Thursday, December 27, 2007

Christmas in Kandahar

It seems that in our lives, for the most part, we cannot remember every single Christmas. They all tend to blend together and we can only recall a few that stick out for one reason or another. Well, this year is one that I will probably remember for a very long time to come. Not because it was good, or bad for that matter, but simply because it was different. I celebrated Christmas in a way that I never have before, and most likely never will again.

Of course, when you are deployed and are away from your family and friends, Christmas is going to be different. I expected it to be so, and so it was simply a matter to see how different. One of the nice things about Christmas on deployment is how supportive everyone can be. I received many gifts from family and friends, including co-workers. It was a very nice feeling to know that people put in the effort just to bring you a bit of joy while you are away from home. But, it isn’t just the support from people that you know, it is also the support from people that you don’t know. Christmas cards, gifts and messages poured in from Canada to wish us well. It is very touching to know that people all across the country take a few moments from their own lives to reach out and let you know that they are there. This is my chance to say thank you to all of those who took a few moments to pass on a bit of holiday cheer. It was greatly appreciated.

As I have mentioned in the past, I no longer live at the Airfield with the rest of the Canadians but live at a small camp that contains only a handful of people. The entire mentoring team that I work with lives here and we are comprised of soldiers from several nations. There are ten of us from four different countries - Canada, the United States, Great Britain and Holland. Thus, at Christmas Eve, we all found ourselves separated from not only our families, but also from the majority of our fellow countrymen, who were located at the main Airfield. But, Christmas is that time of year that brings people together. Instead of spending the evening feeling sorry for ourselves, we faced the bitter cold that night and built a bonfire, played a bit of music and spent the evening telling a few stories and joking around. Although there was no Christmas tree, no snow or no fat man in a red suit, there were plenty of good tidings of comfort and joy. Although it was a multinational affair, each one of those individuals there could have just as easily been a next door neighbor from home.

As for Christmas Day, we were given the day off and did not have to visit the Afghans and mentor them on their daily business. Instead, we all volunteered to do guard duty and give the regular soldiers a day off to have some rest and relaxation. I spent the afternoon on Christmas Day manning a gate, checking the IDs of people coming in and searching vehicles. It is the only Christmas I have spent wearing a helmet, body armor and looking over the barrel of a heavy machine gun. Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like 200 chain linked rounds coming out of the barrel of a gun at the rate of about 10 per second. Thankfully, I contained my urge to provide the camp with a Christmas fireworks display.

And so that is how Christmas went for me. It was different, but nevertheless, it was an experience I enjoyed. Of course, it doesn’t beat the fun of opening gifts on Christmas morning or eating that little bit of extra turkey, but there was still that same magic in the air. Even if just for the day, you put your troubles aside and enjoyed being in the moment. Plus, in years to come, this will be one Christmas that will not blend in with the rest. It is one that will provide me with memories of how Christmas finds a way to bring people together.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

So this is Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner and the end of 2007 only days afterwards, for many, this time of year is often a time of reflection. Each of us, in our own way, will recall moments in the past year that remind us of joy and sorrow, of successes and defeats, of moments we wish we could hold onto forever and of moments we wish we could take back. Each year, my own personal moments of reflection are generally brought on through the ever-slightly melancholy song “Happy Christmas” by the late John Lennon.

However, perhaps this year, in my own personal moment of reflection, this song has a somewhat different meaning. For those who are unaware, Lennon’s song “Happy Christmas” is also sometimes referred to as “War is Over” and those very words are repeated in the background and fade out as the song ends. Unfortunately, as you know, the war in Afghanistan is not over. And for many thousands of troops from many nations, a happy Christmas this year will be spent away from our family and friends.

But my message this week is not to seek pity for having to spend the holiday season away from my family and friends. My message this week is to reflect on the past year in Afghanistan. It is my hope that in discovering the events of the last year, that you will look upon your own lives of the past year through the lens of the unfortunate events that happen in this country on an almost daily basis. The joys and sorrows of our lives are often put into perspective when we compare our situation to those who are significantly less fortunate than ourselves.

This year is often referred to by the media as the deadliest year in Afghanistan since the US led invasion in 2001. Over 240 coalition soldiers have lost their lives this year in Afghanistan – 29 of them were Canadian. This number is up from under 200 last year. But the number of coalition soldiers killed is not the only statistic that has seen an increase. Although it is difficult to maintain an accurate count of civilian casualties, estimates put the number close to 1400. Approximately one half of those are due to coalition attacks. Such a high count has caused UN officials, as well as President Karzai, to call for coalition forces to act with restraint.

The Taliban continues to target civilians and has claimed the lives of around 300 individuals in suicide attacks this year. There have been over 140 suicide attacks aimed at coalition and Afghan security forces as well as ordinary civilians. This is almost double the amount of similar attacks mounted last year. In all, including insurgent deaths, there have been over 6000 people killed this year. This is by far the highest total since 2001.

Fighting, which was mostly contained to the southern and eastern part of the country, has now moved into more peaceful parts of the country. The coalition claims to have the enemy on the run and states that it is an indication of their desperation. The enemy claims that it is the failure of the Afghan Government to govern throughout the country and that this lack of security has left most of the country vulnerable.

Lack of security, poverty, corruption and drug production continue to pose problems. This year, the opium crop in Afghanistan grew to 93 percent of the world’s supply and remains a major source of income for the Taliban. Corruption exists at every level of government, more than half the population lives in poverty and in many parts of the country, security continues to dwindle.

So it is through this lens that I look at 2007. I have experienced joy and sorrow. There have been personal successes and defeats. There are moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life and there are moments I wish I could take back. But, I do not live in fear that someone close to me will not return home at the end of the day. I do not fear that police forces in my neighborhood will rob me in order to supplement their wages. I do not fear that a desperate man will walk into a crowded street and detonate a vest that is laden with explosives. Instead, I will spend but only one Christmas out of many with others who are also separated from their families and do my small part to make 2008 a little better for those who do not have the choice to leave.

So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun

Friday, December 14, 2007

Of Mice and Men

We are at war in Afghanistan. This statement should not surprise you, but I am not referring to the war in which you might think. The enemy is not the Taliban. No, it is an enemy that is more cunning, more devious and has a complete lack of respect for the welfare of those it chooses to assault. We are at war with mice.

Recently, I have relocated and no longer live at KAF. All Corps level mentors, including myself, have moved to a smaller forward operating base in a move that is aimed at making our lives a little more convenient. Our accommodations are of Afghan design and provide little defense against the constant onslaught of the mice. Both the doors to the small entranceway outside each room as well as the doors to the outside world do not reach the floor and so the warm air passing to the outside on a cool night is nothing more than an open invitation for an attack.

