NATO troops 'not winning' in Afghanistan, analyst

The loss of two more Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan over the weekend proves that coalition troops "are not winning" the battle for the hearts and minds of the Afghan people and Canada needs to rethink its military strategy in the country, a retired colonel says.

Maj. Yannick Pepin, 36, and Cpl. Jean-Francois Drouin, 31, were killed Sunday afternoon in a roadside bomb blast in the Dand district. Five other soldiers were injured in the explosion, though none seriously.

The losses bring Canada's death toll in Afghanistan to 129 since the mission began seven years ago.

The deaths of the two soldiers come after a particularly bloody August for NATO troops in Afghanistan. August was the deadliest month for U.S. troops in Afghanistan, with 49 deaths. July was nearly as bad, with 44.

Retired colonel Michel Drapeau, now a military analyst, says news of the latest Canadian casualties will cause soldiers, their families and the general public to question the goal of the mission.

"These losses, in particular of a senior officer, will have a devastating impact upon the morale not only of the soldiers serving in Afghanistan but the military families all across Canada," Drapeau said Tuesday on CTV's Canada AM. "It brings the point home that at the moment we are certainly not winning and at the moment we need to do something to regain the initiative."

British troops have also suffered mounting casualties, while German soldiers have faced an increasing number of attacks from Taliban militants.

U.S. President Barack Obama has responded to the increasing violence in Afghanistan by ordering 21,000 more troops to the country to gain the upper hand on resurgent militants and train Afghan forces to assume greater responsibility for security.

So far, the Canadian military has not indicated it is considering a similar shift in strategy, Drapeau says. Ottawa has so far rebuffed calls for more troops for Afghanistan or an extension of the mission past the scheduled end date of 2011.

"The Americans are now shifting strategy, but we have yet to know in Canada what is the strategy," Drapeau says. "What is the objective? What is it that will surface that will allow us to declare victory and come home in 2011?"

The downside to the boost in American military might in Afghanistan is the increased risk of civilian casualties, which threatens to erode support among Afghans for the NATO battle against the Taliban.

Those risks were borne out last Friday morning, when a German-ordered U.S. air strike on militants who had stolen two fuel tankers injured and killed a number of civilians.

Drapeau says that while heavy-handed tactics may send civilians into the arms of the Taliban, the alternative puts soldiers, including Canadians, at risk.

"So it's almost a no-win situation," Drapeau says.

"If we up the ante and if we increase the tempo and increase the lethality of what we do, then likely we're going to be causing civilian casualties and they in turn will be more adept at supporting the Taliban. And if we stay as sitting ducks and try to reconstruct and try to be in the nation-building type of mission...then the Taliban are going to take advantage of that as they have done over the past seven or eight years."

According to Jawed Ludin, Afghanistan's ambassador to Canada, Afghan citizens recognize that coalition soldiers are making the "ultimate sacrifice" in trying to establish security in the country.

In a statement expressing his condolences to the families of Pepin and Drouin, Ludin said the Afghan people "value this sacrifice immensely."

"The Afghan people are grateful to the people of Canada for their support and friendship, together with other members of the international community," he said. "We depend on this friendship in order to overcome the forces of violence and terrorism within Afghanistan and beyond, and to provide a better, peaceful and prosperous future for our children."

The bodies of Pepin and Drouin are scheduled to arrive back in Canada at 2 p.m. ET Wednesday, where they will be met by their families, and likely a number of dignitaries, at CFB Trenton.

Comments are now closed for this story

Father of Canadian Soldier
said

Paul (and other detractors):

I'm not sure you took the time to research the facts before you posted. We are doing in Afghanistan "exactly" what our UN mandate prescribes.

Please take the time to go to the Canadian Government website called Canada's Approach to Afghanistan, where you can find all you need about the what and the why.

After that, feel free to criticize the mission, but from an informed position.

