There were so many extraordinary scenes in Monday's unique broadcast of The National from Kandahar, Afghanistan.

A Canadian military Hercules hugging the ground to avoid attack as it flew from Kabul to Kandahar. The dustiness of Kandahar roads as Canadian soldiers patrolled. A former Vancouver school teacher mediating between quarrelling local groups.

Injured Canadian soldiers recuperating in a military hospital. The flag-draped coffin of a Canadian casualty. And a B.C. mother gently asking her two soldier sons in Kandahar to remember to "e-mail me."

These are just some of the images and sounds of a new chapter in Canadian modern history taking shape.

Canada's military involvement in Afghanistan is perhaps the most dangerous undertaken by Canadian Forces since the Korean War half a century ago. And some officials are predicting Canadian military involvement there for up to 10 years. This is serious business.

But it is only now that many Canadians are confronting these prospects directly. This has largely been triggered by the series of awful events that occurred within a four-day period recently: two fatalities in a vehicle rollover, a suicide attack on a military convoy and a vicious axe attack against Lieut. Trevor Greene.

However, as Brig.-Gen. David Fraser told Peter Mansbridge, many Canadians "misunderstand what we're doing here." Earlier in the program, a Canadian soldier in Kandahar said that he was becoming "more aware of what I'm doing here ... supporting the national government."

But neither was as blunt as Mullah Naqibullah, Kandahar's chief tribal elder to whom the Taliban surrendered when they were driven from power in December, 200l.

"If the government of Afghanistan is not rebuilt, there will be insecurity in the entire world," he told Peter. "There will be, by God, no security in Canada."

Exploring the reasons for Canada's involvement in Afghanistan is one of the key goals for this special series of broadcasts from Afghanistan. Above all, it is an effort to help Canadians join the debate.

The National has originated from Afghanistan before, but never from the dangerous location of Kandahar as it is doing during these programs. Because of security and technical challenges, no news program has ever broadcast from there before. But that is where the nearly 2,000 Canadian soldiers are stationed and will remain for at least the next 12 months.

Peter's presence on The National each evening is live, at least for the first edition broadcast on Newsworld and in Atlantic Canada on CBC Television at 9 p.m. ET.

There is a 9 1/2-hour time difference between Kandahar and Canada's eastern time zone so it's just after six o'clock in the morning local time when Peter begins The National. That is why, perhaps metaphorically, he is surrounded by daylight.

Canada's involvement in Afghanistan is now the cornerstone of this country's foreign policy. But it's more than that. It's the flashpoint of a wider and crucial debate that has stirred us, bored us and exasperated us at various times in our history.

Canada's role in the world is the one unresolved dimension of our nationhood that often prefers to be hidden, but never for long. Once again, it is on our front burner.

That is why CBC News is embarking on unprecedented TV and Radio coverage from Afghanistan this week, and beyond. Correspondents — including Stephen Puddicombe, Patrick Brown, Carol Off, Terence McKenna, Don Murray and Paul Workman, among others — are tackling aspects of the issue from many different locations. In addition, there are special CBC.ca features and segments that bring context and background in a way that only an online service can provide.

That is also why we are in Iraq. We can never forget that after Afghanistan came Iraq — a conflict that also remains a central concern for Canadians. This week, CBC News has a special Radio/TV coverage team in Iraq, including correspondents Margaret Evans and Nahlah Ayed.

The images and sounds flowing out of this region in recent days are quite powerful and sobering. To a Canadian, they are no longer remote.

The Maple Leaf, rather than the Stars and Stripes, is easy to spot on the soldiers' insignias. On the Hercules aircraft. On the military jeeps. And, most poignantly, on flag-draped coffins.

And Canadian names and hometowns are becoming painfully familiar: Master Cpl. Timothy Wilson of Grande Prairie, Alta.; Cpl. Paul Davis of Bridgewater, N.S.; diplomat Glyn Berry; Capt. Trevor Greene of Vancouver.