And without hesitation, the mice have launched their attack. On my very first night in my new room I was caught with my guard down and the offensive began. After turning on the heat and leaving the room for a while to warm up I became the first target. As I returned and began sorting out my kit, I picked up a kit bag from the floor to tuck it under my bed. A mouse fell from the bag directly onto my foot and scurried across the floor to take shelter behind my wardrobe. I had just sustained my first direct hit.

However, in a room that was virtually empty of furniture and only one exit, my counterattack was swift. I grabbed my flashlight and looked in behind the wardrobe. Sure enough, the mouse sat there quietly trying to curl itself into a tiny ball to avoid detection. Frightened, he sat there in a pool of his own urine and I began to feel sorry for him. But as we locked eyes, I could see that he was pure evil. My pity was his weapon and I refused to let him use it against me. I pulled the wardrobe away from the wall and he retreated across the room. Finding cover behind my helmet that lay on the floor, his attempt at escape and evasion was of no success. As I peered around one side of the helmet, he would run to the opposite side. I would then shift the direction of my attack and lean to the other side only to see him run around to the opposite side. The game of cat and mouse was on. Things carried on in this manner for the better part of half an hour until he finally managed to escape under the door and back into the cover of darkness. His reconnaissance was successful. He had made contact and now had valuable intelligence that I knew he would pass on to his superiors. The score was mice - one, me - zero.

Many of us were quick to act and knowing that we were in a vulnerable position each of us set our defences. Some tried to block entry by placing a board to cover the gap between the floor and the bottom of the door. Others tried to placate the enemy by heating the adjacent room while leaving the door ajar in order that the mice would choose to accept a warm, yet empty room as some sort of peace deal. And yet, some chose not to defend at all. This was not their fight.

In my view, the best defence was a strong offence. I would not try to block their entry and hope for the best. Nor would I would attempt to negotiate and offer a warm sanctuary elsewhere. Instead, I set traps and would use their hunger as my weapon. After a few days of waiting I saw the evidence of their incursions into my room and knew then that it was time to fight them head on. I placed a trap under my bed where the evidence was most obvious and waited. With a small bit of a gingersnap cookie as my bait, I knew that I would not have to wait long. And I was right, in less than twenty minutes as I sat quietly on my bed reading, I heard the snap of the trap. But, the enemy had proven to be more adept than I had given him credit for. The trap lay on the floor, upside down and empty. But the battle was not over. As I scanned under the bed with my flashlight, the enemy was there, again in a puddle of his own urine. This time he would not get away. I quickly gathered my kit from under the bed and moved it to the next room to in order to clear the battlefield. His game of cat and mouse would not succeed this time. But, when I had returned, the room was empty. Again, he had escaped into the night. Although he did not get the cookie, the score was now mice - two, me - zero.

It was time to re-evaluate and shift tactics. I gathered a second trap and placed it just outside the door to my room yet still inside the small entranceway to the building. It was a staggered defence. Although the risk of attracting further attacks had increased I could counter by luring them into the trap without bringing them inside my room. Further, fearing that a small cookie was too easy to grab and run I found a weapon that would surely keep them in reach long enough for the trap to be sprung - peanut butter. I placed a dab gently on the trap and waited. Hours passed and nothing. It was quiet...too quiet. As I left my room at the end of the evening to brush my teeth, it was then that I knew that this was a war that could not be easily won. Every ounce of peanut butter was gone. It was almost as if the trap had been licked completely clean and yet it remained in tact still waiting to spring. Mice - three, me - zero.

Although I have sustained losses, I remain positive. But with each incursion, I am reminded that war is never pretty, nor glamorous. Even those who live to fight another day are its victims. Each time I enter my room I do so cautiously in case the mice are ready to attack. Any out of place object that catches the corner of my eye causes me to withdraw if but only for a moment. As for the mice, they no doubt bear the scars of humiliation as each encounter leaves them cowering in a pool of their own urine. But, in the end, we are not so different, the mice and I. Sure, our objectives may be different and our reasons for acting as we do may differ as well. But in the end, all that we both hope for is that when this mess is over we can both go back home to our families and chase these horrific memories from our minds lest we be forced to relive the terror of the game of cat and mouse day after day until the end of our days.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Monkey Business

One of the less thought about, yet still interesting parts of a deployment is the opportunity to experience a different landscape as well as those animals that are indigenous to the land. At times, those encounters with new animals can be entertaining and at other times it can be quite dangerous. Many who know of my trip to Afghanistan last year will recall my encounter with a sand viper one evening where he was not too fond to see me.

Fortunately, I have not had such an encounter this time, although I have still had occasion to meet a few animals here in Afghanistan. Located very close to the main entrance of the Kandahar Airfield is the compound that houses many of the interpreters that we use when communicating with members of the ANA or with local nationals. The entrance to the compound is very narrow and driving in can be quite a squeeze. One must negotiate the turn and the barriers at a very slow speed, otherwise you simply will be unable to make the turn and guide your vehicle through the barriers.

Located right at the entrance is a pet that the interpreters love to play with - a monkey on a chain. He has become a bit of celebrity as foreign military personnel love to drive by and snap a few photos or provide the monkey with a bit of food. I am sure the monkey - who of course remains without a name - loves the attention. But, he has become quite friendly and will even seek out food from the vehicles uninvited as they pass by at the required slow speed to make the turn into the compound.

Although I am a lover of most animals, the monkey and I are not good friends. Each day, without fail when I come to the compound, the monkey will jump from his spot on the top of one of the barriers onto my vehicle. As I drive by, he scampers along the hood, up the windshield to the roof and then finally back to his spot on the barrier once the vehicle has passed and his chain won't allow him to ride any further. On several occasions he has stood on the side mirrors and has reached inside the vehicle, no doubt to inquire about a free handout.

Most times I am prepared. I make sure my windows are rolled up and I will watch out for him in order to avoid any surprises that he may have in store. However, watching out for monkeys does not top my list of priorities in Afghanistan and admittedly there are those times when he has caught me with my guard down. In a country where the heat inside a vehicle with all the windows rolled up can be quite stifling, there have been times when I simply forgot to keep the windows up as I pass by. This is his invitation. Sadly, on one such occasion as I drove by at the usual slow speed with my window completely rolled down, the ever-friendly monkey on a chain jumped from his spot on the barrier right into my lap. Even should one expect a monkey to jump into your lap, it can be quite an experience. The shock is multiplied when you do not expect it. But what can one do with a monkey on your lap while still trying to operate a moving vehicle. You jump and hope that he doesn't bite. But jumping only seems to get him more excited. In fact, I even think he enjoyed the whole experience. It must be the shock factor. Sadly to say, his trip inside my vehicle turned out to be unproductive as I didn't have any treats for him and he eventually retreated. However, the monkey and I have reached a common understanding since that day. He is more than welcome to pounce on the vehicle and explore the outside all he wants. In exchange for staying out of the car, I will occasionally bring him a banana or two and throw them ever so gently in his direction from the tiny crack in my window as I drive by. Since we have come to such an understanding we have become the best of friends - my little monkey on a chain.