Rich
said

Luc

No slight against the leadership of today. I have the utmost respect for the Officers and Sr Leaders we have today. My comment was more in regards to Mr Drapeaus cold war thinking and antiquated attitude.

To the others thanks for your well wishes.

jimclements
said

To Linda from Vancouver

Ah, Linda, you are either very young or very naive!

"You NEVER, EVER, EVER turn your back on those who serve in our military. Nor do you attack them as whiners."

Soldiers don't pick their wars, the politicians do. The public only reveres the military when there is a conflict or a great natural disaster.

Linda, that is the soldier's lot, it has been that throughout history, in every land. Always. Everywhere. Ask anyone who has ever served -- our "forgotten" Korean Vets for example, our Cold War Vets for example, our incredible Peace Keepers. Just one country, one recent time period.

I can only hope you feel as strongly when your taxes are increasing and those standing on guard for you aren't actually fighting anyone. Just standing. On guard. Like the fine folk I served with, and saw how they were treated in your province as well as all others.

Dennis
said

I have not read this man's article, but from my passed experince with UN tours of duty's during the 70's to 90's you can change a old system of fear and religous believe in years it takes 10's of years to do this these poeple are 100 years behind us in there thinking and education so we have to drag them into century before they can live on there own. We need to stay the course to quote someone else.

Gilbert in Ottawa
said

And who are we to try and impose democratie on a sovereigh country?
We surely would not allow them to impose their values on us, so why would it be ok for us to impose our values on them?
A few months ago, they had passed a law in Afghanistan the "shri law" that allowed men to beat their wifes if they refused them sex. As much as this is not part of my values, if it is theirs and it has been part of their tradition and culture, who are we to judge it?
Don't ge me wrong. We can certainly propose and share ideas with different cultures, but between that and imposing it, there is quite a difference.
I remember in school, many moons ago, that I learned of the catholic missionaries going to far away country to convert the "savages" and save them by teaching them christianity and telling them that if they didn't convert, that they would burn in hell for eternity. Aren't we repeating history in some sort?

Do humans ever learn from past generations? Hum????

Shawn
said

How did "Support the Troops" come to mean "Support government foreign policy"?

Nash
said

War is dirty, priority is crucial .... kill and eliminate your enemies first, then worries about reconstruction and winning the heart and minds of the people after. You can't do both at the same time.

Paul
said

It's time to get out of Afghanistan, as we should not have been there in a "front line" Military capacity to begin with. We should have been there according to our mandate (NATO), to provide support for the Country attacked (U.S.), not fighting their war for them while they (the U.S.) diverted their resources to Iraq.

You can't win a war when the very people you are trying to change, refuses to change and turn a blind eye to those who are destroying their our Country. Afghan's turn a blind eye to those who plant the I.E.D.'s, a blind eye to their movements, a blind eye to everything...yet hold us (NATO Forces) accountable when they themselves get killed or maimed while with and around these combatants.

So, exactly how do you change hearts and minds when they refuse to change, instead supporting and joining them when they get killed, maimed or wounded just for simply being around them, as they turn a blind eye?

Simply put, why is it that the Afghan people hold the NATO Forces to a high level of accountability, yet hold no accountability to the Taliban/Al Qaeda for killing them or maiming them?

Seems to me that, the Taliban and Al Qaeda can do whatever they wish, be among them, fed by them, suppress them, etc., just don't let NATO kill or strike them while they do this or are around them (the Afghan People), otherwise they'll join and support them to get even for NATO doing what they did, causing deaths of their family members as they cavorted with the very people they say they don't want.

Geo in TO
said

The Russians' efforts had no impact in Afghanistan, and everybody else's efforts (USA, NATO, whatnot) will end up having no impact, too. History has shown that it's not a good idea to wage battles in Afghanistan.