Their message, no longer subtle, is that our days as a distracted, international bystander have ended. Canada is now centrally involved. And we, as Canadians, need to get engaged.

Your Comments


March 10, 2006 \| 09:04 EST	Harry Yousefian	Toronto
Dear Editor I believe this is a very good idea to let Canadians comment on their military involvement in Afghanistan or any other country. We can not separate ourselves from international activities going on in the world. No matter if we are peaceful country or a super power, we always have to have a strong military system in order to defend our country and help other countries with whom we have economical and political involvement. We can learn our lessons from countries like Switzerland who although never involved in any war but always had one of the strongest military system in the world. The purpose of our involvement in Afghanistan should have a little difference with others and that is; Canadian military presence means eventually making a peaceful end in the local conflict and not try to control the country that does not belong to us. Regards
March 8, 2006 \| 21:05 MST	S Carney	Canmore
Mr. Burman: I find it interesting that in your desire to validate the current mission in Afghanistan that you dismiss 50 years of effective diplomacy and peacekeeping as the actions of "a distracted international bystander". I think Canada has always been involved and the Canadian population is far from misinformed or confused with regard to our changing mission in Afghanistan. Canadians see very clearly the shift in our foreign policy from a primarily defensive role to an offensive role. This is a major shift in policy and Canadians should be able to discuss it without being accused of "failing to support" the troops. Its precisely because we do care about our men and women overseas getting caught in an unwinnable situation that debate and clarification of the this mission is desperately needed.
March 8, 2006 \| 18:30 CST	Patricia Kirkpatrick	Dryden Ontario.
As a mother who's son is in Kandahar, I have been watching the news. Peter Mansbridge has brought me closer to my son. My son got married in August 2005 and left for Afghanistan in January. his wife and son are in Shilo, I have just came back from there and I can say that the Canadian Forces personnel and support teams are great, everyone is family on the base, everyone is there for each other. Our son e-mail and msn when ever he can. We are a very proud Canadian Forces Family and support all the soldiers and personnel, they are there for all the right reasons, so back them which every way you can. Wear a yellow wrist band, fly our flag and show then that you care. I pray each and every night for our soldiers and also for the ones that gave their lives. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. FROM A CANADIAN SOLDERS MOTHER.
March 8, 2006 \| 14:13 EST	Sean Henry	Ottawa
Even I, as a frequent critic of the CBC regarding its left-wing anti-American views, and its position as a state propaganda agency, have to admit that the above written comment by Mr. Burman is good stuff -- and should form the framework for a govt statement to the Canadian public as to why combat ops in Afghanistan are very important and necessary. I saw only the National edition from last night, but I was happy with it too. Keep up the good work.
March 8, 2006 \| 11:56 MST	Gary Pederson	Edmonton
Perhaps it is time to again(gasp!) make a TV set part of my household landscape.
March 8, 2006 \| 12:36 EST	Mary Dalton	Ottawa, On.
Thank you for the Road Stories from Afghanistan. I am really enjoying them. Keep up the good work.
March 8, 2006 \| 12:16 EST	Dave Marsh	Montreal
I applaud the CBCs initiative in broadcasting from Kandahar, but I question the timing. We have had a military presence in Afghanistan since 2001, and the escalation of Canadian involvement has been a matter of public record. The right time to visit Kandahar was 6-8 months ago, to let people know what Canada's commitment was, and what it would achieve. This may have prompted the wider debate on the mission that the NDP is calling for now. Instead, the CBC joins the NDP in having little to say until the very week that Canada took command of the Multinational Division. In Britain and Holland, there were misgivings about this mission, and the Canadian government actively worked to ensure those countries remained engaged. But the Liberals didn't have the guts to bring the debate home to Canada. Now, Canada (media, politicians, public) understand this word COMMITMENT; it is too late to examine this, too late to debate this. For the sake of our credibility, our very national honour, we will stay. Grandstanding when the body bags come home is little more than lazy opportunism.