Friday, November 30, 2007

The Debate Continues

Canada's future role in Afghanistan has been the subject of debate for almost three years. Many urge Canada to stay the course until the mission is complete whereas others suggest that we are in the midst of a battle that cannot be won and should pull all troops out of the country as soon as possible. Opinions on the subject vary from these two diametrically opposed viewpoints and anywhere in between. Canada's current commitment ends in February 2009. The question as to what role Canada will take after that time is not yet decided.

Currently, the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan are located in the volatile southern part of the country. It is here where most of the fighting occurs and is considered much more dangerous than other parts of the country, specifically western or northern Afghanistan. Those nations who have taken on the majority of the combat role and subsequently have sustained the highest number of casualties include Canada, the British, the Americans and the Dutch, all of which have a significant military presence in southern Afghanistan.

Over the last few years, public support for the mission has generally been waning. Yet, there are no definitive answers as to what course of action is best for Canada. Accordingly, in October, the Prime Minister of Canada commissioned a panel to examine possible courses of action and advise the government on the future of the Afghan mission. The panel is comprised of five prominent Canadians - John Manley, Pamela Wallin, Derek Burney, Paul Tellier and Jake Epp.

This past week, the Commission visited Afghanistan to meet with a number of officials, Afghan leaders, tribal elders and military personnel from a several nations in order to get an appreciation of the mission from the ground. From there, they will return to Canada and prepare their report, due by the end of January 2008. This is Canada's most significant international commitment since the Korean War. It is a subject that almost every Canadian has an opinion on and accordingly discussion on the topic is to be encouraged.

The Commission has been asked to examine a number of possible courses of action including maintaining the status quo, focusing on training Afghan security forces, shift efforts to reconstruction efforts in a less volatile region or to withdraw all Canadian Forces except those required to provide security for diplomatic personnel and aid workers.

I encourage you to be aware of the issues and to seek out how you can be a part of the decision making process. If we are to consider a Canadian solution to this question, then Canada, as a nation, must decide what is best.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

All in a Day's Work

Most of what I do in Afghanistan I simply cannot talk about for reasons of operational security or due to solicitor/client privilege. However, this week I would like to talk about some of the work I do in very general terms in order to give an understanding of some of the challenges that I face on an almost daily basis.

Although I am tasked to mentor Afghan military legal advisors in a number of specific areas, the majority of the work that I do is in the area of military justice. This is for a variety of reasons. First, it is the area that requires the most constant attention. Unlike other areas that I am tasked to mentor in, the military criminal justice system regularly deals with real people. Any inattention to the individual cases of accused suspects almost invariably results in lengthy pre-trial detention and works against the concept of the fair administration of justice. Second, the Afghan military has very little knowledge in areas of law outside of their justice system and so their legal advisors naturally tend to gravitate toward this area. Although long term plans will focus on other areas such as administrative law or the law of armed conflict, these concepts are simply too foreign at this point to attempt to engage in any meaningful discussion in these areas.

As a mentor, it is not for me to insert my view and form a part of the decision making process. My role in the process is much more subtle. Frequently, I am asked for my view or to assist in the interpretation of the law to help them reach their own decision. Were I to simply dictate what course of action to pursue, then I would be frustrating the long-term solution of making the Afghans self-sufficient. It is a tricky balance to achieve. As a mentor, you want to guide the Afghans towards making the proper decision but you have to be conscious not to influence them too much in order that it is them making the decision and not you.

So far the work has been fascinating. I regularly work with prosecutors, defence counsel as well as military judges and other legal advisors in order to administer justice to individuals accused of committing an offence. Other times, I work with the commanders of a suspect in order to ensure that the commander properly administers a just punishment that is in line with the offence. Accomplishing this goal can be frustrating. Many times, accused soldiers are not provided with the required procedural safeguards and many others are placed in pre-trial confinement for lengthy periods of time with no promise of an immediate or speedy resolution to their case.

The nature of the cases are extremely varied as well. Thus far, I have mentored on cases from offences that are minor in nature to various forms of assault, weapons violations, drug offences and even manslaughter and murder. Each case comes with its own unique set of circumstances and presents a new challenge. On several occasions I have visited the military detention facility and have spoken with the accused suspects in order to ensure that they are being treated in a just and humane manner, that they are aware of their legal rights and to ensure that they have had adequate occasion to speak with the legal representative. It is both an eye-opening and rewarding experience. It is all a part of advancing justice one day at a time.

Friday, November 16, 2007

The Great Jihad

Over the past few years the western media has often referred to the term “jihad” to signify the duty of Muslims to wage a holy war against western infidels in the name of Islam. Accordingly, we have come to believe that Muslims view jihad as a legitimate call to arms to protect Islam and its central tenets from any unjust oppression. This of course, provides westerners with a very distorted view of Islam and its followers. To us, it seems absurd and even hypocritical for so-called religious warriors to wage war and kill with impunity any who do not share their fundamental religious beliefs. We are left to wonder how those who profess to act in the name of god can hold such little regard for the lives of others, including other Muslims.

My first inclination was that our idea of jihad as a holy war must be a distortion of that term by the western media for their own purposes to sensationalize the current conflicts in both Afghanistan and Iraq. However, Muslims do believe in a jihad as a legitimate call to arms in the name of god for the defence of Islam. Such a concept is recognized in the Koran and is held as a belief by Muslims throughout the world.

Unfortunately, what the western media fails to teach is that this is only one interpretation of that term and does not provide a complete picture of what is meant by jihad. According to Islam there are various types of jihads. The Great Jihad, as taught but Islam, is a struggle with oneself to lead a life that is pure in thought and action. It is an internal battle with oneself to be righteous and of good moral character. It is forgiveness for those that have wronged you and seeking forgiveness from those you have wronged. It recognizes that as humans, we are imperfect, but that we should strive to live a life that is virtuous and honorable.

But sadly, it is not just the western media that provides a distorted view of the concept of jihad. Religious fanatics who have taken up the cause to oppose western intervention in Afghanistan and Iraq have also purposely misconstrued this concept to incite hatred and mislead impressionable followers that the fight against the west is a just cause in the name of Islam. By doing so, they convince others that this war is being fought in defence of Islam and that those who answer the call to arms are fighting for an honorable cause and will be rewarded in the life that follows. It is propaganda that has a tremendous effect on those who are uneducated and impressionable. Especially in a culture that holds religion in such high regard.

