. If you were a member of Canada’s forces, in which operation would you most like to participate? Why?

4. If you were a member of Canada’s forces, in which operation would you least like to participate? Why?

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 45 CANADA RETURNS TO AFGHANISTAN YV Final Activity

Canadian Forces personnel are serving in variety of overseas missions. Your task is to communicate with one or more of the people serving in Operation Athena.

Write a Note to a Soldier Write a note or message to a soldier serving in Operation Athena. Here are some guidelines regarding writing a note to a soldier:

• When using the Internet, make sure your note is positive and to the point. • When using the mail, write your note on a postcard. The Canadian Forces will not deliver envelopes or parcels to troops so your correspondence must be on a postcard. Also, make sure you clearly indicate the address (listed below) as well as a return address. • Keep in mind that notes, messages, and letters are a tremendous morale booster for troops. Indicate your appreciation for the work that the soldiers are doing and wish them well on their mission. • Recommended length of your message, note, or letter: 150-300 words

a. Getting in Touch via the Internet One way to access troops overseas is to use the Internet. Go to the “Write to Troops” Message Board Web site below. You can post messages on this site for troops serving overseas.

Canadian Forces Message Board: www.forces.gc.ca/site/community/ messageboard/index_e.asp

b. Getting in Touch via the Mail Another way to get in touch with Canadian troops is to write a note or letter and send it to the Canadian Forces. The Canadian Forces will then forward the note or letter to troops serving in Operation Athena. Post your note or letter to: Any Canadian Soldier or Any Canadian Soldier Op ATHENA Op ATHENA PO Box 5006 Stn Forces PO Box 5113 Stn Forces Belleville, ON K8N 5W6 Belleville, ON K8N 5W6 Rough Notes for My Letter

CBC News in Review • November 2003 • Page 46