March 8, 2006 \| 10:04 EST	P Boase	Ottawa
It is with dismay that I see CBC News staging The National from Kandahar. It appears to most viewers as a tacit endorsement of a misguided foreign policy. It's not a stretch to imagine an appreciative government responding in terms of financing for the CBC in a cynical quid pro quo. To anyone who has carefully examined the Afghan situation it is painfully apparent that this has nothing to do with a bogus 'war on terror' but everything to do with an oil pipeline corridor, and control of the opium industry. We are doing the Americans' dirty work. It's a disgrace to our history of peace-keeping. We don't need the CBC glorifying this debacle. I would hope to see some views other than the very numerous ones of those with vested interests.
March 8, 2006 \| 06:48 PST	Bert and Lesley Newall	Duncan, B.C
We are following your coverage closely and very much appreciate its depth and insight. More than ever we know how lucky we are to have such an outstanding team of journalists interpreting the news for us. We are familiar with all of them and admire them very much. Thank you CBC.
March 8, 2006 \| 06:40 PST	Judy Muir	Victoria, BC
Thank you so much, Tony and all involved in bringing these reports to us this week. Our son is also in Kandahar. It brings us a bit closer to him, as well as we can see much of what he cannot say in his emails. Thanks. Judy Muir
March 8, 2006 \| 08:27 EST	Dale Mattson	Thornton, Ontario Canada
I have to admit that I am very impressed with the initiative of the CBC to bring this subject into focus for Canadians. I have had significant experience in coordinating emergency responses to large events and fully appreciate the logistics and dangers involved in pulling this off. The reality of life in Afghanistan has been captured and the dangers faced by Canada's armed forces is certainly far more evident to me now. Congratulations on a job well done. I would like to think that we could step out of this sand box at our choosing without consequence, however it is becoming more and more evident that it is not going to be that simple. There is no place for the old concept of peace keepers here, Canadian forces must now fulfill the role of strike force on one hand and benevolent role model on the other. I'm not sure the general population can perceive the difference. This is a noble task for Canada's armed forces, I just hope the price that they pay in human sacrifice is not going to be to high.
March 7, 2006 \| 23:57 PST	Cathy Harrison	British Columbia
Our Son, Pte. Robert Wright, is currently serving in Kandahar (PPCLI Charlie Company). It is so important to those of us at home to be kept informed and we thank you for doing so. I wish all of Canada would just get some backbone and get 100% behind our Soldiers! Our world has changed. We can no longer go into Countries in strife solely as Peacekeepers. Those days are over. Kandahar may not be Iraq, but without the presence of our Armed Forces it soon would be. We are wanted and needed by the majority of the Afghan population. Indeed as we watch some of the stories our knees go weak and we are overwhelmed with "heart pain" for our Son and his comrades. We pray constantly "Please let them be safe today". I would urge all Canadians to visit the DND web site and post comments of support to these brave young men & women who make us so very Proud and Grateful to be Canadian. Peter, if your there, please just hug every Soldier you can for all of us Mothers waiting at home!
March 7, 2006 \| 23:31 PST	Richard Champagne	Vancouver
Great coverage, love the attention to detail in the broadcasts, great interviews, superb connectivity with soldiers and their families. I even like the "music sting" choices, etc.. Great work, Thanks Richard
March 7, 2006 \| 22:55 PST	greg lien	Campbell River
My main concern is that the U.S. could be using our Canadian troops as a tool of their foreign policies. How democratic is this current afghan government? Does it reflect American interests in the area? How much say does the U.S. have in this Canadian operation? Can we switch this operation over to the U.N. from NATO? Will the Americans attempt to undermine any new multilateral efforts that Canada might invite?
March 7, 2006 \| 23:17 EST	Sheila Richardson	Toronto