A Vet
said

Drapeau is out of touch with what is going on there. Havening been there and see the work that we are acomplishing is azaming..just becuase it is not all roses does not mean anything you can't always stop everything..Its time for people that have not been there or know what they are talking about to shut up and listien to the soilders that are there working there asses off to eusure all people get a better life.. We will win but it takes time...

Luc
said

Rich,

When you said "I can tell that you are very much an officer and that attitude shows" you are way off line.

I don't know of any officer who shares Drapeau's thinking, nor do I know of any (other than Drapeau apparently) who would place his own value ahead of that of his/her own soldiers.

The only person with an attitude here is Drapeau himself.

Have a good one. Be safe.

Linda in Vancouver
said

I'm disgusted by what some of my fellow Canadians are willing to post.I wonder if they actually say these things in public.
I agreee with a couple of things Doug in BC said.First,and above all,you NEVER,EVER,EVER turn you back on those who serve in our military.Nor do you attack them as whiners.Through all the ups and downs of this conflict,there has been one constant.These people have remained above the politics.And very often on the worst days of their lives.They have EARNED your respect.Not because of some phoney Charter, but because of what they do for CANADA.
I think most people long ago made up their minds about whether or not they support Canada's participation in this war.Now they're just busy spinning the every day news to justify their position.
Debate about whether or not we should be there,is reasonable.I just think it should not be done with the lies and distortions some people keep using.And I also do not think this mission should be an election issue.It was Liberals who started this,and Conservatives extended the mission.Both parties got involved because they BOTH knew it was the right thing to do.If you must think about it as a ballot issue,I suggest you do it by considering which party talks,and which one supplies what they need.
I too,want our troops safe.But as it is said,"every ship is safe in the harbour,but that's not why we build ships".
Doug asked a valid question.If we do not stand with our allies,against the brutality of these criminals,who will stand with us when we are threatened or under attack? Or come to the aid of our children after we're all gone?

Nothing will change
said

Our troops deserve all the support and respect from every Canadian abroad, they have been asked to do the impossible.For Mr Drapeau to say it's almost a no-win situation the truth hurts. Our pollititions have taken us from peace keeping country to an occupier of Afganistan blindly following the goverment of Bush, we all know that Mr Bush wasn't a big reader so how possibly could this president understand the history of the Afganistan peoples plight of centuries of other nations invading, the Russians were the last to try and the US then had thrown their support behind the Taliban and Bin Laden to supply them with the weapons to drive out the Soviets, don't think for one second that Soviets aren't relishing in the thought of the US losing this war and going bankrupt like they did.
I don't think most Canadians really understand how these people think, this is a country with limited comunication you have villages spaced out hundreds of miles from Kabul with trible leaders, they don't watch the National every night or CNN like we do, there information comes from trible leaders and word of mouth, they here about bombings killing Afgans and see the Taliban fighting us back, the Taliban to allot of these people are the heros not us, this war was lost before one Canadian Soldier stepped off the plane.
The only way for this war to end is not by sending in more troops like the US seems to think. This would be a good time for Nato to bring in Taliban leaders to the table along with all trible leaders and yes the warlords that control a vast majority of this country and broker a power sharing deal that all parties can live with.This would be the start of an exit stradgety

Willow B
said

Col. Drapeau's comments shouldn't be any shock to anybody. We all know it's a no win situation. Bring our troops home!!!! I feel sad for the families of the Canadian troops that have lost their lives.

Elias Phiniotis
said

I have been a soldier and I know what the support of the people means. Most I know are supporting the troops, but not the mission. I find it hard to believe that thousands of soldiers from outside can teach democracy. Look at South America where this policy was tried in EVERY country and failed!
One more thing. How comes only FOUR people who wrote a comment sofar identified themselves? We are in a free country...You can do that!!!