Within the next few days I will be reaching the halfway mark of my tour in Afghanistan. To date, it has been one that is extremely interesting and has exposed me to new cultures, new beliefs and a completely different outlook on life. There is little doubt in my mind that the second half of this adventure will be as rewarding as the first.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

We Will Remember Them

Today is Remembrance Day. It is a day to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and have given their lives in the service of their country. Held on November 11th, it commemorates the ending of the First World War which took place at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Although Remembrance Day traditionally recognizes those who have fought in WWI, WWII and the Korean War, there are many others who have perished in other conflicts, including here in Afghanistan.

Today ceremonies are being held throughout the world to remember those who have fallen. Afghanistan is no exception. This morning at 11:00 am, many Canadians lined up next to the Canadian cenotaph at KAF to pay respect to those who have died in battle. From the outside the cenotaph is of a simple design and is easy to overlook for those who are unaware of its purpose. However, it is the inside of the memorial that causes one to pause and reflect on the nature of the structure. Here you will find numerous marble plaques lined on shelves, each one providing the details of a Canadian soldier who has lost their life in Afghanistan. Each of the faces of the soldiers are etched into the marble and look back at those come to pay their respects. It is the number of plaques lined on the shelves that causes one to pause and reflect.

For today’s ceremony, family members of five Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan were flown in from Canada to participate in the ceremony. They were seated next to the cenotaph throughout the ceremony as the warm mid-morning Afghan sun lit the memorial and the Canadian flag at half-mast in behind. In the course of the ceremony each family laid a wreath in remembrance for their fallen sons and husbands. Many fought to contain their emotions as they visited the land where their loved ones lost their lives. One can only imagine the thoughts that each had as they laid a wreath next to their son’s or husband’s plaque lined up on the shelf.

Since 2002 there have been 71 members of the Canadian Forces and one Canadian diplomat killed in Afghanistan:

Pte Nathan Smith
Sgt Marc D. Leger
Pte Richard Green
Cpl Ainsworth Dyer
Sgt Robert Alan Short
Cpl Robbie Christopher Beerenfenger
Cpl Jamie Brendan Murphy
Pte Braun Scott Woodfield
Diplomat Glyn Berry
MCpl Timothy Wilson
Cpl Paul Davis
Pte Robert Costall
Lt William Turner
Cpl Randy Payne
Bdr Myles Mansell
Cpl Matthew Dinning
Capt Nichola Goddard
Cpl Anthony Boneca
Cpl Jason Patrick Warren
Cpl Francisco Gomez
Cpl Christopher Jonathan Reid
Cpl Bryce Jeffrey Keller
Sgt Vaughn Ingram
Pte Kevin Dallaire
MCpl Raymond Arndt
MCpl Jeffrey Scott Walsh
Cpl Andrew James Eykelenboom
Cpl David Braun
Sgt Shane Stachnik
WO Richard Francis Nolan
WO Frank Robert Mellish
Pte William Jonathan James Cushley
Pte Mark Anthony Graham
Cpl Keith Morley
Cpl Shane Keating
Pte David Byers
Cpl Glen Arnold
Pte Josh Klukie
Cpl Robert Thomas James Mitchell
Sgt Craig Paul Gillam
Tpr Mark Andrew Wilson
Pte Blake Williamson
Sgt Darcy Tedford
Cpl Albert Storm
CWO Robert Girouard
Cpl Kevin Megeney
Cpl Aaron E. Williams
Cpl Christopher P. Stannix
Cpl Brent Poland
Sgt Donald Lucas
Pte Kevin Vincent Kennedy
Pte David Robert Greenslade
MCpl Allan Stewart
Tpr Patrick James Pentland
MCpl Anthony Klumpenhouwer
Cpl Matthew McCully
MCpl Darrell Priede
Tpr Darryl Caswell
Pte Joel Vincent Wiebe
Sgt Christos Karigiannis
Cpl Stephen Frederick Bouzane
Pte Lane Watkins
Capt Jefferson Francis
Capt Matthew Johnathan Dawe
MCpl Colin Bason
Cpl Cole Bartsch
Cpl Jordan Anderson
Pte Simon Longtin
MCpl Christian Duchesne
MWO Mario Mercier
Maj Raymond Ruckpaul
Cpl Nathan Hornburg

Friday, October 12, 2007

We Don’t Need No Education

The illiteracy rate in Afghanistan is astoundingly high. This makes mentoring the ANA a very challenging task. Most of the individuals that I work with are able to speak and write in two languages – Pashtun and Dari – yet many of the soldiers in the ANA cannot read or write at all. Many times have I seen formal documents signed only by a thumbprint. Although I do not have any official figures on the literacy rate for the ANA, estimates put it at about 50 percent. One can only imagine how difficult it can be to teach a military force that is 50 percent illiterate.

But, the problem is more pervasive that just the ANA. The soldiers that make up the ANA are, of course, Afghan citizens and so they are a reflection of the literacy rate of the rest of the population – with one marked difference. The ANA is comprised of all males. The literacy rates, and education in general, is much better for men than it is for women. Current estimates of literacy among the Afghan population are 50 to 70 percent for males and 20 to 40 percent for females. Although these figures may be surprising, they are much better than 2001 when the Taliban maintained power over Afghanistan. In 1996 the Taliban regime banned education for females, and the madrassa (mosque school) became the main source of primary and secondary education. At that time less than 50 percent of males and 20 percent of females were able to read and write.

Insofar as education is concerned, progress is being made. Today over six million children are enrolled in school – two million of them being female. In 2001 there were only 700, 000 enrolled in the education system – all male. Today, in southern Afghanistan alone, 4000 schools have been created that employ over 9000 teachers. Of those, 4000 are female. Further, programs are also being created to provide the adult population with literacy training as well. For example, in Kandahar literacy courses are provided for over 5600 adults – 5100 of which are female. Also, universities that were once open in Kabul are re-opening their doors and are offering a variety of programs.

These are direct signs of progress being made in Afghanistan in order to make life better for Afghan citizens. But the battle is not yet over. Although schools continue to be built, in some areas many children simply do not attend for fear of reprisal by the Taliban. And some schools in more outlying regions of the country are simply destroyed by the Taliban shortly after construction. As with most things here, it is something that will take time. Reconstruction projects and capacity building are not something that can be accomplished overnight. Nor can it be successful without adequate security to protect both the infrastructure as well as those who can benefit from it. But this is the unfortunate reality – not only is the war being fought on the frontlines, it is also being waged on the civilian population as well. The unfortunate result is that it is claiming the education of those who will one day lead this country.