Thank you for helping us change the world, Mr. Burman. The CBC broke so much ground in Kandahar this week that there is an argument for saying that the entire of the dreary landscape of unrest in that troubled land has just been changed, and for the better. Never has a TV network ever broadcast its evening news program from a war zone before. Never has a news anchor done an interview sitting on a Persian carpet before. Never before has “the other side” been presented in one show in so much depth, from so many different angles, and at such one-on-one close range. Never has an Afghani national ever been shown on television before with a good haircut and a friendly manner, transparent even through his words in subtitles. Yet also never has it been the case that no one during the entire newscast wore a tie, with the exception of an academic or two in their TV Sunday best. To enable Canadians to “be there” and “get” the Middle East was a huge undertaking, as complex or even more so an effort as those of the war rooms of the generals and ministers. I don’t think it could have been possible without our country’s brilliant history of foreign correspondence, unsurpassed presence in nonprofit international development activities, and world-renowned excellence in documentary film-making. All the best parts of Canada this week joined forces with our brave soldiers to bring as much intelligence and compassion as is possible to generate for a very challenged part of our world. The result was programming with which I think any country could identify, given that even the segments featuring Canadian families and Canadian soldiers had such an engaging human-interest appeal. This week reminded me that there are still people left in the world whom it is fair to call noble. These are the people who love their country, and do everything in their power to keep it true and strong and free. I love such people with all my heart, because they make me feel like Canada.
March 7, 2006 \| 19:02 MST	Michael Long	Fernie
It is with pride and conviction that I can say I'm glad we're in Afghanistan. I'm proud of our troops that are there trying to make a more peaceful and safer world. Can we make a difference? Yes as we have in Cyprus, Kosovo and elsewhere in the world. Our problems do not come from our decision to become involved in this war torn region of the world, but by the misconception and belief that our foreign policies and agendas are one and the same as that of George W. Bushes and the fanatical right wing moral majority in the USA. Anyone trying to make a peaceful difference in the world today has two wars to fight: ONE - How do we convince the warring factions that there are other options and that we can help? TWO - What will the USA and Bush do next to screw things up, further destabilizing the many areas of the world that they try to impose their "Manifest Destiny" upon. Good Luck to our troops. Michael Long Fernie BC
March 7, 2006 \| 18:23 CST	Bernard Brochu	Regina
I am concerned that Canada's efforts in Afghanistan may depend on our concepts of modernizing and democratizing a part of the world where peoples' identity arises from tribal bonds.
March 7, 2006 \| 20:09 AST	Nancy MacDougall	Mount Stewart, Prince Edward Island
As the mother of Bombardier Jonathan L. MacDougall, Shilo, Manitoba, 1PPCLI BG TF ORION in Kandahar, I have to say I was very impressed with the way the "National" and Peter Mansbridge portrayed the role of our Canadian Troops. The telecast came at a great time - I for one was beginning to feel very down about the commitment of our troops for a cause we were not sure of! The tragedies of the past week certainly caused uneasiness with the soldiers, as well as much anxiety for their families back home. It was reassuring to see that morale was high and they remain committed to their job. The photos of the countryside were remarkable! The roles of peacekeeping, as well as combat, were explained - now Canada is better informed as to what our guys will be doing there! For the average Canadian the reality that this is not "just" a peacekeeping mission has finally come to light. We were given a broader picture of why Canada is there. The clip on the late Glyn Berry was very informative and I took strength in hearing from his sons. As a mother, I am constantly listening to TV, radio, reading the newspaper for any news on our troops, but unfortunately it is usually the "bad" news we hear first. Then the worry and anxiety sets in. This program gave me back a little of the sense of the "good" I know my son will be doing in Kandahar. Jonathan left his 3 week old son Gavin and wife Peggy, in Shilo on January 21 to go to Afghanistan to help the civilians of Kandahar rebuild their country. As a new father, he felt strongly about making that country safer so the children of Afghanistan will know a better life someday!! I miss talking to Jonathan - we keep in touch through his wife and e-mail. I pray every day that he will be safe and that all our Canadian soldiers will return safely to the families and the country they love.
March 7, 2006 \| 16:14 PST	Brian Hall	Vancouver, BC