Doug in BC
said

One thing I do know for sure is that "If you have relatives serving in Afgh." has won my vote for the stupidest,and most ignorant post of the year.Nothing else I've read hear even comes close.I would bet my last dollar that not many people would post such nonsense without the anonymity offered on-line.
War is ALWAYS a tough and very divisive issue.Even those who think this mission may not be the right fit for Canada should at least have the decency to support ALL the men and women who serve our country.As well as their families and friends.This is a "free speech" nation,but I would say,if I ever get so negative towards our CF,I hope I can follow that up with enough integrity to just LEAVE.
Additionally,regardless of what the final outcome is in Afghanistan,something we may not know for a decade AFTER this conflict winds down,the men and women serving there on our behalf are already winners.Their selfless sacrifices have earned the country a great deal of respect among our alles.When the going gets tough,if you do nothing else,you MUST stand with your allies.
By standing with our allies now,these men and women have already done a lot to ensure that our allies will stand with us,our children,or our grandchildren,when the need arises.And,believe me,the need will arise.A nation this size,and with such a small population is going to need all the allies it can find.No way the rest of the world is going to let future Canadians claim sovereignty of this vast nation.The challenge to our Arctic is just the beginning.
Afghanistan or not,every day I thank God for every one of or military people,and the friends and families that support them.
GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.

Dave
said

Losses are losses no matter of rank. It is so nice to see a former military man(can't call you a soldier) say we are losing. In order to win there we need combat action. For those who only read what the media writes I say this, you can't rebuild a country that insists on tearing itself apart. I have been there twice and I will tell you this much, loyality goes to the highest bidder and the puppet goverment there is just as corrupt as the insurgents. The police force is a joke with the local population and are just as bad as the insurgents. The army for the most part is ill equipted and under trained dispite all of NATO's best efforts.

Mark - Fort Erie ON
said

Well - I am just an armchair quaterback, and if I was 30 years younger - I might well have joined the Forces for this cause.

If anything - this seems like the noblist of causes - the thing Canada SHOULD be doing. I think we should be proud of our country, and especially our soldiers. The people of Afganistan realize this, and need us. It may take 50 years to help these people.

We can do what is easy, or we can do what is right.

Nesterhews
said

Dear Rich,
Have a safe tour, I don't understand the comments about rank and sadness any better than you do, unless it is simple politic'ing

BGrigg
said

BS, we're not winning the "war" in Afghanistan, because we aren't FIGHTING a war. We're attempting to crush a dedicated enemy by playing nice.

The Taliban aren't nice, and the Afghan people need to make up their mind if they want medieval lifestyles, or to join the rest of humanity in the present.

The Taliban don't fear us, like they should, mostly because we fight with one hand tied behind our backs.

STEVE H.
said

As a retired airman I am appalled by Drapeau's negative comments. Does he realise what effect his comments have on serving troops morale??!! IMHO, he should keep his opinions to himself. We are supposed to be backing up our troops not constantly telling them they aren't gonna win. They are all doing a wonderful job over there with the lack of personel & equipment we, the Canadian public, supply them with. Let me also add that it was under his tenure that all the major CF cuts took place and where was he to stem them at that time (decade of darkness). I salute our troops where ever they are serving and wish them well...

Father of Canadian Soldier
said

My son is in Afghanistan right now. The morale of the soldiers there is indeed effected by the latest two deaths ... it makes them all the more determined to win, to stick it out, to continue on winning ... which they are.

Afghanistan is a long game, it's not a game for those who think we can come and go in a few short years. Not until the current crop of Afghan children graduate, the first ever generation to receive a full education, can the country even begin to emerge.

So, you have a choice Canada, you can listen to a retired officer who clearly doesn't have a clue as to how casualties effect the serving soldiers, or you can educate yourself on the stated goals and strategy of ISAF and the Canadian government, then make your decision from an educated point of view.

Since when, ever in the history of the world, did losing soldiers in combat signify that you were losing. What uneducated, ignorant, born of decadence foolishness. If the population at large in Afghanistan were largely on the Taliban side, our guys would be getting slaughtered.

