Preparation begins for 2011 Afghanistan pullout

Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Walter Natynczyk has ordered preparations for the withdrawal of thousands of Canadian troops and their equipment from Afghanistan.

Canada AM: Canadian troops prepare to pullout

Preparations have started for the withdrawal of Canadian soldiers from Afghanistan as the 2011 deadline draws near.

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Civilian-Military Cooperation Officer, Captain Eric Butts, speaks with the Malik of Sheykh Medhi to discuss future projects in the Dand District, Afghanistan, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009. (Master Corporal Angela Abbey / Canadian Forces Combat Camera)

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The Canadian Press

Date: Fri. Nov. 6 2009 3:47 PM ET

OTTAWA — The Defence Department says preparations have started for the withdrawal of Canadian soldiers from Afghanistan as the 2011 deadline for the pullout approaches.

The department says Chief of Defence Staff General Walter Natynczyk has ordered preparations to get under way involving the return of thousands of troops and their equipment from Afghanistan.

Parliament has mandated the military component of Canada's Afghan mission must conclude in 2011, and the Conservative government has promised to honour that deadline.

There are about 2,800 Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan, based primarily in the southern province of Kandahar.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay has refused to rule out the possibility that some Canadian support troops might be kept in Afghanistan after the 2011 deadline.

Many observers predict U.S. President Barack Obama will ask Prime Minister Harper to keep Canadian troops in the field to protect civilian reconstruction efforts as the American military ramps up its effort to contain the Taliban in Afghanistan.

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Winnie Hfx. N.S.
said
0 0

I do believe Canada will pull out all combat troops in 2011 as Government said, I hope. Then I believe they should just have peacekeeping military over there to help the people of that country and the other UN forces should take over all combat including protecting our men and women, Canada has done more than their share and not backed away when needed by NATO as other Countries have , Good for Canada, but shame on other Countries that haven't forefilled their military duties. condolences to all who have lost their loved ones, unfortunately that is what the military has to do to protect our own Country. the soldiers know that.

Chris in Kingston
said
0 0

You want us to sell the equipment off? It took us 20 years and a war to get the proper military equipment to project force, and you want to throw it away? Why don't we just release all the members of the Canadian Forces who are over there as well, its cheaper than flying them back.

Charlie
said
0 0

We need a majority government so that real decisions can be made about these important issues.Of course the CDS has to start planning - the logistics to move soldiers and their eqpt take time and planning. You don't just snap your fingers.If the Liberal freedom freeloaders were paying attention though - the UN has just pulled out most of their people due to poor security. So if we do pull out - how will any aide get delivered? Really, once we pull out we'll be abandoning Afghanistan. Pure and simple.

David in Dartmouth
said
0 0

Agreed...!!! Time to go! We have done more than our fair share at a horrendous cost in lives and wounded.Mr. Karzai..... you are on your own, so you... and the rest of your corrupt cronies can find a safe haven somewhere other than here!UN...call the Swiss Bankers and have these guy's numbered accounts which are flush with UN Aid money and other ill begotten gains frozen and recocover this money so that it can be directed for its' intended use.To our men and women in unifiorm....THANK YOU, AND WELL DONE!

david sawkiw[saskatchewan farmer]
said
0 0

2,800 Canadians over there?? What does this # do for the unemployment figures??? Will harper get the nobel peace prize for pulling out??

Randy, London
said
0 0

It is time for our European "Allies" to take some of the load, and this may be the only way to do it.

Goldens
said
0 0

Would it not be more economical and beneficial to sell equipment such as helicopters and tanks to NATO members in Afghanistan and give the remainder to the Afghan army rather than pay the expense of shipping it home. Once home replace the equipment with new better gear. John W Bridgetown NS

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