 Soldiers will tell you that the Afghans have our trust because of our Canadian way. (Photo: Kelly Hayes) |
Castanet in Kandahar: Canadian Way
by
Kelly Hayes - Story:
53218
Mar 10, 2010 / 5:00 am
Mar 10, 2010 / 5:00 am
Canadian soldiers take great pride in earning the respect of the Afghani people.
Their approach is two fold: Establishing their presence but letting the ANA (Afghan National Army) take the lead.
It is said that this is one of the main reasons why the Canadian casualty rate is considerably lower than the Americans.
"We'll go into a village but let the ANA soldiers do all the talking," says one Lieutenant.
"We feel that's the best approach. We don't go in kicking in doors and pointing guns, but rather offer them something that the Taliban can't like food and water. It's the Canadian way and it works."
Their approach is two fold: Establishing their presence but letting the ANA (Afghan National Army) take the lead.
It is said that this is one of the main reasons why the Canadian casualty rate is considerably lower than the Americans.
"We'll go into a village but let the ANA soldiers do all the talking," says one Lieutenant.
"We feel that's the best approach. We don't go in kicking in doors and pointing guns, but rather offer them something that the Taliban can't like food and water. It's the Canadian way and it works."
About the author...
Kelly Hayes is a veteran journalist and the Video Producer/Chief Correspondent for Castanet Media.
Hayes' most recent international and national news coverage include the Haiti Earthquake and the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
He's now in Kandahar, Afghanistan, embedded with the Canadian Forces.
"As a journalist and Canadian citizen, the war in Afghanistan has been on my radar for quite some time. I grew up watching the Russians fighting in Afghanistan only to withdraw. Canada joined in 2001 when the U.S. launched its war against terrorism. Canada has since invested billions of dollars and sacrificed dozens of lives. But has it been worth it? That's what I hope to find out."
Kelly Hayes is a veteran journalist and the Video Producer/Chief Correspondent for Castanet Media.
Hayes' most recent international and national news coverage include the Haiti Earthquake and the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
He's now in Kandahar, Afghanistan, embedded with the Canadian Forces.
"As a journalist and Canadian citizen, the war in Afghanistan has been on my radar for quite some time. I grew up watching the Russians fighting in Afghanistan only to withdraw. Canada joined in 2001 when the U.S. launched its war against terrorism. Canada has since invested billions of dollars and sacrificed dozens of lives. But has it been worth it? That's what I hope to find out."
Special thanks to...
Links
Wikipedia -- Canada's role in the Invasion of Afghanistan
Canada's Engagement in Afghanistan
The Canada - Afghanistan Blog
Canada in Afghanistan -- Foreign Affairs
The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet.
Castanet presents its columns "as is" and does not warrant the contents.
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- Castanet in Kandahar: Photo Gallery Mar 18
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- Castanet in Kandahar: The Shura Mar 13
- Castanet in Kandahar: Guns and Dudes Mar 13
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- Castanet in Kandahar: Taliban still here Mar 10
- Castanet in Kandahar: Living on base Mar 10
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