Indeed, the wimpy Beaver as a national symbol is sometimes so fitting.

alexander the great,and Russia lost in afganastan
said

As a senior diplomat pointed out:we can train a doctor in 8 years but after 10 years we still haven't trained policemen in Afg. Will be Obama's viet nam,SADLY.

Elias Phiniotis
said

Democracy cannot be imported or exported, it has to be homegrown.
The money and lives spent on Afganistan proove that. A good chance was given to the Afgan people the last couple of years by weakening the Tallibans, but they never took over! They expect the western fools to bring a lot of money and young blood to be wasted on their poppy growing fields for ever!
Concentrate on Al Qaeda and leave the Afgans to fight for democracy themselves.

Alex
said

He should be more concerned about the lives and limbs of Canadian soldiers, than the "hearts and minds" of Afghanis

nellieswife
said

ATTN:If you have relatives serving in Afghanistan....

and how many vetrans, or families of vetrans do you know, who sit around and whine when someone is killed? I know plenty of vets, and families of vets, including myself, who have lost loved ones, and none of them whine. NOT ONE. We are STRONG, and PROUD, and VERY aware of the CHOICES we make...EVERY SINGLE DAY of our lives. I am insulted by your comment, and would appreciate it, if you would keep it to yourself next time.

dave
said

Retired Col Drapeau fails to realize that we aren't trying to "win hearts and minds" in Afghanistan. We are there to provide security and to help stabilize the Government of Afghanistan so that they can effectively govern their own people. This isn't Bosnia or Croatia and Col (retired) Drapeau is stuck in the 90's. There are clear objectives set for Canada's military and they are being met. We are doing a great job over there and that requires the blood of good Canadians, just like every other mission the military has taken part in.

Red X
said

The best thing is to withdraw Canadian involvement and let other NATO members replace us.

If there is a Fall Election; I hope that this issue will be discussed because I remember Harper crossing over to Ignatieff to shake his hand when the vote barely passed 150 to 148.

By Dec. 2011, 200 Canadian soldiers will have given their lives while another 5-600 will be injured for "installling peace" after waging war?!

Gord. Robson, Nova Scotia
said

1. Our men and women in the Canadian Forces have done an
outstanding job.

2. As reported recently on this website Nato are now entering the
reconstructing mode.

3. Security is needed for protection of the workers.

4. Some schools have been built
and areas that had never had
seen medical attention have been
receiving medical aid by medical
personnel. Wells are being dug and drilled.
Now this is being done on alarger scale.

Nato has been there for awhile
now and as the young people see and get used to education and medical care and water they will not want to give this up for the Taliban.

Mr. Drapeau should stick to his knowledge of peacekeeping and not
criticize our present day Canadian
Forces which we are so proud !

Al in Halifax
said

This is one of the poorest coutries on the planet. Sure, they need more that bullets and bombs to help them progress. The last I heard, Canada is doing just that.
We have a sincere, well respected force that does much to turn this from a desolate waste land to a work in progress. What more could you ask? It will take decades to turn this country around.
Next time you take your daughter to school or watch your son leave for his first date, be thankful for the country you live in.

It sometimes takes soldiers and bullets to create a place to grow flowers.

Drapeau et al. are supposed to lie about it.
said

The troops are supposed to have high morale as they engage in a doomed effort.

Then they and all other dupes can put on their stunned surprised stupid faces after the bugout.

George Poole in Lunenburg
said

Timing Mr. Drapeau, your timing is very bad.

Zaphod
said

We will win when we get out and bring our boys back home.

This charade has gone on long enough.

Dan
said

Why does the death of a Major make it look like we're losing the war? The Major is a soldire like those that serve beneath him and those that his supierors. Comments like Rtd Col Drapeau's do not instill morale of the troops to follow you and may be that is why he left the military as he could no longer get the men and women in his command to follow him.

Regardless of rank each every service person's life has the same value and we must not degrade their efforts to provide us our continued freedoms.

