Winning in Afghanistan

[Nimble]

Worry over recent Canadian casualties obscures the very real reconstruction progress -- exactly the way the Taliban wants it

SEAN M. MALONEY | July 23, 2007 |

It is 03:37 hours at a dusty forward operating base near Zharey district, in the Kandahar province of southern Afghanistan. It's a clear night under the stars of the Milky Way, but it's far from quiet. The deep, throbbing rumble of Leopard tanks undercuts the higher-pitched LAV III motors as a combined Afghan-Canadian force of 200 men prepares to move out of the gates. In the back of the command LAV III, the "situational-awareness camera" has already been switched on: the white and grey night vision imagery catches a Canadian soldier as he stubs out a cigarette and ambles past a Ford Ranger pickup full of soldiers from the Afghan National Army. While Canadian troops wait inside their amoured vehicles, the Afghans are busily putting on their body armour. They're all part of an Operational Mentor and Liaison Team -- nicknamed "omelettes" over here -- and they're getting ready for battle. Overhead, you can just hear the hum of the unmanned drones orbiting the area, standing by to tell us what lies ahead.

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http://www.macleans.ca/world/global/..._107269&page=1

I found this to be a good read and thought I should share it. Please do not let this turn into a mindless political debate and war bashing session.

[ArmedDrunk&Angry]

It is inspiring and it gives lie to all the claims that the Taliban would have a great offensive this summer.
A thank you to the Canadian forces is in order.
THANK YOU