Archived Document
I. Conclusion
Even more than usual, courage was the watchword in Afghanistan and Kandahar during the past three months. Millions of Afghans defied intimidation and violence to take part in the election campaign and to vote. The Afghan army and police stood up to the heaviest-ever day of violence to provide security at polling centres. The continued flow of U.S. forces into Afghanistan assisted all ISAF members, including the Canadian Forces, to demonstrate continued valour in counterinsurgency efforts such as Operation Plan Kantolo, designed to protect the Afghan population. And civilian development workers drew upon reserves of fortitude to carry out their vital role in danger zones.
This is a conflict of utmost complexity in a region of violent instability. We share this difficult mission with our close allies under UN authority and, most importantly, with the Afghan people. Although the endeavour remains risky and the outcome far from certain, Canada’s mission in Afghanistan underscores the values that Canadians themselves hold dear. We are not only helping to build security, but we are also providing assistance to those in dire need and are working with Afghans to build the capacity to enable them to govern effectively.