Tim
said

"These losses, in particular of a senior officer" This statement indicate to me that the past deaths are nothing but cannon fodder to Drapeau. Each solder contributes to the success of the mission. If I were Cpl. Jean-Francois Drouin's parents I would truely be offented by his comments. A life is a life regardless of rank.

Jeffery
said

Believe me, there is no winner in any wars, neither in Afganistan.War is only a tool for the political games, the players are the politicians, the victims are some soldiers and huge of local civilians.

But anyhow, we are so grateful to our heroes (those 129) for their bravery and spirit of sacrifice.

Leave or take the gloves off
said

This article is completely correct. there is no indication that the Afghan people are prepared to fight for their freedom like many countries did in the last war. We are wasting our time if the majority of these people cannot see the value of living in a democracy. This is a war civilians are killed accidently in all wars. The NATO countries are trying to win with one hand behind their back. The civilian politicians are commiting the same sin they did in Vietnam .Either go at this war in a meaningful manner or pull the troops out. We should put the Afghan people on notice that they must do more to gain freedom, turning in some of those Taliban who keep their villages hostage . Help NATO find the munition caches and they must see some of these roadside bombs being planted.Do they want a democracy at our price without lifting a finger if so pull out

Joanne
said

To Rich,

Good luck to you!!! Having had a son on a tour in Afghanistan I totally undersand that our soldiers need our total support and Mr Drapeau`s words can have a devasting effects on our soldier`s morale. And as you so well said, one life lost, officer or not is just one too many,
good luck to you sir,

jo

Lorne
said

Rank should mean nothing. A soldier is a soldier is a soldier.
We have lost many soldiers in this war and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to their families.
Our men are fighting for a cause they truly believe in - freedom.
However, there is a culture clash and people in the war torn areas will carry on as they have for years and years to come.
You can eliminate the insurgents, but there are other people to take their place and this fight will go on forever. There will be no end.

Fred in Ottawa
said

As a former armour soldier myself, it strikes me that some pundits take such a short and narrow view of this conflict. These two losses alone do not indicate the war is not being won. Taken together with the high death toll of the past two months of all US and NATO forces in country, there's an indicator of the difficulties being faced. Then the reasons for the higher losses would have to be analyzed.

Will the loss of the Squadron Commander for 5RGC be a huge hit on the morale of the troops? No, not more than any other soldier. Actually, it may serve to bring the officers and troops closer together in shared risk. Another pundit mentioned that Major Pepin was likely targeted "with a price on his head" because of his position. Where is her evidence other than speculation? My understanding is that IED's are indiscriminate in targeting individuals. It depends on how they are triggered and it would take a closer investigation of this particular attack to determine this. It's probably more a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time, doing their job. May they rest in peace and we at home always remember.

Kris D.
said

You know, we've been there for going on 8 years now and things just don't seem to be getting much better. Certainly not good enough for the amount of blood and treasure that has been poured in.

Are NATO leaders being held accountable for this? Seriously, almost 8 years and tens of billions of dollars and hardly any progress, I would hope some people are being fired for doing a poor job.

If you have relatives serving in Afghanistan,
said

and you do not write a letter to Harper and/or your MP every day, demanding that CF be withdrawn from Afghanistan immediately . . . then do not whine when your relatives get killed.

Don't you whine. It's your choice. Don't you whine.

buddy
said

Col Drapeau is a retired officer, who has had no battlefield experience in his career and spent most of his time at a desk worrying about supply issues in order to save money...What little he seems to know about operations comes from discussing it with other retired senior officers, most of whom have been in the same technocratic structure of the past. His comments should be taken as the windy howls of a wanna be soldier and do not reflect the leadership and dedication of all members of the CF. Old style officers of his ilk should gently fade away and grow vegetables in their garden and leave soldiering to the current leadership.

Frank
said

It�s VERY SIMPLE !

Just leave!

