How Has Foreign Policy

Shaped National Interests?

Canada in Afghanistan
Foreign
Policy
Guides decisions
about official
relations with
other countries
AKA: External
Relations or
Foreign Affairs
May involve co-
operating with
international
organizations
Example of
international
involvement:
Canada provides the
United Nations with
$600 million / year

9/11
September 11, 2001
Attacks killed nearly 3000 people, including 24
Canadians
Osama bin Laden of al-Qaeda took
responsibility.
Osama bin Laden was believed to be hiding in
Afghanistan.
UN agrees to allow the US to invade
Afghanistan.

Afghan Mission
UN authorized NATO (which Canada is a
member of) to organize the Afghan mission.
An attack on one member country is the
same as attacking all member countries
Goal of US invasion was to destroy the Taliban
and track down Osama bin Laden.

NATO COUNTRIES

Debate Over Afghanistan
NATO mission goals included rebuilding
Afghanistan's economy
Political processes
Armed forces and police
Humanitarian and medical facilities

These goals were difficult to achieve

Canadian Losses
Between February 2002
and June 2011 157
Canadian soldiers lives
have been lost!
As well as 1 diplomat, 1
journalist and 2 aid
workers.

Economic Costs
Financial Cost is High
$5 billion by March 2010
Estimated total costs by 2011
are as high as $18 billion
The question being asked is
How much longer are we going to
be in Afghanistan?
Canadians Concerns
Validity of the mission
Financial cost
Combat role of Canadian forces
Threat to Canadian soldiers lives
Relationship with other forces in Afghanistan
Length of the mission
September 2009 Leger Marketing Poll
Canadian Public Opinion
45% End combat and provide
training and develoment
36% Troops should just leave
Afghanistan ASAP
12% Stay in combat roles
6% Refused to answer
Afghans Concerns
SAFETY
Afghans want PEACE!
Afghans want an improved life:
Life Expectancy is 43 years old
Unemployment is 40%
Rights for Women
Safety for Children
Education
Jobs

Canada's New Approach in
Afghanistan

In November 2010, Canada announced a new role
for its continued engagement in Afghanistan to
2014.
Canada's goal is to help Afghans rebuild Afghanistan
into a viable country that is better governed, more
stable and secure, and never again a safe haven for
terrorists.

Four Key Themes
Building on the significant progress that has been achieved in
the areas of security, diplomacy, human rights and
development, Canadas work in Afghanistan between now and
2014 will focus on four key themes:
investing in the future of Afghan children and youth through
development programming in education and health, and
improving the lives of Afghans, especially women and
children;
advancing security, the rule of law and human rights,
including the provision of up to 950 military trainers, their
support personnel and approximately 45 Canadian civilian
police to support and train Afghan National Security Forces;
promoting regional diplomacy; and
helping to deliver humanitarian assistance.

These priority areas build on Canadas 2008 to 2011
programming efforts, support Afghan-developed
priorities and sustain progress in key areas that are
essential to Afghanistans future. Based on Afghan
needs, these priorities have been identified as areas
in which Canada can continue making a significant
contribution to tangible progress in Afghanistan.
Focused on national programming and based out of
Kabul, Canadas efforts support Afghanistans and the
international communitys long-term goal of
transferring responsibility for security and
governance to Afghanistan.