This will be my last post for a few weeks as I begin my leave this coming week. It is my turn to take a bit of time off and visit some parts of the world that are a little less risky. My next post will be on the 9th of November. I hope you have a good few weeks and I’ll see you next month.

Friday, October 5, 2007

And the Rocket’s Red Glare

Rocket attacks on KAF are nothing new. In fact they happen on a relatively frequent basis and they eventually become a part of life here that you accept. At first it was something exciting and dangerous. A rocket flies through the sky and lands in some part of the base. After that, the alarm sounds and everyone runs for cover in the bunkers or puts on their protective vests and helmets. But, after a while, they become almost like background noise, a nuisance that we have all become accustomed to. Of course, we continue to seek cover for our own safety but the attacks have lost their novelty.

This week one such rocket attack took place and renewed my concern for attacks on the base. One evening as I was walking across the base and out in the open a rocket was sent in and flew almost directly over my head. The whistling sound of a rocket flying through the air is just like one would see in any Hollywood movie. My first instinct, probably the same as any other person, was to stop and look skyward. For that first half-second you wonder “What is that sound and where is it coming from?”. But once you realize what it is – again like most people – instead of ducking or running for cover, you freeze for just a moment. Unsure exactly where it is coming from gives you little incentive to run and take cover lest you run in the wrong direction. But by that point, it is probably too late anyhow. Then, I heard the distinctive sound of metal crashing into the ground but what was noticeably missing was the sound of an explosion that you suspect would follow. The rocket landed about 100 meters away from where I was standing but fortunately was a dud.

I have no specific knowledge about these rockets, but I would suspect that had the rocket not been a dud and had exploded as it most likely should have done, I still would have been at a safe distance. However, there still remains that uneasy feeling knowing that this one wasn’t one of those attacks where you find out the next day where it landed. This was one where you were an eyewitness to where it landed. It is that gentle reminder that you are no longer at home in Canada but you are in the midst of a fight – where the stakes are real. I won’t deny that it wasn’t a bit of excitement and that it gave me a little rush. Plus, it is now a good war story to pass on to friends back home. But, all excitement and war stories aside, Afghanistan remains a dangerous place and there are those individuals out there just beyond the wire who mean to cause us significant harm. It is a sobering reminder of the reality that we face each day.

I hope that things remain well on the home front. I continue to do well and remain positive about the goals that I am here to accomplish. I see progress being made and that serves as my source of inspiration to think that we can and are making a difference. Also over the past few weeks I have received a few emails from friends as well as complete strangers who pass on their wishes for a safe tour and ask questions about those things which interest them. I thank all of you for your interest and support. As I have said before, it is the support you receive from back home that makes it that much easier to do what you need to do so far from home. And as always, if you have any further questions or comments please send them to me at omltjag@hotmail.com

Friday, September 28, 2007

The Final Trip Home

It all begins with a communications lockdown. All personal communications outside of the camp are forbidden. This is the first sign that something is wrong. After that the rumors begin to circulate. You hope that they are only rumors, but you quickly learn that they are true. The notification process is quickly put into motion. The staff at headquarters here at KAF alerts Ottawa who in turn alerts the rear party. A notification team sets out to inform the next of kin that they have lost a loved one. It is the knock on the door that every family hopes will never happen to them.

Sometimes the media will inform the public that a “NATO soldier” has been killed in Afghanistan, but no names are released until the family has been notified. Meanwhile, the communications lockdown at camp continues in order to prevent the unauthorized release of information. We simply wait until we can speak with our own families once again in order to assure them that we are well.

From there we wait until the word comes to attend the ramp ceremony for the final journey home of the fallen. The timings are only released a few hours in advance for operational security reasons. Then, once it is time, we make our way to the runway to give a final farewell to our fallen comrade. All Canadians at KAF must attend and each nation on the camp will send a small contingent out of respect. In total between 1000 and 1500 soldiers will line the runway.

We stand at attention formed into two groups at both sides of the back of an open aircraft. An armored ambulance pulls up at the end of the line carrying a coffin draped in a Canadian flag. In a landscape that is devoid of color the red maple leaf cuts a stark contrast through its surroundings. KAF is generally a noisy place with the sound of aircraft, generators and vehicles, but at that moment standing on the runway, barely a sound can be heard. The coffin is carefully removed from the ambulance as a padre steps to the microphone and says a few words about the deceased. Then, the coffin is lifted onto the shoulders of eight soldiers and the bagpiper cues up to play “Amazing Grace” as the coffin slowly makes its way between the two formations of soldiers. At this moment we salute and hold there until the coffin has passed by and has been loaded onto the waiting aircraft.

This is our ramp ceremony. It is what we do to honor those who have lost their lives in battle. But we do it for more than just to honor the fallen. Personally, I think it is something that we do for ourselves. We do it because it unites us as one. It is something that makes you feel like you are a part of something that is bigger than yourself. And although taking part in a ramp ceremony to honor a fallen comrade cannot compare to a shared feeling between soldiers who risk their lives for each other on the battlefield, there is a commonality between the two. We are all comrades at arms who, for those few moments, share a mutual respect for one another. There is an unspoken sentiment that exists knowing that the person beside you has made the same sacrifice you have and has volunteered to put him or herself into potential harm’s way in order to accomplish what he or she has set out to do. It is difficult to explain but for those few moments you feel a connection with every individual soldier there despite the fact you do not even know all of them. This moment is something that is personal to those who wear the uniform and can never be completely understood by our families and friends in Canada. It is our private farewell to a fallen friend who has made the ultimate sacrifice. And although I am stealing the motto of an American airborne regiment made famous in the Second World War, in this situation I find it to be fitting - “We stand alone together”.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Bright Lights, Big City

This past week I spent most of my time in Kabul as I had to travel there for my work. It was a chance to get out of KAF for a bit and to also see a bit more of Afghanistan. Flights out of KAF leave on a frequent basis and so getting to another part of the country out of KAF generally isn’t a problem. However, this is probably one of the few places in the world where you cannot board a flight unless you have a gun with you!

Since the aircraft is a military plane and not a regular civilian one that most people are accustomed to, there are several marked differences. Military aircraft such as the one I flew in requires everyone to sit with their backs to the outer wall and facing into the center. There are no individual seats and it is more of a bench seating style. Also, there are very few windows on the aircraft and those that do exist are relatively tiny and really do not offer a chance to peek out and take in some of the scenery.

Given the nature of the threat posed to aircraft in Afghanistan certain precautions must be taken on take off and landing. The pilot is required to maneuver the plane in such a manner that it takes a series of steep dives and inclines as well as a few very sharp bank turns in order to avoid any potential gunfire from below. This can be quite an experience inside the plane and it is a ride that can, in some instances, keep pace with rides at any amusement park. At certain points, your stomach is left a few hundred meters above you while at other times the forces pushing on you during a sharp turn or incline can leave you feeling that you are half your size but double the weight.