Canada has attempted to finesse the obligations of a nation supporting and expanding freedom and security world-wide for some decades, attempting to coast on the peace-keeping (no-man's-land patrolling) part of the job, and shrinking in horror from and withholding military funding for the 1st part of the job -- peace-making and nation-building. Now that the US and, willy-nilly, even the UN have been forced to confront the forces attempting to undercut international security everywhere, Canada too has been pushed to take some front-line action. About time.
March 7, 2006 \| 17:29 CST	Linda Black	Winnipeg, Manitoba
I was very touched by the live CBC late news broadcast last evening from Kandahar. Peter Mansbridge and the other reporters are to be commended for their bravery, and cutting edge professionalism. Seeing the two brothers standing shyly in front of the TV camera, communicating with their mother back home in Canada, brought tears to my eyes. This programming format, Postcards from Kandahar, is top quality journalism. Bravo for your excellence and creativity in reporting the news. As always, I am proud to be a Canadian.
March 7, 2006 \| 18:38 AST	Ken Hamilton	Halifax, NS
I waited with great anticipation, the initial news broadcast from Kandahar. It did not disappoint. Being an old Hercules pilot who participated in the evacuation of El Arish just prior to the 6 day war between Israel and Egypt in 1967, I was thrilled to be along on the flight between Kabul and Kandahar. I could not be prouder of our troops there on the ground, and I agonize with every loss and swell with pride at every achievement. I fully support and admire them. A big heartfelt thanks to each one of them from a proud Canadian. Ken Hamilton
March 7, 2006 \| 14:37 PST	Maggie	western canada
I think we are heading into another Iraq the Russians couldn't conquer Afghanistan and now we are getting involved there are religious zealots who find honor in dying for their cause. there is no honor in our troops dying for "their" cause. this is a No Win Situation!!! and it is all about the Americans since 911 so this is not about saving the country it is horrible that they live in such conditions but lets not confuse things, this is about 911 or we would have been there years ago trying to save them from the poverty etc. lets put this to a vote to the Canadian people, it is our right to discuss this the military says the west supports them I don't know one person in the west that I have spoken to that supports our presence in Afghanistan.
March 7, 2006 \| 14:13 PST	Paul James	chilliwack BC
MY comment is that the Canadian people do not understand the military or its role in the world. I served for 28 years and now have a daughter serving in Afghanistan for the next 6 months. Having never been in a war zone (served in Cyprus in 72) I cannot comprehend the apprehension or state of mind of our troops there. When you join the military you do so knowing full well that it is a dangerous occupation and you may have to serve either in peace-keeping or a war zone. All we hear on the news is how we should have a vote in the House on whether we should pull out or stay or what. Now is not the time to discuss this. It is time to stand behind our troops, get involved with sending cards, parcels etc so that they know we are behind them 100%. We had better get used to injuries and death because that is what happens when you are trying to make the world a better place. So I suggest for those Canadians who do not understand the military's position maybe you should go on a fact finding mission and learn all you can. And while you are at it drop a line to any soldier serving our country. They would sure appreciate it. My sister living in OK USA has gotten a few people together to send her niece some books etc like they all do for their own troops. I cannot express anything more than GET INVOLVED GET INVOLVED. SEND A LETTER OR POSTCARD OR BOOKS ETC AND LET THE TROOPS KNOW WE ARE STANDING BEHIND THEM LIKE THEY STAND ON GUARD FOR OUR COUNTRY AND US. PAUL JAMES.
March 7, 2006 \| 13:50 PST	Herb Storm	West Vancouver, BC
Pro: a picture is worth a thousand words. Con: a sound bite cannot take the place or do the job of a thousand words.
March 7, 2006 \| 16:28 EST	Jim Martell	Red Bay On
You have my support. The CBC needs to remind Canadians that as our military works to make the Afghan region more stable, we have to continue to support our soldiers. So Canadians let's give our soldiers the means to continue this work. Governments can design foreign policy but the taxpayers fund that policy. I don't mind my taxes going to support our soldiers for peace and prosperity to a troubled region like Afghanistan. And if they want a Tim Horton's coffee shop, well let's get one built in Kandahar. Cheers Jim Martell Red Bay On
March 7, 2006 \| 16:40 EST	Peter Dyck	Barrie, ON