The British , then the Russians , Now NATO! No winners ! Let them cut their hands & heads off. It�s their country , They will get sick of the Taliban in their own time.

Zoloto2009
said

This is nothing new. You don't have to be one of those so-called experts on war, Afghanistan, insurgency, or whatever... did you ever notice how many experts there are since the beginning of this "SNAFU"... This circus will end up just like Cyprus, generations later they will ask why the Canadians are there. No one will have a true answer. Even today, no one has a correct answer as why we are part of this circus. At first we thought we knew why, even I. But now... At first the invasion was to capture Ben Laden, President Bush said he wanted justice, he wanted Ben Laden dead or alive, the purpose of going to war was to "smoke him out". The US and the UK then unleashed their bombs all over Afghanistan, killing far more innocent Afghans than those killed on 9/11. It certainly did not touch Ben Laden and his team who were safely hidden in caves in the impenetrable mountains of Pakistan. Then the world's attention was turned to Iraq, less and less was spoken of the need to hunt down Ben Laden. None of this made sense and Afghanistan is now in a mess. Now the main reason why we are there is to change the nature of Afghanistan's society, end Islamic militancy, liberate women, educate girls, build clinics and roads. And today, the need to track down Ben Laden is given little consideration. Instead, the firepower is aimed loosely at the Taliban, often hitting innocent villagers, ask the Germans, and in Pakistan, the focus is on the leadership of the Taliban and other violent fundamentalist groups. What should have been done? Now wonder many of us are confused, I know I am...

collen
said

its a war....losses as expected, we cant go run and cower in a corner or give up every time there is a casualty! I am a military wife and my heart breaks every time we lose a soldier (regardless of rank or reason). What we are fighting for is worth waiting for we just need to hang in there and support or troops and their mission not stand back and spend so much time judging and analyzing every thing!!

Your words were well said Rich, please be safe on your tour.

Rich
said

YAY another knee jerk reactionary story about how we are losing the war. It will give me a warm and fuzzy knowing this when I myself go over there next week.(too bad you are not coming with me you could tell me what I am doing wrong and let me know that my actions are all done in futility)

Thanks for that Mr Drapeau. How can I take you seriously if you make statements such as "These losses, in particular of a senior officer, will have a devastating impact upon the morale not only of the soldiers serving in Afghanistan but the military families all across Canada,"

Rank has no meaning when you have to come home in a casket. All deaths are equally as hard no matter what the rank, gender or stature of the person is.
I can tell that you are very much an officer and that attitude shows.

In this fast food culture of instant gratification please realise that there are no instant results. Support our troops and their efforts. Even when the press informs you its bad.

SK Veterans' Father
said

The deaths of these fine soldiers proves nothing of the sort...we are already winning because a fledgling democracy has been established that now needs nurturing...statements like Drapeau's only provide succour to the Taliban and put my son's safety further at risk...please shut up sir and support your military!

Remarkable
said

As a retired soldier, one thing I will share my opinion on, is that this conflict is not going to be won through military operations alone.

This is going to have to be a concerted effort from the military to reconstruction, agriculture, business, government, medical, education and on and on the list will go.

You can't win the hearts and minds of people through just military power and though the great work our provincial reconstruction teams are doing, more money from all NATO and UN nations must be redirected into building a nations institutions, infrastructure etc. and even then, it may or may not work.

Food, water, education, medicare, homes are 5 major things that every human being needs in order to survive in society.

Allan Eizinas
said

�"So it's almost a no-win situation," Drapeau says.�

Time for a serious exit strategy;

Separate the Taliban from Al Qaeda as �the enemy�. The West can then negotiate with the Taliban (friendly and not so friendly) because they will be part of the eventual political solution. Al Qaeda remains the enemy and can be fought in the other regions.

I wonder if there are any Al Qaeda operatives left in Afghanistan?

Last I heard they are mostly in Pakistan and the rest of the �stans in the region.