As for Kabul itself I had the chance to see a bit of the city from inside a well-protected armored car. It is surrounded by mountains on all sides and the landscape is actually quite beautiful. However, Kabul is a city that looks as one might expect given its past history of decades of conflict. Destroyed and damaged buildings dominate the landscape and any infrastructure that does exist has long since passed its estimated lifespan. The streets are filled with Afghans who sit at their roadside vegetable shops or walk to the plethora of wells in the city to get their daily fill of fresh water. It is clear that poverty is not an isolated problem, but is a way of life.

One of the first things of note is that traffic laws do not seem to have made their way into Afghanistan as of yet. It is each car for itself with vehicles swerving in every direction. This is quite a harrowing experience given the constant threat that exists for suicide bombers said to be riding around the city. Further, the road must be shared not only between cars and other motor vehicles such as motorcycles, but bicycles are also very common as are donkey carts. It is not an unusual sight to see a line of vehicles following a parade of donkey carts as they also negotiate themselves through the chaos. Yet nobody seems to mind.

Many of the military camps are located inside what is referred to as the “Green Zone”, a heavily defended area in the middle of the city that also houses much of the Afghan Government buildings including the Presidential Palace. This is perhaps the most developed portion of the city and one can spot many military and diplomatic personnel from many different nations driving about, albeit still in armored vehicles.

In all, Kabul is a city with much potential that has yet to be realized. Its location in the mountains of Afghanistan provides a beautiful backdrop to the city but much work must yet be done in order for the city itself to match its adjacent natural beauty. Signs of progress are there, but at this point, one must know where to look to find them. Hopefully in due course, we will be able to stand in the middle of the city, take in the view and think “bright future, big city”. But for now, this simply is not the case.

Friday, September 14, 2007

So what is this Ramadan?

This week was the start of the holy month of Ramadan in Afghanistan and although I do not profess to be an expert, this is my understanding of Ramadan as well as a general overview of the Islamic faith. Ramadan has a significant meaning in Islam, as it is one of the pillars of Islam and Muslims around the world are expected to make certain sacrifices throughout the month. Most well known is that Muslims must fast during the day, but aside from that, they are required to abstain from various temptations and pleasures in order that this deprivation may bring them closer to God. Furthermore, although Muslims are normally expected to pray five times per day throughout the year, during Ramadan, these prayers last much longer and have a much more significant meaning. Finally, although it doesn’t seem to be a necessary requirement, many Muslims will read the entire Koran before the end of Ramadan. Once Ramadan ends, there is a great celebration known as Eid, which has as much significance in Islam as Christmas would for Christians.

As far the Islamic faith in general, Muslims believe that the Prophet Mohammed was born approximately 600 years after Jesus and that not only was he a messenger of God, he was the last messenger of God. According to their religion, God spoke to Mohammed and that these actual words are captured in the Koran (this occurred during the month of Ramadan). The Koran is considered to be an uncorrupted version of God’s word. It is the belief of Muslims that the word of God, passed through previous messengers, including Jesus and Moses, became corrupted and distorted.

Their religion holds that not only should Muslims live according to the word of God as written in the Koran, but that they should emulate the life of Mohammed and live as he himself lived. Many Muslims however, accept that Mohammed lived almost 1400 years ago and that in modern times much of the Prophet’s teachings should be taken figuratively and that they should emulate the life of Mohammed in the context of modern day society. However, there are many Islamic fundamentalists and extremists who believe that to be a true Muslim, one must not view the word of God in a figurative manner, but that one must live exactly as the Prophet did. It is no surprise that many of these extremists also preach anti-Western rhetoric, but many also sadly condone the killing of other Muslims who do not strictly live according to the Koran.

For the most part, Islam is a very peaceful religion and the majority of Muslims do not engage in such extreme practices. However, the unfortunate part is that western media tends to focus on these extremists, giving a very distorted view of Islam. Western society is inundated with extremist concepts such as “jihad” leading to irrational fears about Islam and those who practice it.

As for me, Ramadan means that my work tempo will slow down somewhat as the Afghans will only work for half days. However, this will leave me with plenty of opportunity to advance a few of my more pressing projects in anticipation of the end of Ramadan. I hope that all is well back in Canada and I hope that everyone enjoys the last few days of summer that are left.

Friday, September 7, 2007

Groundhog Day

For most, you will think of February 2nd and the groundhog peeking his head out of his hole to see if we have four or six weeks left of winter. Well, I can assure you that there are no groundhogs in Afghanistan – and even if there were, the last thing they would want to do would be to peek their heads out of their hole lest some sort of desert snake eat them.

For others, when they think of Groundhog Day, they think back to the Bill Murray movie where he is forced to relive the same day over and over. This is the nature of deployments in the military and the fitting title to this week’s installment.

Life while on deployment is about routine and each day is a carbon copy of the day before. At first you need to find your niche but once you do you begin to settle down into a routine that will see you through your days. In fact, it happens to such a pronounced degree, that there are no longer days of the week. Whether a day is Monday or Thursday is of little consequence. What matters is the countdown. How many days until I go on my 3-week leave? How many days until I go home?

It is true that time flies for most while on deployment. There is never a thing as time-off and although each Friday has a somewhat different flavor to it, since I do not mentor the Afghans on that day, each day still has the same feel as the one before. However, the key to making the time go fast is keeping busy. Nothing makes time go so slow as when you have nothing to do.

There are many different names for it but in the end, they are all the same. Most commonly it is referred to as the Motivator. But what is it? It is a simple Microsoft PowerPoint slide programmed to track how many days you have been in theatre, how many days you have left to go and the all important breakdown of how much money you have made since you have been here. There are some who look at this once in a while, once a week but mostly once or twice, or three times per day. I have opted not to have such a reminder at these early stages of how much time I have left before I step back on Canadian soil. You need to focus your attention elsewhere during the first couple of months, otherwise the Motivator can all too quickly turn into the De-Motivator.

And so that is how life goes for most – breaking your time up into small blocks to make it seem like there is not so much time left before you go home. I have been here for 35 days, I have 35 to go before my mid-tour break – but the final countdown still remains at well over 150. It is a game for most as we joke about how much time we have done and how much time we have left. But, until I am boarding a plane to return to Canada, I look forward to tomorrow so I can do the same things that I just did today.

