[jensonj]

<strong>Written By:</strong> jensonj
<strong>Date:</strong> 2006-04-06 10:06:00
<a href="/article/200659128-canadas-role-in-afghanistan-underestimated">Article Link</a>

Sproule also addressed the issue of the narcotics trade in the country.

“Estimates are that 60 per cent of the Afghanistan economy is based in one way or another on the narcotics trade. This dependency makes it very, very difficult to extricate Afghanistan from what could be a very insidious mix between the insurgents and the drug lords,” he said.

Sproule said that Canada is involved in providing alternative crop choices for farmers who are involved in growing poppies for use in the manufacture of narcotics.

He said that he feels that Canada’s presence is both necessary and beneficial to Afghanistan.

“Don’t underestimate the challenges that we face, and don’t underestimate the accomplishments that have been achieved already. In Afghanistan in the last four years, the per capita income has almost doubled. There is more security for the average Afghan than they have experienced in the last 25 years. Women have rights and a life that they never enjoyed under the Taliban. Schools are being put up,” he said.

Sproule’s presentation on Canada’s role in Afghanistan was met by a small group of protestors who carried signs reading ‘Canada out of Afghanistan’ and ‘occupation is a crime.’ The protest was organized by the World People’s Resistance Movement (Winnipeg). Three police officers were also present, and one said, “I’d assume that since you guys are anti-occupation, you’re also anti-violence,” before leaving.

“It has nothing to do with democracy; it has to do with power and domination,” McKay said.

McKay said that rather than simply raising awareness, the goal of the group is to motivate students to action.

“We’ve just got to show people that what Canada is doing in Afghanistan is not what it’s being painted out to be,” he said. “It’s a dictatorship, dressed up as the best thing in the world.”

<a href="http://www.umanitoba.ca/manitoban/2005-2006/0329/2702.canadas.role.in.afghanistan.underestimated.ambassador.php">http://www.umanitoba.ca/manitoban/2005-2006/0329/2702.canadas.role.in.afghanistan.underestimated.ambassador.php</a>

[Jeff]

I just that 2000 schools are being built in Afghanistan this year, since the enrollment of kids in school has sky-rocketed 5 million (up from 900K in 2002). Of course, the Taliban will continue to try to burn them down, but that is none of this righteous groups concern, apparently. Great work James McKay! You’re a real human rights stalwart!

[boflaade]

that is none of this righteous groups concern<<

One may wonder, how far advanced this country would have become, without the death and distruction evoked upon it by foreigners over the decades. I guess that is only for you to say.

---
Expect little from life and get more from it.

[whelan costen]

Related to the war mentality, the loss of democracy etc, this new website, for your information, I found it to be very informative, the videos are excellent. Good insight! I highly recommend visiting it, I don't know much about the people behind the site, but from what I've seen, I am impressed.<br />
See for yourself:<br />
<a href="http://focced.com/main.htm">http://focced.com/main.htm</a><p>---<br>If I stand for my country today...will my country be here to stand for me tomorrow?

[Eleanor]

The URL at the end of the above story doesn't work.

[Jeff]

But I cannot dwell on the past. I cannot dwell on Soviet invasions. I cannot dwell on the Taliban coming from Pakistan to take over the country. I can regret it, sure, but that does nothing to advance the ball. We’re here and it’s now. The good folks at the WPRM offer no solutions, only laughable critiques. I’ve checked their website – the one with zero comments – and the Afghan rants is misguided at best.

More importantly – they offer *nothing* in the way of a solution. I find this to be true with most of the people I speak to of this...ilk, for lack of a better word.

[Mike_VC]

“Sproule said that Canada is involved in providing alternative crop choices for farmers who are involved in growing poppies for use in the manufacture of narcotics.”<br />
<br />
This is the kind of “Freedom” and “Democracy” we are supporting and upholding in Afghanistan. Canada is one of the top cheerleaders for genetically modified organisms on this planet, so I assume we are on board with the Americans in supplying “alternative crop choices” to Afghani farmers. Terminator seed for all whether you like it or not.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://miami.staughton.indypgh.org/news/2004/11/304.php">http://miami.staughton.indypgh.org/news/2004/11/304.php</a><br />
<br />
Mike<br />
Winnipeg<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />

[boflaade]

But I cannot dwell on the past.<<

Sure you can. It all depends on where your bias is. Some feel democracy is of the individual, where there are others who feel they must ramsack a country for it's own good. The western culture feels that the remainder of the world must adhere to their interpretations or else. In the past as well as the future.

---
Expect little from life and get more from it.

[Ed Deak]

Mike, don't forget that Terminator seeds, farmers have to buy every year, instead of saving their own, jack up the GDP and therefore are "business friendly", supported by our economists as "growth"

I wonder when they'll make bulls illegal, so that we'll have to buy sperm and artificial insemination for our cattle every year. Now, that would really be a good shot for the GDP.

After all, why should bulls have all the fun, when they're "productive" only for a few hours every year?

Down with bulls! They must be some "lefty" conspiracy.

Ed Deak.

[Mike_VC]

Ed

Yes, the only one who profits from terminator seed are the companies like Cargill, etc. as you no doubt know. It's a rather cynical way of doing business. Treating Afghanistan's beleaguered population as a business opportunity and eliminating competition by creating a monopoly.

What a way to do business!

Who will stand up for the noble bull? Save the Bull .....! Chuckle .. Chuckle

Mike