[Mb-civic] CBC News - GENERAL WARNS OF 20-YEAR MISSION IN AFGHANISTAN

Mon Aug 8 15:56:29 PDT 2005

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GENERAL WARNS OF 20-YEAR MISSION IN AFGHANISTAN
WebPosted Mon Aug  8 06:18:51 2005

---One of Canada's top generals says Canadian troops could end up serving
for a generation in Afghanistan, a prediction that comes as more soldiers
prepare to head to the region.

Maj.-Gen. Andrew Leslie says the lengthy stay may be necessary to help
that country break out of "a cycle of warlords and tribalism."

Leslie made the remarks on Sunday at the Couchiching Summer Conference in
Orillia, Ont., north of Toronto.

"Afghanistan is a 20-year venture," he said.

But, he said, the commitment is a necessary one.

"There are things worth fighting for. There are things worth dying for.
There are things worth killing for," Leslie said, in remarks reported in
Monday's Toronto Star newspaper.

Meanwhile, Canada's efforts in Afghanistan get another boost Monday with
the departure of more soldiers from Fredericton.

Another 43 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment are
heading to join military efforts in the region.

As many as 1,250 Canadian soldiers will be serving in Afghanistan by
February 2006.

 FROM AUG. 7, 2005: Canadians survey Kandahar for new mission

But, as the soldiers leave, Leslie warns Canadians should be prepared for
a long mission, that could cost lives.

"Every time you kill an angry young man overseas, you're creating 15 more
who will come after you," he said.

His remarks echo comments made this summer by Chief of Defence Staff Gen.
Rick Hillier.

He, too, warned that Canadians should prepare for military casualties.

By sending troops to Afghanistan, Canada is actually protecting itself in
the long run, he said in July.