This is going to cost money and lives. Generally speaking our forces look to us like they do good work. We can not do it all ourselves, we can only do it with the help of quite a few Afghans. How good do we really look to the ordinary person there, our Canadian rose-coloured glasses notwithstanding? Our forces seem to be developing a degree of trust with the recent axe attack highlighting this isn't always going to be successful. However there were more trustful meetings than not and this is a good sign. I'm hoping our military's style continues in this manner without putting their heads on a block and that those responsible for the successful meetings, Afghans and Canadians, will be successful in gradually and peacefully reducing the number of violently settled failed meetings.
March 7, 2006 \| 13:37 PST	Robert Gosse	Salmon Arm BC
Dear sir I look to CBC both on TV and the net for excellent news coverage and I actually voted for the Conservatives this time around but I find this right wing infatuation with the situation in Afghanistan as sickening as it gets. Both the media and the military give the appearance of slobbering to get in on the action and the new Canadian Government under Peter MacKay and Harper look like Mini Republicans in their haste to suck up to them. Make no mistake about it, this was George Bush's war and he has succeeded in dragging Canada into this mid east conflict which is more about USA interests then concern for the Afghans. Canada looks more like Bush's Lap-dog, whose biggest contribution is to free up more US resources to bomb the hell out of the next country on their hit list. Bring the Canadians home and if, as it seems, they need to demonstrate their warrior skills, let them do it by defending our True North since the Yanks are poised to take a run at it in the not to distant future. Thank-you R Gosse
March 7, 2006 \| 12:50 MST	Ron Andrews	Vernon,BC
Yes, for sure.. the times they are a' changin.. and I hear people responding and saying Canada has a history of Peace Keeper.. well, yes ,we do, but that expertise, and it is expertise, honed by years of experience, can be out to good use in Peace Making.. for one thing, peoples around the world, do respect the Canadian soldier and people as being "fair and just", these people do not want war and upheaval more than we do. War and upheaval was and is caused by people who want ultimate power over all in their region, if not the world. I think I do speak with some knowledge, having been a peacekeeper in Cyprus, during the Turk. invasion of 1974-75, and later in the Golan Hts of Israel/Syria. As a peacekeeper you get to "know" peoples of the region where you serve, get to understand them, and Canadians have as a whole one of the best backgrounds, upbringing from childhood to be able to treat others in as fair a way as is possible. This is what makes us so effective. Our parents and society should be proud of what they have "raised", developed since our beginnings as a nation.. we now have, I think, a new role ...to further carry those skills.. into Peace Making.. Oh , there will be set backs, some of which have already occurred.. however.. I truly believe we have the skills and training to do very well in this tasking.. let us allow this function to go forward, I believe you will see, the peoples of Afghanistan respond very positively toward our troops, and ,maybe, just maybe , very good things will come of it. I thank you all at CBC for getting to the "heart" of this so Canadians can see for themselves, and in the end understand more about the people of the world, who, although we all have some differing things in our lives, the bottom line is and will be living as free and decent human beings... after all we will all be able to see though somewhat different we are EXACTLY the same.... Thank you
March 7, 2006 \| 10:41 EST	Scott Jones	Victoria, BC
I find it ironic that the story ends declaring that: "...we , as Canadians, need to get engaged." Over the years it has been the media who has ensured that Canadians remain disengaged due to the lack of timely coverage, lack of true investigation, lack of relevant reporting. Canada has always been engaged, more so than the majority of other Western countries. It is the media who has ignored these involvements. A particular incident several years ago comes to mind when the CBC was asked why they weren't covering a specific story where Canadian troops in the Med would have been portrayed in a very positive light, as opposed to the very negative stories more common at the time. The official response from the CBC was: "We aren't in the business of recruiting for the military." The media, specifically the CBC, has a long way to go until it is as engaged as the rest of us.
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