Friday, August 31, 2007

Lost in Translation

This week I want to talk a little bit about the interpreters that work with the international forces here in Afghanistan. These interpreters are the key to our success. Without them, we would not be able to communicate with our Afghan counterparts and our mission would be futile, as our message simply would not be understood. However, not only do they assist in overcoming the language barrier for those that mentor the Afghan National Army, interpreters also play a key role out on the battlefield as they often accompany those units directly involved in combat to communicate with the local civilian population. When these units are required to engage the enemy, their interpreters remain in the midst of battle. Since the beginning of operations in 2001 over 50 interpreters have lost their lives as a result of direct combat action. Usually this loss of life is only reported as a footnote should an interpreter be killed in an incident with a foreign soldier.

With that said, I think it is more than fitting to recognize the contribution that they make to help bring security to their country and the conditions within which they work. It is a well known fact that in certain regions of the country, interpreters are often targeted by the Taliban as they are seen as assisting foreign troops. Often this fact makes me wonder what it must be like for a local interpreter to leave the safety of his home and make his way to the Airfield each day.

For those of us that rely on interpreters everyday to do our jobs, you begin to develop a personal relationship with that individual. Of course, at the outset it is an awkward setting. However, as you begin to adjust and develop an awareness of your surroundings, it is only human nature to start to get to know your “terp” as a person and not just as someone that can assist you to do your job.

Although for security reasons I cannot provide much information about the interpreter that I use other than to be able to tell you that he is a character in the truest sense of the word. His ability to translate is beyond reproach and his proficiency in english is remarkable given the short period of time that he has spoken it. But, such skill does not come as a surprise. Many of the interpreters that I have spoken with are extremely intelligent. And therein lies the reason why they have chosen to work as interpreters. Sadly, many see that a future in Afghanistan is no future at all. Their hope is to learn english and then one day to leave for either the United States and Canada. Not yet have I met one interpreter, who I have had any length of discussion with, who has not passed on his desire to leave Afghanistan. And the sad irony is, these are the bright spots of the country who, with enough assistance, could one day turn Afghanistan into a country that is able to hopefully function on its own.

Things continue to go well here. The mentoring tempo has started to pick up as I am now getting much more involved into the daily workings of the military lawyers. And, unfortunately the average temperatures haven’t really cooled off too much. All week we have been in excess of 40 degrees and there is little relief in sight. Perhaps I will begin to appreciate it in November when it is only a cool 25 degrees, but I can only wait and count the days until that kind of relief comes. I hope that all is well for everyone back home in Canada and as always, if you have any comments or questions, feel free to send them to me at omltjag@hotmail.com.

Friday, August 24, 2007

No Ordinary Life

I have received a lot of feedback on my blog and the reviews are positive, so thank you for your inputs and I will do my best to keep you interested with my weekly updates.

This week I want to talk about what life must be like for the ordinary Afghan. Since I have been here I have had the opportunity to interact with many members in the Afghan military, as well as many locals who act as interpreters, and I have talked to them about the life of an average Afghan person. And to steal a comment from one of my colleagues, the average Afghan is an expert at survival.

For almost three decades the Afghan people have known nothing but war. From the Soviet invasion of the late 1970s to the current NATO-led operations, the country has not seen security or stability and each day is a fight for survival for many Afghans. During the Soviet invasion many atrocities were committed and millions of civilians were killed or persecuted for nothing more than their tribal affiliations or political beliefs. After the Soviet withdrawal, a power vacuum resulted in several years of civil war that saw many more innocent lives lost. Warring factions wreaked havoc both on each other and the civilian population to such an extent that much of the country was decimated. Finally, in the mid-1990s the Taliban took control and continued to persecute and kill in the name of Islam. They mainly targeted women and religious minorities but were ruthless in their quest to gain and hold power.

After so many years of war, the country is now almost devoid of basic infrastructure, the current political regime remains fragile and does not yet govern throughout the entire country. Crime and corruption are extensive and many are deprived of even the basic necessities. The Taliban continue to mount a campaign of intimidation preventing many Afghans from turning to national security forces for assistance. But yet, the people continue to survive.

And so this is the life of an ordinary Afghan. It is a struggle unlike anything that we will ever have to endure. Most live without many of the luxuries that we are accustomed to in western society and some still live without even the most basic of necessities such as adequate medical care or proper nutrition.

Currently progress is being made, but it is slow. International aid continues to pour in and slowly the nation is being rebuilt. It is a process that will take time, but is hampered by a lack of security. Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will not provide assistance without first being assured that their workers will be safe. Such a demonstration of the lack of security recently occurred when 23 South Korean hostages were kidnapped. For many of them, their fate rests with the Taliban.

Perhaps this week I can best sum up by referring to a conversation that I had earlier this week. I was speaking with one of the military lawyers that I mentor and we were discussing the future of the Afghan military and whether it would one day be able to function without international assistance. Our discussion could have easily applied not just to the Afghan military, but also to the future of the entire country. I commented that there was much work to be done but that with a little hope, one day I thought that they would be able to make it on their own. He lost all expression in his face and stared at me with great intent and replied, “Hope is all we have.”

I have received a couple of e-mails from people asking if I would mind if they forwarded my blog to some of their own friends. This blog was meant to be more than just a way to keep in touch with my family and friends and let them know how I am doing, it is also a way to inform the average Canadian about something that most people will never experience. It is a great way to teach others about something new. Therefore, I encourage you to forward this to as many people as you would like. There is no need to ask my permission.

I am still doing well and find myself more involved in my work as each day goes by. The more I work with the Afghans the more I want to help them. They are a likeable people and are very grateful for what the international community is doing for them. I send my best to everyone back in Canada and look forward to hearing from you. Please e-mail me at omltjag@hotmail.com if you have any questions or comments. And remember to support our troops overseas. I know that your support from home makes it so much easier for us to do what we were sent to do.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

First Impressions

I've been on the ground in Afghanistan for about two weeks and after taking care of a bit of training and administrative details, I am finally starting to get settled into my job. I am the only legal mentor in the southern part of Afghanistan and the task ahead is no small one. I am responsible to mentor military judges, military prosecutors, military defence counsel, military criminal investigators and operational legal advisors at various levels of command located throughout southern Afghanistan.

Within a few days of landing in Afghanistan I was introduced to the Afghan legal advisors that I will be mentoring over the next six months. Although they were very inquisitive when we first met, I noticed that they were very hospitable and did their best to make me feel welcome. As is custom in Afghanistan, they offered me a cup of chai, which is a type of green tea, and served it with a compliment of raisins, nuts and candy. Also, on a second occasion I accompanied one of the lawyers to lunch with a number of his comrades. Immediately, I was ushered to the front of the line and was served the best of the food that was available. Although my stomach wasn't much for Afghan cuisine, to be treated with such honor is something that sets the Afghan culture apart from western standards.

