Harper Visits Canadian Troops
Prime Minister Views Canadian-Built Dahla Dam
This was Harper’s third visit to Canadian troops as Prime Minister. It was kept a surprise because of security concerns.
American Troops Increase, As Obama Foreign Policy Shifts
The U.S. is sending an additional 17,000 troops, to takeover command in an area surrounding Kandhar City. Canadian Troops will remain in command of Kandhar City, and will keep retain their leadership role as it comes to issues dealing with Kandhar Province’s governing, and economic development activities. The arrival of American troops follows a failed attempt to ask European N.A.T.O. (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) for troops at a recent summit. The additional American soldiers are among the first signals of the Obama Administration’s shift in foreign policy.
American troop presence is something Harper believes will allow Canadians to focus more on aid projects, and securing Kandhar City. In remarks published by cbc.ca he cautioned that the rise in American troops doesn't necessarily signal fewer deaths: “ It’s a dangerous environment regardless. We can’t fool ourselves on that.”
While visiting the troops, Harper also paid a visit to Dahla Dam, one of Canada’s larger aid projects in the area. The Dhala Dam is located along the Arghandab River, and is home to 80% of Kandhar’s population. The federal government will donate $50 million in funding over 3 years to rebuild the dam and infrastructure surrounding it. In remarks published by the Canadian Press, Harper described what the finished product “Once completed the Dhala Dam project will provide drinking water to much of the Kandhar region. This project will boost agriculture, and generate 10,000 seasonal jobs, and it will boost people’s confidence in the future.”
While on base, Harper served coffee to soldiers at Tim Hortons.
Harper Speaks To Soldiers, Signals Mission Change
The Prime Minister spoke to Canadian troops before his departure, assuring soldiers they had the support of the Canadian People. In remarks published by cbc.ca he focused on a stable Afghanistan: “Our mission is to leave Afghanistan to its people as a more viable country, as a more peaceful country, a country in control of its own destiny.”
Harper’s visit coincides with the release of a Canadian Press Harris-Decima poll revealing 90% of Canadians want soldiers returned by the 2011 return date or earlier. 8% said the Canadian mission should be extended. The poll results reflect changing attitudes of political leaders who are beginning to admit that absolute victory in Afghanistan may not be possible.
Canada currently has 2800 soldiers serving in the Khandar region of Afghanistan. Since 2002, Canada has lost 118 soldiers.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper Looks at Dahla Dam
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