The Afghan culture is guided on an ancient code of honor referred to as Pashtunwali. This code is a set of rules that guides individual and communal behavior and contains a number of core beliefs including justice, hospitality, tolerance, forgiveness and revenge. Insofar as hospitality is concerned, Afghans are taught to welcome all including friends, strangers and even enemies that are seeking refuge, so long as they are not there to take advantage. As well, Afghans are taught that if you are intentionally wronged, you have the right to avenge the injustice in equal proportion. If instead of revenge, that injustice is forgiven, then he who forgives is owed a debt. However, should the injustice continue, then you are required to seek revenge lest you appear weak and invite your enemies to commit further injustices upon you.

It is this code of honor that has guided the justice system in Afghanistan for thousands of years and only now are we trying to introduce the western concepts of our understanding of justice. These values are pervasive in the mindset of many tribal elders and military leaders. Although the goal is not to replace their system of justice with our own western values, we are trying to promote fairness and the rule of law. The question is whether these concepts will be accepted by a culture that has lived for thousands of years on concepts such as forgiveness and revenge.

I hope that everyone is doing well back in Canada, and remember my e-mail address while I am away is omltjag@hotmail.com. See you next week.

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Welcome to Afghanistan

After a long plane trip with a few stops, I arrived in Afghanistan a few days ago and now make my home at the Kandahar Airfield (KAF), a civilian airport and military airbase located several kilometers to the southeast of Kandahar city. KAF was built in the late 1950s through American funding and was used by the Russians throughout the war during the 1980s. KAF is also known as the place of the Taliban’s last stand as Coalition and Afghan forces cornered the remaining Taliban forces in late 2001 in one of the bunkers located on the base.

A few kilometers outside of KAF is Tarnak Farms. This is the location of a former well known Al Qaeda training base frequented by Osama bin Laden. Tarnak Farms is also the location of the April 2002 friendly fire incident where an American pilot dropped a bomb on Canadian forces conducting a nighttime live fire training exercise killing four Canadian soldiers and wounding eight others.

Now, KAF is a bustling military base. It is the size of a small town with approximately 15 000 people living here, including military personnel, foreign civilian personnel and contractors. There are over 40 nations represented on base as well as over 1500 local Afghans who work on the base each day. It is a few kilometers from one end of the base to the other and there is even a 24-hour shuttle bus to transport people from one area to another.

A central point on the base is the known as the Boardwalk. Here is where you can find Tim Horton’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Subway and several shops operated by local nationals selling various goods. In the center is a large sand pit that has a floor hockey rink, volleyball nets and I have even seen a softball game being played in the center.

But KAF isn’t all fun and games. The heat and dust can be quite discomforting and at times, can be very overwhelming. Temperatures reach well over 45 degrees daily and have been recorded to reach over 55 degrees in the sun at the height of the afternoon. Rarely is there a breeze and when one is present, it is nothing more than a gust of hot air that only increases the discomfort caused by the heat. The earth is scorched leaving the ground barren and covered in a fine dust that is like powder. It constantly lingers in the air and every breath draws a healthy portion into your lungs. By the end of the day you are covered in a fine layer from head to toe.

However, all in all, KAF isn’t such a bad place. When military troops are required to make this their home for such an extended period of time, their governments do the best they can to make life comfortable. We have access to the internet and phones, there are good gym facilities, television rooms and the Americans have even set up a spa facility that offers massages for discounted prices.

Well that’s it for this week. I’ll try to post again next week and remember, if you want to send an e-mail, please send it to omltjag@hotmail.com. Also, I am having problems posting photos due to firewall restrictions but I will see if I can work the bugs out for future posts.

Fiat Justitia

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

The Canadian Mission in Afghanistan


My name is Anthony Farris and I will deploy to Kandahar, Afghanistan at the beginning of August 2007 as a legal advisor with the Canadian Operational Mentor Liaison Team (OMLT). The Canadian OMLT is a capacity building unit tasked with mentoring 205 Corps of the Afghan National Army (ANA) in order to train and mentor Afghan officers and soldiers in order that they may be able to assume future responsibility for the safety and security of Afghanistan. My role over the next six months is to mentor Afghan military legal advisors with 205 Corps of the ANA in the areas of military justice, rules of engagement and the laws of armed conflict. Although the Canadian Forces have been engaged in combat operations in the southern part of Afghanistan for close to two years, various capacity-building functions, including the OMLT, have also been performed in order to assist the Afghan government in rebuilding the war-torn nation.

The purpose of this blog is to provide my friends and family with weekly updates on my work, my well being and also to give them a basic idea of what life is like for deployed military soldier living at the Kandahar Airfield (KAF) in southern Afghanistan. It is a chance for them to discover the numerous sacrifices made by our Canadian troops without having to experience it firsthand. Therefore, I encourage you to bookmark this site and check back once a week and take a bit of time to read and think about what I have written.

With that said, it is my belief that this blog could be used as an information resource for many Canadians who wish to know what our soldiers must endure while they are deployed to Afghanistan. Therefore, I also encourage you to pass this blog along to your friends and family regardless of whether I know them or not. It is my hope that what I write can help others to understand what our troops must face and how they continue to perform their jobs as true professionals despite the austere conditions that they face each day.

Finally, while preparing for my deployment I have spoken with various friends and family about the Canadian mission in Afghanistan and although it comes as no surprise that Canadian involvement in Afghanistan is directly related to the terrorist attacks of 9/11, many people do not fully understand how the mission has developed and have various misconceptions about why Canada is in Afghanistan and where we fit in. Therefore, I will provide a very brief overview of how Canadian involvement has unfolded since 2001.

Following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) invoked Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty which states that an armed attack against any NATO member shall be considered as an attack against all members. Subsequently, various NATO members acting in individual and collective self-defense provided support to the US-led campaign against terrorism. In order to eliminate the threat posed by Al Qaeda and the Taliban, Canada contributed various military troops and equipment to the international force being formed for the campaign against terrorism.

Following this initial commitment, in 2003, Canada further contributed military troops to the UN sanctioned International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) which was mandated to maintain the security of Kabul and its surrounding areas, so that the Afghan Interim Authority, as well as the personnel of the United Nations, could operate in a secure environment. Near the end of 2005, the Canadian contingent was moved from the capital of Kabul, located in the north, to the volatile south, where Canada once again operated as a part of the US-led campaign against terrorism.

Subsequently, in July of 2006, NATO assumed command of the southern part of Afghanistan as a part of a UN sanctioned plan for the staged expansion of ISAF throughout all of Afghanistan. Currently, approximately 2500 Canadian personnel serve as a part of the UN sanctioned, NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. The current Canadian commitment as a part of ISAF is set to expire in February of 2009.

If you would like to contact me, or if you have any specific questions that you would like me to answer, please send me an e-mail at omltjag@hotmail.com.

Please check back around the middle of August for my next update, and remember to wear red on Fridays.

Fiat Justitia